First Look: ATA Arms Venza Shotgun

by
posted on November 1, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ata_arms_venza_first_look_f.jpg

Though the idea that Turkish-made shotguns aren’t up to snuff remains a common theme in gun shops across the United States, it’s simply not true. If it were the case, companies would have stopped importing them a long time ago. Among the new arrivals is a quirky but intriguing release from ATA Arms in the form of its Venza. Here are five things you need to know.

1. ATA Arms isn't quite a new player.
If the ATA Arms name rings a bell, it’s not surprising. Founded in 1997, the company has marketed a small handful of shotgun models—like its CY and NEO lines, among others—to shooters here in the States. More recently, though, its factory has been the one producing much of Weatherby’s shotgun line. The Orion I, the Golden Bullseye Award-winning Element Deluxe—they rolled out the same door as the Venza.

2. The Venza features an innovative new approach to handling recoil.
The Venza is powered by what ATA Arms calls a “Gas Pressure Control System,” or GPCS. The patented design is essentially an integration of two operating systems: a short-recoil system and a gas-pressure system. Depending on your choice of load, the Venza's barrel actually moves backward a fraction of an inch, opening gas ports that disperse pressure in a unique way. For more on that, you'll have to wait for the full review.

3. It'll save your fingers.
One thing I found noteworthy while testing was the Venza’s carrier latch. Its design is somewhat canted, which allowed me to load the magazine rather easily. Even though the gun was brand new and not at all broken in, I was never at risk of tearing up my thumb while loading it.

4. It comes with options.
Though just recently launched, the Venza offers a little something for everyone. The soft touch synthetic stock is available in a variety of camo patterns, including Realtree Max-5, Realtree Xtra Green, Realtree Advantage Timber and Kryptek Highlander. One of my only gripes in terms of versatility is that Venza, as of now, doesn't accept any aftermarket choke tubes.

5. It's affordable on any budget.
The Venza checks in with an MSRP of $529.99, well below that of most gas guns. Odds are you're going to find it on store shelves in the mid-$400 range. You can't beat that.

Want to know more about the Venza? Stay tuned! It's receiving a review in the December print edition of American Hunter!

Latest

BTB 7Mm RUM Lead
BTB 7Mm RUM Lead

Behind the Bullet: 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum

Launching a 160-grain bullet in excess of 3200 fps, the 7mm RUM is among the fastest commercially loaded 7mm cartridges available.

USFWS Debuts 2025-2026 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps

The 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp—commonly known as the Duck Stamp—became available for purchase on June 27, 2025.

Tested: Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener

Digital Associate Editor walks viewers through the features of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener, the perfect tool for a hunter looking to keep all his knives factory sharp season after season.

Recipe: Green Curried Black Bear

Green curry sauce is an excellent base for simmering bear meat, making it flavorful, tender, and safe to consume. Read on for another instant classic recipe from Brad Fenson.

Coyotes to Competitions: An AR-Build for Accuracy

ARs make great coyote guns. But what would the absolute best coyote rifle look like? Digital Associate Editor David Herman builds his take on the best AR for shooters who like to plug coyotes in the winter, and ring steel all summer long.

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Sunday Hunting Bill

Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law on July 9.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.