ThinkingAfield.org

Old Saybrook, CT – Traditions® is proud to introduce for 2021 the next innovation in the popular and affordable Buckstalker line – the Buckstalker™ XT.

For 2021, the Buckstalker™ XT has been upgraded to a premium-grade Chromoly steel barrel. Chromoly steel has long been recognized as the best barrel material for strength and accuracy. This barrel will allow the Buckstalker™ XT to be lightweight yet strong and accurate. The 24” barrel will still provide accuracy of 200+ yards.

Also new this year, the Buckstalker™ XT features the Elite XT™ trigger system. This system has a precise and accurate trigger pull, along with a rebounding hammer and manual cross block trigger safety. With upgraded features, the Buckstalker™ XT represents an excellent value at a modest price. Read more

ACCOKEEK, Md. – Franchi has long delivered best-in-class ergonomics and upgraded features in a beautifully styled over-and-under shotgun with the introduction of the Franchi Instinct LX. Combining Italian craftsmanship and American styling, the Instinct LX is now available in the nimble and recoil-friendly 28-gauge for a smooth-swinging gun for hunters and sport shooters.

The function of this shotgun is only outshined by its looks. An all-steel, case color hardened receiver displays engraved hunting scenes with inlayed gold birds, matching the gold-plated trigger. The overall aesthetic is enhanced with a AA-grade satin walnut Prince of Wales stock complimented by the Schnabel style forend and rounded pommel with cut checkering

Glossed-blue barrels with extended choke tubes deliver optimal patterning while the vented rib with a red fiber-optic front sight keeps shooters on target. A safety-mounted selector switch allows shooters to choose which barrel fires first. All-steel auto ejectors throw spent shells well clear. The shotgun comes with extended choke tubes: improved cylinder, full and modified chokes, as well as a choke wrench for easy exchanges. Read more

ACCOKEEK, Md. –Stoeger combines the solid operating system of their flagship M3500 Waterfowl Special shotgun with the 922R-compliant extended magazine of the Freedom Series shotguns to create the Stoeger M3500 Snow Goose shotgun. The versatile shotgun eliminates the need to add U.S. manufactured components to gain the extra capacity demanded by serious snow goose hunters.

With a capacity of 10 +1, cold weather loading, unloading and operating the Model 3500 Snow Goose shotgun is made easier by the oversized bolt handle and bolt-release button. A specially machined and beveled loading port makes feeding shells into the magazine tube with gloved hands quick and efficient. Rugged, weather-resistant construction and finish stand up to the worst conditions. A distressed white Cerakote finish adorns the stock, forend, receiver and barrel, to blend in with winter environments.

At the heart of the M3500 Snow Goose shotgun is the Inertia-Driven operating system for dependable operation. The Inertia-Driven action is contained primarily within the receiver, providing a better, more centered balance and swing. The receiver also stays cleaner longer.

Five (IC/M/XFT/Close Range/Mid Range) extended choke tubes along with a choke wrench come standard with the M3500 Snow Goose shotgun. Also included, is a paracord sling and shim kit which allows for adjustment of the gun for drop and cast. The full-length vented rib is topped with an easy-to-see red-bar front sight that stands out in low light. Read more

ACCOKEEK, Md. – Hardcore turkey hunters demand the best when going afield and Franchi answered the call for high performance with premium features with the introduction of the Affinity Turkey Elite 3-inch, 20-gauge and 12-gauge shotguns. Franchi listened to input from avid turkey hunters to develop a super reliable, ergonomical turkey gun full of the features preferred to take down a trophy tom.

Packed with features championed by turkey hunters, the Affinity Turkey Elite semi-auto shotguns rely on the proven Inertia-Driven System with fewer parts for ultra reliability with minimal cleaning and maintenance needed. Premium features such as oversized bolt controls and enlarged loading port provide ease-of-use even when hunting with gloved hands.

The shotguns’ 24-inch barrel makes hunting in heavy cover easy while its slim and trim profile provide for quick shouldering when it matters most. Covered in the ever versatile OPTIFADE Subalpine camo, the pistol grip and forend combines with a Midnight Bronze Cerakote receiver and barrel for superior concealment. Read more

ACCOKEEK, Md. – Benelli forever changed the expectations of waterfowl hunters with the introduction of the venerable Super Black Eagle shotgun. Continued innovation drives the evolution of the shotgun with updated features and performance. Benelli offers the latest iterations in a variety of 3-inch 12 gauges along with 3-inch 20-gauge shotguns that are a little lighter but just as effective and enjoyable to shoot.

“For three decades, the Super Black Eagle platform has dominated the semi-auto waterfowl market as a 3.5” 12-gauge shotgun,” said Tim Joseph, VP of Brand Marketing for Benelli USA. “We’ve applied all of the Super Black Eagle 3 enhanced updates and ergonomics to 3” 20-gauge and 3” 12-gauge models for 2021. We know the 20-gauge in particular will be a welcome addition for hunters who want the feature sets of a SBE3 but prefer a lighter gauge as well as for waterfowlers who are hunting areas that mandate the use of sub-gauge shotguns.”

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 boasts dozens of features and enhancements that improve the way the shotgun looks, feels and performs. At the heart of the SBE3 is the ultra-reliable inertia-driven action, which is centered around an Easy-Locking Bolt System – an enhanced breech-closing system that eliminates the possibility for a shooter-induced stoppage when trying to softly close the bolt or when the shotgun is treated roughly in the blind. And because hardcore waterfowl hunters don’t stay out of the field in frigid weather, the new SBE3 is designed for easier operation with gloved and/or cold hands. The oversized bolt handle, oversized bolt release, oversized safety and redesigned magazine cap along with the enlarged load port make for easier operation in cold conditions. Read more

ACCOKEEK, Md. – Stoeger recently entered the striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol market with the introduction of the STR-9. The latest update to the affordable and durable pistol line features performance upgrades and features to create the STR-9S Combat pistol. The pistol combines high suppressor sights, threaded barrel, flared magwell, optics-ready slide, three backstaps and three magazines, producing an all-around solution for everyday carry, home defense or fun at the range.

The STR-9S Combat features a corrosion-resistant black nitride finish, included interchangeable backstrap grips for a custom fit and 4.17-inch, threaded barrel to attach a suppressor for quiet shooting. The pistol’s accessory rail accepts a wide variety of pistol lights and laser sights for low-light conditions. The reversible magazine release supports right- and left-handed shooting. With an overall length of 7.44 inches and weighing 1.6 pounds, the STR-9S Combat is designed for personal protection without breaking the bank. Read more