Best Waterfowl Semi-Auto Shotguns of 2025

It’s that exciting time of year again when we announce the best shotguns of 2025! This round, we’re zeroing in on the best semi-auto waterfowl shotguns.

We’ve spent years testing and reviewing dozens of shotguns, and this list reflects both tried-and-true performers and fresh new contenders that impressed us in 2025. Whether you’re a hunter on a budget or a die-hard waterfowler looking for the best of the best, we’ve got something for you.

There are three categories in our breakdown:

• Best on a Budget
• Best Value
• Best Overall

Let’s jump in.

If you have experience with any of these waterfowl shotguns, please share your thoughts in the TFL COMMUNITY!

BEST ON A BUDGET

If you’re looking to stretch your dollar and still bring home a reliable waterfowl shotgun, there’s one clear winner in this category:

🏆 Winner: Weatherby Element — MSRP $749

The Weatherby Element punches way above its price point. The rubber over-molded grips (a feature often found on guns twice the cost) make it feel premium, and it’s proven consistent and reliable. It delivers a solid shooting experience for anyone hunting waterfowl on a budget.

“It was consistent, reliable, and a good shooter. If you’re on a tight budget, that is one worth looking at.”

Runner-Up: Beretta A300 Ultima — MSRP $879

For about $130 more, the A300 Ultima gives you smoother recoil and a refined feel. The ergonomics are similar to the Element's, but the Ultima’s controls and cycling make it a joy to shoot. The only reason it’s not the winner? That slightly higher price tag.

Either way, both are outstanding options under $1,000.

BEST VALUE

This is where the options get interesting — and competitive. The “Best Value” category represents shotguns that offer premium performance without the premium price tag.

🏆 Winner: Retay ACE — MSRP $1,049

The Retay ACE blew us away this year. It feels like a $2,000 shotgun at nearly half the price. From its deep bore-drilled barrel to the drop-out trigger system and exceptional cycling, this gun just performs. After spending a week waterfowl hunting in Canada with it, I can confidently say: this one’s a workhorse.

“From the moment we took it out to the range, we started crushing targets. This gun delivers.”

Runner-Up: Franchi Affinity 3 — MSRP $949

The Franchi Affinity 3 is an inertia-driven gem that consistently performs above its price point. Every time I’ve tested it, it’s hung right with guns in the $1,800 range. It’s light, fast, and tough — perfect for hunters who love inertia systems.

Runner-Up: Mossberg 940 Pro — MSRP $987

The Mossberg 940 Pro has ultra-light recoil and great adjustability with shims and spacers. I’ve used it for exhibitions and hunts across North America — it’s reliable, fast-handling, and comfortable.

Runner-Up: Winchester SX4 — MSRP $1,019

The Winchester SX4 is another proven performer that brings great balance and shootability. The only downside is the lack of stock shims, but it’s still an outstanding all-around gun for the price. 

BEST OVERALL

Now we’re getting into the top-tier territory — where performance, design, and reliability all come together. This year, for the first time ever, we have a tie for the top spot.

🏆 TIED for Best Overall: Beretta A400 Extreme Plus — MSRP $1,949

The Beretta A400 Extreme Plus remains a fan favorite — and for good reason. The recoil reduction system, smooth swing, and rock-solid reliability make it one of the best semi-auto shotguns ever built. It’s a little chunky, but the controls, soft shooting feel, and dependability make up for it.

“From the moment I stepped in the field with this gun, I was crushing birds. I’ve got a soft spot for it — it just performs.”

🏆 TIED for Best Overall: Fabarm XLR5 Waterfowler — MSRP $2,645

The Fabarm XLR5 is a refined, precision-built shotgun. It offers phenomenal ergonomics, great controls, and high-end build quality. It’s a little pricier, but it earns its keep with craftsmanship and performance that rival the very best. Its build quality and balance make it a gun you’ll be proud to carry for decades.

Both of these shotguns are phenomenal in their own right — the A400 Extreme Plus brings Beretta’s time-tested reliability and smooth operation, while the Fabarm XLR5 brings elite European craftsmanship and precision. Which one deserves the crown?

Runner-Up: Browning Maxus II — MSRP $1,839

The Browning Maxus II offers soft recoil, great feel, and dependable performance. It’s comfortable, durable, and built to handle the harshest waterfowl conditions.

Runner-Up: Browning A5 — MSRP $1,539

The Browning A5 is a legendary inertia-driven shotgun that continues to deliver. Classic feel, great reliability, and available in a variety of camo finishes — it’s hard to go wrong with an A5.

Runner-Up: Weatherby Sorix — MSRP $1,649

The Weatherby Sorix stands out with its sleek design and excellent ergonomics. It’s one of the best-looking shotguns on the market and performs every bit as good as it looks.

Runner-Up: Breda B3.5SM — MSRP $2,100

The Breda B3.5SM might fly under the radar, but don’t overlook it. It’s an Italian-made beauty with a buttery-smooth swing and premium build quality.

Runner-Up: Benelli SBE3 A.I. BE.S.T. — MSRP $3,199

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T. is the most expensive gun on our list, but it’s built to last a lifetime. The corrosion-resistant BE.S.T. coating is second to none. While the “Advanced Impact” system might sound like marketing fluff, there’s no denying it’s an elite performer.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This year’s lineup of waterfowl shotguns is stacked — from budget-friendly performers like the Weatherby Element, to elite-level machines like the Beretta A400 Extreme Plus and Fabarm XLR5 Waterfowler.

If I had to pick one “do-it-all” waterfowl gun for 2025, I honestly can’t choose between these two — the A400 is smoother and softer, while the XLR5 feels like a piece of art that performs as good as it looks. The Retay ACE remains the best bang-for-your-buck, and the Benelli SBE3 proves that premium has its perks — but at a premium price. At the end of the day, pick the shotgun that fits your style, shoulder, and budget — because confidence in your gun leads to better shooting.

Whether it’s targets in the field or targets in life, you’ll only hit what you’re focused on — live the #TargetFocusedLife.