“load”

Built on the inertia-driven system that harnesses recoil to operate the action, the new Franchi Affinity 3 and 3.5 Elite shotguns are fast, slim and reliable. Stocks are adjustable for drop and cast, and barrels feature a Cerakote finish, lengthened forcing cone for better pattern density and a TrueGlo fiber-optic front sight.

The most distinctive feature of Mossberg’s latest series of 590 shotguns is a detachable box magazine. Using the 590 platform as a starting point, Mossberg, in conjunction with Adaptive Tactical, modified the 590 receiver to accept detachable box magazines holding five, 10, 15 or 20 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition.

Federal Premium's new and improved Grand Slam turkey loads produce some impressive patterns you need to see.

Get a closer look at Leupold's new VX-6HD riflescope.

It's safe to say that the Benelli ETHOS was well-received. Heck, we gave it a Golden Bullseye Award for Shotgun of the Year. So it wasn't much of a surprise when Benelli continued to flesh out the ETHOS line last year with the introduction of a 20-gauge variant. For 2016, the company took things a step further and releasing a 28-gauge ETHOS.

If you're going to carry a knife, it doesn't hurt to have one endorsed by an Alaskan big game hunting guide. Or, better yet, designed by one. That's what you're getting in the new Speed Load Knife series from Browning.

Finding the right shotgun fit means everything, but it's exceptionally difficult if you're sporting a smaller frame than what your scattergun was designed for. The average female shooter is smaller in stature than their male counterparts, companies have been recognizing and adjusting for that in recent years. Franchi is joining in the party in 2016 with the introduction of its Catalyst line of shotguns.

There's no doubt about it, Winchester's Shot-Lok technology has been a full-fledged revolution. Though originally designed with turkeys in mind, the concept has expanded to upland loads and, for 2016, will enter a not-so-feathered market. Coyotes, hogs and varmints the world over will be testing their luck against Varmint X shotshells going forward.

Just days before the annual NASGW showcase, Hornady has rolled out its new-for-2016 product announcements. Chief among them, as far as hunters are concerned, is the upcoming Hornady Precision Hunter line.