Upland bird hunting has created stories that are passed on from generation to generation. In some cases, passing on the firearm those stories helped create is better than the memory itself, and the 2019 SHOT Show has yielded another round of wonderful shotguns that will make excellent hunting partners for years to come.
1. TriStar TT-15 Field
TriStar Arms has done it again with its new TT-15 Field over/under. Featuring a smooth break-action and beautiful jeweling work on the receiver, this new shotgun will make you think twice about what you carry in the field. While most double-barrel shotguns have extractors, the TT-15 Field has ejectors, making shots between birds easier. The 28-inch barrel features a ventilated mid and top rib, and has a fiber-optic front sight. The TT-15 Field is available in 12-, 20-, 28-gauge and .410-bore, and comes with five Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F), choke box and choke wrench. MSRP: $840-$870; tristararms.com.
2. CZ-USA CZ Bobwhite G2
The CZ-USA Bobwhite is back by popular demand! Featuring a CNC receiver and completely upgraded internals, the new Bobwhite G2 is ready to go to work. You never know how far those birds will be when they jump up, so the double triggers allow for quick barrel decisions. The English-style grip will make this the most comfortable shotgun in your arsenal, and the shotgun comes with five interchangeable flush choke tubes ranging from Cylinder to Full. Weighing between 5.5 and 7.3 pounds (depending on chambering), the Bobwhite G2 is a great addition to any hunter's safe. Available in 12-, 20- and 28-gauge. MSRP: $655-$702; cz-usa.com.
3. Franchi Affinity 3 Sporting
The new Franchi Affinity 3 Sporting is the perfect combination of Italian craftsmanship and the American passion for hunting and sport shooting. The lean dimensions and functional design are paired with nearly perfect weight and balance, creating a shooter’s new best friend in the field. This inertia driven semi-automatic shotgun sports a white anodized finish on the receiver and an oiled-walnut stock and forend, making it as beautiful as it is functional. With the TSA recoil pad and Franchi’s Inertia Driven technology, the Affinity 3 Sporting makes for a comfortable day afield. It weighs in at 7.1 pounds, and overall length is 51.5 inches. MSRP: $999; franchiusa.com.
4. CZ-USA CZ 1012
For 2019, CZ-USA introduces its new CZ 1012, a semi-automatic that uses a gasless inertia operating system for easy maintenance and cleaning. There are five models to choose from; a standard Turkish walnut stock, a Turkish walnut stock with a bronze ceramic receiver coating, a Turkish walnut stock with a grey ceramic receiver coating, synthetic black and synthetic camo. All five models come standard with a set of extended choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, and C). With a budget-friendly price range, the CZ 1012 won't break the bank but will still provide you with a shotgun that will help you collect some of the elusive upland game birds. MSRP: $659 (Turkish walnut, bronze, grey and black synthetic), $749 (synthetic camo); cz-usa.com.
