Dirty Bird BakersfieldShotguns
Top Shotguns to Watch in 2026: The Most Anticipated Releases
Jan
Table of Contents
Shotguns help define the direction of every SHOT Show, and each January, the firearms industry gathers to set the tone for the year ahead. In 2026, the message coming out of Las Vegas was unmistakable: shotguns remain a core pillar of the market, and manufacturers are investing in thoughtful, shooter-driven improvements rather than chasing short-term trends.
From the moment we stepped onto the show floor, the difference was clear. There was less noise and more substance. Brands focused on refining platforms that already work, responding directly to how shooters actually use their firearms. That philosophy mirrors how Dirty Bird evaluates every product we bring in—and why customers looking to shop shotguns can trust what makes it onto our shelves.
A Dirty Bird Perspective From the Floor
Attending the SHOT Show is never about rushing through booths or chasing press releases. It’s about slowing down, handling firearms, and having real conversations with the people who design and build them. As retailers, we carry the responsibility of deciding what earns a place in our inventory—and ultimately, in our customers’ hands.
At SHOT Show 2026, those conversations centered on reliability, ergonomics, balance, and longevity. Engineers discussed feedback gathered from competitive shooters, hunters, home-defense users, and high-volume range shooters. Product managers spoke openly about what worked, what didn’t, and what they changed as a result.
That transparency matters. It’s how we separate meaningful innovation from surface-level updates, and it guided every evaluation we made throughout the show.
Beretta: Precision, Balanced
Beretta arrived at SHOT Show 2026 with a clear focus on refinement. Rather than dramatic redesigns, Beretta’s updates were measured and deliberate—exactly what long-time shooters expect from the brand.
Ergonomic improvements were subtle but noticeable. Stock geometry felt more natural, improving mount consistency and comfort. Balance points were carefully tuned, making the shotguns feel lighter in motion without sacrificing stability. New finishes enhanced durability while maintaining Beretta’s clean, classic look.
From a Dirty Bird standpoint, these are shotguns built for shooters who appreciate precision and longevity. They reward experience, but they don’t intimidate newer owners. The 2026 lineup reinforced why Beretta remains a benchmark for quality in the shotgun world.
We’re currently finalizing which configurations and models we’ll bring in once availability is confirmed [TKTK], but Beretta will remain a key part of our shotgun selection moving forward.
Benelli: Purpose-Built Performance
Performance was the defining word at the Benelli booth. Benelli leaned heavily into what they do best—fast cycling, clean operation, and shotguns that feel alive once they’re in motion.
Recoil management improvements stood out immediately. The 2026 models felt smoother under repeated fire, allowing for faster follow-up shots and better control. Cycling remained crisp and reliable, staying true to the inertia-driven systems that have defined Benelli for decades.
What impressed us most was the restraint. Every update had a clear function. There were no unnecessary additions, no design choices made solely for attention. Everything served the shooter.
For Dirty Bird customers who value speed, reliability, and efficiency—whether for competition, defensive use, or range time—Benelli’s 2026 offerings are a strong fit. We’re planning to bring in select models that best represent that performance-first mindset.
Mossberg: Practical Confidence
Mossberg continued to demonstrate why they remain one of the most trusted names in shotguns. Their 2026 lineup emphasized durability, accessibility, and real-world usability.
Updated furniture improved handling and comfort while remaining intuitive. Controls were straightforward and familiar, making these shotguns easy to pick up and run. Configurations allowed shooters to adapt their setup to different roles without overcomplicating the platform.
Mossberg understands their audience, and it showed. These shotguns are designed to perform day in and day out, whether for home defense, training, or recreational shooting. From the Dirty Bird perspective, Mossberg plays a crucial role—offering dependable shotguns that welcome new owners while still satisfying experienced shooters.
CA Compliant
CA Compliant
Broader Shotgun Trends at SHOT Show 2026
Looking beyond individual brands, several themes consistently appeared across the show floor:
Shooter-Focused Ergonomics
Manufacturers prioritized how shotguns feel during extended use. Balance, recoil control, and natural mounting took precedence over cosmetic features.
Modular Versatility
Shooters want platforms that adapt. Configurability without sacrificing reliability was a recurring design goal.
Reliability Above All
Testing, durability, and long-term performance dominated technical discussions. Reliability wasn’t a feature—it was the baseline.
Purpose Over Flash
Perhaps most encouraging, the industry showed restraint. The emphasis was on improvements that matter, not novelty for novelty’s sake.
These trends align closely with how Dirty Bird evaluates products and reinforce our confidence in the selections we made.
What Dirty Bird Is Bringing In
SHOT Show is where decisions get made. After hands-on evaluation and in-depth discussions, we identified shotguns that meet our standards for performance, reliability, and value.
Our upcoming 2026 shotgun offerings will focus on:
- Proven platforms with meaningful upgrades
- Manufacturers with strong long-term support
- Shotguns suited for sport, defense, and everyday range use
Specific models, configurations, and timelines will be announced as allocations are finalized [TKTK]. What matters now is this: every shotgun we bring in earned its place.
FAQs About Shotguns at Shot Show 2026
Before wrapping things up, we want to address a few of the most common questions we hear after the SHOT Show. These answers are based on what we saw on the floor, conversations with manufacturers, and how Dirty Bird approaches bringing new shotguns to our lineup.
What is the SHOT Show?
SHOT Show is the largest firearms industry trade event in the world, held annually and attended by manufacturers, retailers, and industry professionals.
Did Dirty Bird handle these shotguns in person?
Yes. All evaluations were conducted on the show floor through direct hands-on experience and discussions with manufacturers.
Are the 2026 shotguns available now?
Some models are expected to be released later in 2026. Availability depends on manufacturer schedules and allocations.
Will Dirty Bird carry every new shotgun shown?
No. We selectively stock shotguns that meet our standards and reflect what our customers actually want.
Are these shotguns suitable for first-time owners?
Yes. Several Mossberg and select Beretta models are especially approachable for new shotgun owners.
How will customers know when new shotguns arrive?
Dirty Bird will announce new arrivals as inventory becomes available throughout the year.
Conclusion: Shotguns Worth Bringing Home
SHOT Show 2026 didn’t rely on spectacle to make its point. Instead, it reinforced the shotgun category’s strength through thoughtful evolution. Beretta refined precision. Benelli sharpened performance. Mossberg reinforced practicality. Each brand demonstrated a commitment to shooters, not trends.
From the Dirty Bird perspective, these are the shotguns that matter in 2026. They’re reliable, purposeful, and built to perform where it counts.
When these new models arrive, we invite you to purchase your next shotgun from Dirty Bird USA and experience the difference firsthand.
For additional information, check out our Rumble Page.