Best Upland Over/Unders Shotguns of 2025

If you love chasing pheasants, grouse, or quail, this one’s for you. We’ve reviewed a ton of over/under (and even a couple side-by-side) shotguns over the years, and these are our top upland picks for 2025.

There are three categories in our breakdown:

• Best on a Budget
• Best Value
• Best Overall (Reasonable, Mid, and Elite ranges)

Let’s jump in.

If you have experience with any of these 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 upland shotgun, there are two standouts that rise to the top of this category:

🏆 Winner: CZ Sharptail — MSRP $1,199

🏆 Winner: Mossberg Gold Reserve — MSRP $1,224

The CZ Sharptail may technically be a side-by-side, but it’s simply too good not to include. With classic lines, excellent handling, and solid reliability at just over a thousand dollars, it’s one of the best ways to get into break-action shotguns without breaking the bank.

For those set on an over/under, the Mossberg Gold Reserve is a proven performer. Lightweight with an aluminum receiver, it’s easy to carry all day in the uplands. It shoulders naturally, swings smoothly, and is priced well below most of its competitors.

“Both of these guns punch above their price point. For anyone wanting to step into an upland break-action without spending big, these are hard to beat.”

BEST VALUE

🏆 Winner: Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon — MSRP $2,749

The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon continues to set the standard for upland over/unders. With Beretta’s legendary build quality, smooth operation, and refined styling, this shotgun feels at home whether you’re chasing roosters or breaking clays.

"It looks good, feels incredible, and just flat-out performs. This is the upland gun to beat in its class."

Runner-Up: Franchi Instinct — MSRP $2,399

The Franchi Instinct offers beauty, balance, and shootability well beyond its price. The fit and finish are exceptional, and it shoulders naturally, making it a great companion for long days in the field.

Runner-Up: Browning Citori Hunter — MSRP $2,479

The Citori Hunter is a timeless design that has earned its place in the upland world. It’s not flashy, but it’s rock-solid, reliable, and built to last for generations.

“No frills—just function. The Citori Hunter is everything you need and nothing you don’t.”

BEST OVERALL (REASONABLE)

🏆 Winner: RFM Venus — MSRP $4,000 (Starting)

The RFM Venus, offered through Upland Gun Company, stands out because it’s truly custom-built for you. From stock dimensions to engraving, this Italian-made shotgun can be tailored to your exact specifications—starting at a remarkably reasonable price point.

“There’s something special about shooting a gun built just for you. The RFM Venus nails it.”

Runner-Up: Fabarm Elos 2 Elite — MSRP $4,575
Runner-Up: Fabarm Elos D2 — MSRP $3,815

Both Fabarm models deliver outstanding performance and craftsmanship. The Elos 2 Elite offers refined looks and a slightly heavier build for smooth, deliberate swings, while the Elos D2 provides a lighter, quicker option that’s ideal for long days in the uplands.

BEST OVERALL (MID)

🏆 Winner: Zoli Expedition EL — MSRP $7,800

The Zoli Expedition EL combines Italian artistry with exceptional field performance. Its boss-style locking system, perfect balance, and impeccable fit make it a dream to carry and shoot.

“Elegant yet tough — this is the kind of shotgun you’ll hand down to the next generation.”

BEST OVERALL (ELITE)

🏆 Winner: Perazzi MX28 — MSRP ~$20,000

The Perazzi MX28 represents the pinnacle of upland shotguns — precise, balanced, and built with the kind of craftsmanship only a few manufacturers in the world can deliver. Every detail exudes quality, from the trigger pull to the walnut stock.

“It’s not just a shotgun; it’s a piece of art that happens to crush birds in the upland field.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Here’s the quick rundown:

🏆 Best on a Budget: CZ Sharptail – $1,199 and Mossberg Gold Reserve – $1,224
🏆 Best Bang for the Buck: Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon – $2,749
🥈 Runner-Ups: Franchi Instinct – $2,399, Browning Citori Hunter – $2,479
🏆 Best Overall (Reasonable): RFM Venus – $4,000 (Starting)
🥈 Runner-Ups: Fabarm Elos 2 Elite – $4,575, Fabarm Elos D2 – $3,815
🏆 Best Overall (Mid): Zoli Expedition EL – $7,800
🏆 Best Overall (Elite): Perazzi MX28 – ~$20,000

From budget-friendly break-actions to high-end Italian masterpieces, these shotguns represent the very best of upland hunting in 2025. No matter your budget, there’s a gun here that fits your style and your field.

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