(GunReports.com) — The 36th edition of the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) is ongoing through Friday at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev. Here are some of the more interesting shotgun introductions we’ve seen so far:
Browning
The Browning High Grade program moves into its second year with a pair of full-side-plate Citori over/unders. The extended side-plates create a larger canvas that is perfect for additional embellishment by highly skilled engravers. Sharply checkered, finely finished high-grade wood is hand fit to the colored, case-hardened receiver. A Grade III and Grade VI 12-gauge model will be offered, each with a 28-inch ventilated top rib barrel. A combined total of up to 500 of these High Grade shotguns will be produced. The new Grade III Citori High Grade receiver features high-relief scroll engraving with a colored, case-hardened finish. The stock and forearm feature Grade III/IV walnut in a gloss finish and 22-lpi cut checkering. An ABS Elite case is included with the Grade III Citori. SRP: $4,669.99. The new Grade VI Citori High Grade receiver has a colored, case-hardened finish with full-coverage high-relief engraving that features gold enhancement and mallards on the left, pheasants on the right.
CZ-USA
The 612 Home Defense (SRP: $409) is a no-frills 12-gauge pump-action with a synthetic stock. It features an 18.5-inch barrel with a fixed-cylinder choke and a prominent blade front sight. In addition, a 26-inch field barrel with a vent-rib barrel is included to make it a more versatile gun. The 26-inch barrel is threaded for interchangeable choke tubes, and accepts all CZ choke tubes. The shotgun comes with a Modified choke.
Remington Arms
The VersaMax Tactical 3 Gun (SRP: $1,699) is designed to be a serious competitor in increasingly popular 3-Gun events. Built on the proven 12-gauge VersaMax gas-port action, it features a 22-inch barrel, a green Cerakote receiver with an enlarged feeding port for faster reloading, an enlarged bolt closure, safety button, and cocking handle, and an adjustable XS rear sight for increased accuracy with slugs while still providing proper shot load placement. It is equipped with an 8-round one-piece carbon-fiber magazine tube, with a two-shot carbon-fiber extension tube that can provide a 10+1 capacity. QD sling swivel cups are provided on stock and forend.
Ruger
The American-made Ruger Red Label over/under shotgun has been an American classic for years. Discontinued in 2011, it returns this year in a redesigned format that features refined inner workings, a new center-of-gravity balance point, and reduced recoil. The new Ruger Red Label (SRP: $1,399) is available in 12-gauge (chambered for 3-inch shells but able to handle all 2¾-inch shells) and can be had with a 26-, 28-, or 30-inch barrel. All barrels now feature 2-inch lengthened forcing cones and maximum backboring to produce tighter patterns and reduce recoil. The Red Label’s traditional low-profile receiver is enhanced with a new stainless-steel top lever. The Red Label sports an American walnut stock with a 1.5-inch drop at comb and a 2.5-inch drop at heel, with a 14.5-inch length of pull. A Pachmayr butt pad helps reduce felt recoil. The finely polished stainless-steel receiver mates with blue steel barrels that are topped with a ¼-inch dovetailed ventilated rib and a front bead sight. The barrels are threaded for interchangable choke tubes, and five Briley steel-shot-compatible choke tubes (two Skeet, and one each of IC, M, and F) are included, as is a Briley choke-tube wrench. The action incorporates a single selective trigger that allows a second shot without recocking. It also features rebounding hammers for easier action opening. An automatic two-position top tang safety/barrel selector switch allows quick barrel selection and positive visibility. Each Red Label ships with a custom-molded semi-soft case and a safety lock.
Weatherby
Weatherby’s new SA-08 28-Gauge Deluxe (SRP: $849) offers upland hunters a light-recoiling smoothbore with reliable wingshooting performance and a distinctively handsome look. This SA-08 model features a frame that has been scaled down to a true 28-gauge size. Weighing in at a petite 5.5 pounds, it will be available with a 26- or 28-inch barrel and a 2¾-inch chamber. The SA-08 28-Gauge Deluxe sports a select-grade walnut stock with 22-lpi precision-cut checkering. Other key features include a CNC-machined receiver constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy that reduces overall weight without compromising strength, a drop-out trigger system that can be quickly removed for cleaning, a chrome-lined bore for durability and easy cleaning, lengthened forcing cones for improved patterns and a slight reduction in the already modest recoil, a ventilated rib, and a brass front-bead sight. Each gun ships with three interchangeable choke tubes in Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full.
