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12-gauge || Weight: 7-4

The Citori line from Browning is time-tested and the proven king of upland over-unders. The 825 Field is the newest field representation of the elevated subfamily, replacing the 725 line.

The controls felt solid and easy to operate, and there are no wiggling parts. The forearms latch is larger, the top lever is slimmed down. The steel receiver has a silver nitride finish for durability, and the color nicely complements the gloss-oiled walnut. Simply put, this is an attractive firearm.

A mid-bead was added to accompany the ivory front site, and the shotgun features the updated Inflex II recoil pad and a Fire Lite 2 mechanical trigger.

While testing, the shotgun had a noticeably low profile and nice length to the forearm, allowing for easy operation, nice balance and smooth swing. Reviewers emphasized how the Citori 825 Field incorporates well-intended elements for easy operation in field conditions. Subtle, tasteful styling and a polished appearance top it all off.

Exceptionally constructed and operated, this attractive firearm is an excellent option for the upland bird hunter unwilling to compromise on elevated style nor the ability to thrive in the elements. The 825 Field will offer reliability for decades and its classic appearance will not go out of style.

Includes 5 Invector-DS flush choke tubes; available in 12-gauge with 26- and 28-inch barrel.

20- & 28-gauge barrel set || Weight: 6-6

Marketed as the best value you'll find on a field gun combo in 20- and 28-gauge, the Webley & Scott 920BC is light and agile — perfectly equipped for upland birds. An attractive shotgun, the wood to metal transitions are smooth. The checkering is nice with delicate winging within the design on the stock and schnabel forearm. The receiver is glossy black, nicely matching the barrels.

When the shotgun is assembled, the barrel stamping identifying the gauge is hidden beneath the forearm. A small detail, but it should be noted that this did cause some confusion with testers, who were at times unsure which barrel was currently installed on the shotgun.

The small gauges on a light platform make for an overall light gun feel. While testing, the balance took some getting used to; the stock is light and the change in weight between the 20- and 28-gauge barrels is noticeable — with the more expected balance achieved with the 28-gauge barrels installed. This is possible to adjust: the shotgun is equipped with the ability to add cylinder weights to a plate within the stock, after market, if so desired.

The Webley & Scott 920BC is a choice option for shooters undecided between which sub-gauge is best for them, or those looking for multiple sub-gauges while wanting to stick with the same platform. A great value for a field shotgun barrel set: two shotguns for the price of one.

Includes 10 Benelli Mobil flush choke tubes (5 per gauge); available with 26-, 28-, 30- and 32-inch barrels.

20-gauge || Weight: 7-4

Legacy's Pointer Acrius line has gained a reputation as some of the most affordable over-under shotguns on the market.

This gun features basic Turkish walnut, chrome-lined barrels, mechanical triggers and a flat, ventilated field rib with fiber-optic front sight. This newest Acrius rendition features attractive case-coloring consistent across the shotgun receiver, top lever, trigger guard and forearm lever, making for a pleasant, cohesive appearance.

The firearm was tested in 20-gauge, but initially felt more like a 12-gauge, with an especially wide, generous palm swell in the stock. This translated nicely while shooting: the Acrius felt solid and had excellent swing, with very minimal felt recoil.

The fit and overall function performed well for the price point: a solid option for those looking for an over-under under $500 available in several gauge options.

Includes 5 Benelli Mobil extended choke tubes; available in 12-, 20-, 28-gauge and .410 with 28-inch barrel.

20-gauge || Weight: 6-0

The 18i Limited is the newest addition to the 18i line of inertia-operated semiautomatics from Weatherby. This version is a small-batch, premium rendition of the 18i Deluxe, imported from Italy and offering a high level of craftsmanship along with elevated styling that blends aesthetics with quality performance.

The hand-polished, single-piece receiver features custom engraving with 24K gold inlays, very nicely complemented by a shined aluminum trigger guard. The wood is exhibition-grade walnut and has patterned checkering along the full pistol grip and forearm.

While testing, the 18i Limited received many generous compliments on the appearance, and it notably shouldered and handled well. The action and components felt very smooth when operated, though it did have trouble fully cycling the lighter target loads at times, which isn't unexpected for an inertia operated shotgun.

The fiber-optic front sight was surprising and inconsistent with the aesthetics of the elegant receiver and classic-sized controls. For a field gun, sling mounts are always appreciated, and the ability to shim this attractive gun adds a welcome level of versatility.

If you're looking for a shotgun with elevated styling, but are leaning towards a semiautomatic rather than a break action (perhaps you enjoy having a third shot or are prioritizing reduced recoil?), this handsome, good-handling shotgun makes an excellent option.

Includes 5 CRIO® Plus flush choke tubes; available in 12- and 20-gauge with 28-inch barrel.

20-gauge || Weight: 5-14

The RETAY brand was conceptualized to refine and perfect the design of inertia-operated shotguns, incorporating a flagship bolt system which keeps the bolt head from jarring out of the battery, eliminating a common type of misfire.

New to RETAY's light weight Gordion line, the Compact model adds a clever, convenient level of sizing variability to the platform; it is fitted with five ¼” stock shims that can adjust the shotgun length of pull from 12.5 to 13.5 inches in minutes, simply with a Philips screwdriver. Include the shims that adjust cast and drop behind the receiver, and you've got countless fit combinations.

While testing, the Gordion Compact felt very light weight, perhaps a touch light in the forward end. It feels solid, the parts fit together snugly, and the material is sturdy: the receiver, trigger and trigger guard are entirely without plastic.

The action was incredibly smooth, though it should be noted it will have a difficult time cycling target loads under 2-3/4 DRAM. And as it is under 6 pounds, the gun can be a touch aggressive on recoil with heavier shells.

This is a well-designed, great-performing inertia semiautomatic in the middle-ground price range — an excellent option for growing shooters or those looking for a wide variability in shotgun fits.

Includes 5 MaraPro flush choke tubes; available in 20-gauge with 24- or 26-inch barrels in walnut (grey, black receivers) and synthetic black or camo (Mossy Oak Bottomland, Realtree Max-7).

20-gauge || Weight: 6-5

Spandau Arms is a veteran-owned brand under SDS Arms based in Knoxville, Tennessee. The brand's featured upland field model, the Spandau Premier Field, is neatly constructed with a brushed stainless receiver featuring a branded gold inlay and nice transitions between the metal and walnut.

A trim barrel selector and a brass front sight finish off a classic, understated style that certainly doesn't look economy. The shotgun features walnut with attractive wood grain for the price point, and functional checkering on the pistol grip stock and schnabel forearm.

While testing, the Premier Field performed exceptionally well and was easily the crowd favorite for 2025's Shotgun Showcase. The balance allows for the shotgun to shoulder and swing quickly and comfortably, and testers were very pleasantly surprised by the unexpectedly crisp mechanical triggers. The shotgun is a comfortable weight for carrying in the field and manages felt recoil well.

The Spandau Premier Field hits a sweet spot of quality performance and construction while still remaining budget friendly. Your dollar goes far with this choice shotgun, an excellent option for those looking for an over-under with premium features but priced under $1,500.

Includes 3 Benelli Mobil flush choke tubes; available in 12-, 20-, 28-gauge and .410 with 26- and 28-inch barrels.

12-gauge || Weight: 6-8

The 1012 line was CZ's first inertia-operated semiautomatic, and CZ has improved upon the platform with the release of the 1012 G2. The updated generation of that well-proven line now allows for magazine tube extension, reversible cross-bolt safety, and improved inertia system tuned to handle a wider variety of shells.

The All Terrain 1012 G2 includes a flat, vented field rib, black synthetic stock and forearm, and muted olive-drab Cerakote finish on the barrel as and receiver to increase resilience to the elements. The design was well thought out to handle the hunter's abuse in the field, with oversized controls, sling mounts and extended choke tubes.

When tested, the 1012 G2 mounted and swung easily, and dependably cycled target load shells. Reviewers thought the gun looked appealing and I overheard a surprised “That doesn't look like a $700 semi auto!” enough times that it must be mentioned here.

Those looking for a dependable yet affordable semiautomatic that will translate well from sporting to the hunting field, the CZ All Terrain 1012 G2 offers an inexpensive option and is top tier quality for its price range.

Includes 5 extended choke tubes. Available in 12-gauge with 28-inch barrel in walnut with black, grey or bronze receivers and black, Mossy Oak Blades or all-terrain synthetic.