Semi-Auto

TFB Review: The Modernized Browning A5 With An XS Sights Vent Rib

Designed in 1898 by John Moses Browning and later modernized and revived in 2014, the Browning A5 shotgun doesn’t just have a solid reputation for being a great waterfowl and upload game hunting gun, but also a rich history as a sport shooting and combat weapon during its early days. I recently had the chance to review a new-production Browning A5 shotgun that had been fitted with XS Sights’ aftermarket photoluminescent vent rib sights. In stark opposition to XS Sights’ tritium-powered night sights, their photoluminescent sights provide end-users with a more cost-effective low-light option that still provides a boost to sight visibility, without the unnecessary ultra low-light capabilities (I don’t think anyone is waterfowl hunting in the dark). Today we’ll talk a bit about the Browning A5 shotgun, how it’s evolved over the years, and also see what the XS Sights Universal Standard Dot Shotgun Vent Rib does to improve the legendary Browning A5 semi-automatic shotgun.

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Genesis Less Lethal Shotgun: The GEN-12 LL

James Reeves is with the guys from Genesis to talk about their new less lethal shotgun, the Genesis Arms GEN-12 LL. It’s a less lethal shotgun designed with law enforcement use in mind. It features a semi-auto, Mil-Spec AR trigger with AR controls and ergonomics, a 10.5” smoothbore barrel, and a high-visibility orange color for differentiation. The shotgun is designed to fire bean bag less lethal munitions and includes a 5-round magazine and soft case. It’s made with a 6061 aluminum upper, lower, and handguard, and has a delayed blowback mechanism.

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New Weatherby SORIX Semi-Auto Shotgun Line

Weatherby just took its shotgun line forward, announcing the SORIX line of semi-autos in 12 gauge and 20 gauge. The new shotguns are inertia-operated; watch the video below, and when the action is disassembled, the internals look similar to other inertia designs. However, the SORIX action has one big trick up its sleeve. It’s an ambidextrous design, sort of.

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The Genesis MBS: Modern Breaching Shotgun

Genesis has been making big waves in the commercial market with their semi-auto shotguns, but now it has been awarded a federal contract for this, the Genesis MBS or Modern Breaching Shotgun. A short-barrelled, short profile, big performance semi-auto that’s small but easy to use, the MBS is a powerful little package.

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POTD: SilencerCo Salvo 12 – The Shotgun Suppressor

Our Photo Of The Day is strong today. Like 12 gauge strong, and with a great image. Never has a firearm looked so similar to the Heckler & Koch G11 as this suppressed Tavor TS12 shotgun, or did I get that wrong? The market for shotgun suppressors isn’t huge, in fact, it’s quite limited. The one pictured is the SilencerCo Salvo 12, which can be customized to keep a balance between sound, weight, and length by adding or removing sections. The build material is aluminum and stainless steel.

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[SHOT 2024] Armsan Shows Tactical Shotgun With AR & AK Features, And New 20-Gauge Slug Gun

At the SHOT Show, Turkish manufacturer Armsan presented two new shotguns, each incorporating elements from well-known firearm platforms. The first is the RS23 shotgun, innovatively blending the AK-style action and stock with AR-compatible triggers and grips. This shotgun comes ready for customization with an M-LOK forend and a rail atop the receiver, along with flip-up sights for immediate use. A notable feature is the ease of disassembling: the gas system and barrel are threaded, permitting quick removal without the need for professional gunsmithing. While the manufacturer did not specify the MSRP, it’s worth noting the market already hosts similar models starting at around $275. Prospective buyers can expect to see these on the market by June and will appreciate that retailers have the option to order in any Cerakote color they desire, allowing for a level of personalization.

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[SHOT 2024] New Shotguns From Tristar In 2024

Tristar has introduced a new collection of over/under shotguns, including the Cypher, Cypher Sporting, and Cypher X models, to its 2024 lineup. The company has also unveiled the Cobra III Super Compact pump-action shotgun alongside its new side-by-side offerings at SHOT this year.

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[SHOT 2024] Panzer Arms Gets The Lead Out with All New Shotguns

Panzer Arms has revealed an innovative range of shotgun models at this year’s SHOT Show. The company, acclaimed for its unique and economical firearm designs, is set to make headway into the market with these newly-featured offerings providing affordable choices for firearm enthusiasts.

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Mossberg Professional Series 590 and 940 Shotguns

In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves is with Jeremy Stafford of Mossberg to discuss the new Mossberg Professional Series 590A1 pump action and 940 semi-auto shotguns. These new versions include upgraded sights, a Cerakote finish, and a number of other features demanded by armed professionals for use with a shotgun.

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[SHOT 2024] Mossberg Displays Thunder Ranch Shotguns

At SHOT Show 2024, prominent firearms manufacturer Mossberg unveiled two new additions to their shotgun lineup, the 940 Thunder Ranch and 590 Thunder Ranch. Both models share core features, combining a sharp aesthetic with impressive functionality, seamlessly matching sleek aesthetics with practicality.

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[SHOT 2024] Winchester Arms Debuts New Models

At SHOT Show 2024, Winchester Arms has introduced two new models to their firearm lineup: the Winchester Ranger, a lever-action rimfire rifle chambered in .22LR, and a new range of SX4 Defender shotguns, designed for the tactical market. Both models carry the Winchester legacy forward with features catering to specific applications in shooting.

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[SHOT 2024] Iver Johnson Shows New Shotguns and Pistol

At SHOT Show 2024, Iver Johnson introduced a selection of new firearms, expanding its product offerings with both shotguns and a pistol. While not manufactured in the U.S., as the company’s website explains, their firearms are produced by partners in Turkey and the Philippines for Iver Johnson but maintain the commitment to quality and affordability the brand is known for.

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HUXWRX is Making a Shotgun Suppressor!

James Reeves is at HUXWRX to shoot their prototype shotgun suppressor. Initially designed for the Genesis-12 shotgun, if this suppressor is released to the commercial market, there’s a plan to adapt it to other popular platforms. What do you think – should HUXWRX follow through on this product?

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[SHOT 2024] New Khan Arms Matrix Semi-Auto and PXS Pump Action Shotguns

Expanding their extensive lineup of firearms, Khan Arms today introduced their new Matrix Inertial Semi-Auto Shotgun and a new line of PXS pump action shotguns chambered in .410 Bore. Known for about a quarter-century of crafting quality rifles and shotguns, the Turkish firearms manufacturer is bringing new options to shotgun enthusiasts.

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[SHOT 2024] Browning Announces A5 Shotgun In 20 Gauge

Browning has announced the introduction of a 20 gauge version of its A5 shotgun at SHOT 2024. Notably different from the original Auto 5 series, this model features a humpback receiver that conceals a Kinematic Drive action, aligning with its modern 12 gauge and 16 gauge counterparts.

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NEW Thunder Ranch Mossberg 940 and 590 Shotguns

In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves gives you a sneak peek at the new Thunder Ranch Mossberg shotguns, including an interview with Clint Smith and Jack Daniel at Thunder Ranch about these new shotguns. The Thunder Ranch Mossberg 940 is a semi-auto tactical shotgun with full Cerakote, optic-readiness, beveled and flared loading port, corrosion-resistant internals, and upgraded furniture, among other features. The Thunder Ranch 590 is a take on Mossberg’s legendary pump action shotgun with a Cerakote finish, optics readiness, upgraded sights, and other features. Check out this video for the full details.

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What is the NEW Beretta 1301 Mod 2 Shotgun?

Join James Reeves as he takes the brand-new Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 Shotgun to the range. In this video, we’ll be diving into the cutting-edge features of this latest offering from Beretta. We briefly test performance, handling, and reliability today. The 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 boasts an upgraded forend with enhanced grip and M-LOK compatibility, a semi-flat tactical trigger, upgraded stock, inclusion of the 1301 Pro-Lifter, and it still has the renowned B-LINK gas operating system for fast and reliable cycling. Whether you’re a professional operator, competitive shooter, or home defender, this covers everything you need to know about the new Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod. 2.

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HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Russian Rarity or Waning Popularity?

Welcome everyone to the 218th edition of ‘Hot Gat or Fudd Crap?’, one of our many series here on TFB. If you’re new to the series, this is where we look at the most obscure firearms that are actually for sale and ask the question – is this Gat a sweet deal or only has a Fudd appeal?  Each week the TFB staff weighs in with their thoughts, but readers get the final say in the poll at the bottom of each article.

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Another Turknelli Steps Up to the Plate – The MAC 1014 [TriggrCon 2023]

In this episode of TFBTV Show Time, James Reeves is at the SDS Imports/Military Armament Corp. (MAC) booth to check out the latest Turknelli offering, the MAC 1014 Semi-Auto. The guys at MAC have been hard at work attempting to shore up the weak points in their previous semi-auto offerings and think their latest semi-auto 12 gauge offering can handle the stress of a good old classic TFBTV Shotgun Burndown.

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[TriggrCon 2023] Super Small John Wick Shotgun: Genesis 12 Short Barrel

James Reeves covers the Genesis booth at TriggrCon 2023 to show you one of the hottest guns from the show: the short-barreled Genesis 12. Known primarily for being the fire-breathing mag-fed semi-auto shotgun from John Wick 4, the Genesis 12 has found instant popularity and is, in its own right, a solid design in a reliable package. Genesis is now pushing the boundaries of this platform by shrinking it down to a PDW-sized package with a 7-inch barrel. We actually got to try it out at the range at TriggrCon 2023.

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Vang Comp Releases "Chair Cover" Discreet Shotgun Case

Vang Comp is renowned for its custom shotguns and the Vang Comp System, which provides reduced recoil and tighter patterns. Their latest product is a long gun transport case disguised to look like a folding chair cover. Now, you can keep that scattering close while looking like you’re headed to a campout.

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Retay Arms New Gordion Compact 20 Ga Shotgun

Retay Arms has unveiled its newest shotgun, the Gordion Compact.  The Gordion Compact is a 20ga semi-auto shotgun that’ll ship in 24″ and 26″ barrel lengths.  Here’s a closer look at the new Gordion compact semi-auto.

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TFB Behind The Gun Podcast #80: A Shotgun Of An Episode

This week’s episode of TFB’s Behind The Gun Podcast features both Lucas D and Hop of TFB and TFBTV as we have a nice chat about shotguns. However, as indicated by the title, the topics in this episode are going to vary a bit as our beer supply dwindles and the early hours of the morning start to set in. We’re talking about shotguns, the latest trends in cartridge selection and whether or not a shotgun is actually a wise selection as a primary weapon for self-defense, or as part of your collection as a well-armed civilian. Pull up a chair, grab a nice stiff drink and join us as we ramble about shotguns and much more in this 80th episode of TFB’s Behind The Gun Podcast!

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The Truckee Beretta 1301 Forend from Mesa Tactical

Adding to the list of available accessories for the Beretta 1301 is the newest offering from Mesa Tactical – the Truckee forend. This M-LOK equipped forend is made from 6000 series aluminum, and high-temperature glass-filled nylon polymer end caps for durability, and provides the shooter with easy installation and removal for routine maintenance. If you’re looking for an easy way to start adding lights, lasers, and other attachments to your favorite semi-auto shotgun – the Truckee seems like a good place to start.

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New Beretta 1301 SureShell RMR Shotshell Carrier from Mesa Tactical

The Beretta 1301 shotgun has been the talk of the town over the last year or so with a massive increase in popularity across the board. However, for a lot of people, buying their 1301 is just the first step, a lot of people want to mount optics, want extended tubes, or shotshell caddies. Mesa Tactical is here to fulfill two of those wants/needs at the same time with their new Beretta 1301 compatible SureShell shotshell carrier featuring an integrated Trijicon RMR reflex sight mount.

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Federal's New "Action Shotgun" Competition Ammo

Those who compete with shotguns know that every load is just a little bit different when it comes to 12 gauge. While there is a litany of options out there for those looking to defend their home, hunt deer, or even shoot birds out to extreme distances, there are very few competition shotshell loads on the market which has led a few shooters to develop their own loads to work with their competition shotguns. Federal Action Shotgun aims to eliminate that need for shotgun athletes with a new 12-gauge load that balances shootability, control, and power and also comes in a convenient 200-round case.

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New Matrix Inertia-Driven Shotguns from TriStar Arms

TriStar Arms, a renowned importer of firearms in the United States, has recently unveiled its latest offering: the Matrix line of inertia-driven shotguns. Designed with hard-use, high-volume shooters in mind, these shotguns bring a new blend of “beauty and function” to the TriStar Arms lineup. Three initial offerings will be made including a walnut version, a Synthetic stock version, as well as the Matrix RT-Max-7 iteration featuring Realtree MAX-7 camouflage.

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The Ultimate Beretta 1301 vs. A300 Patrol Review

This video is the ULTIMATE Beretta 1301 versus Beretta A300 Patrol comparison. In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves answers this burning “1301 or A300” question with the help of three experts: famed shooter and gunsmith Ernest Langdon, the notorious second-generation shotgun instructor Matt Haught, and Ben Grundwerg, a clever Beretta Product Manager who helped develop the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. It’s literally impossible to assemble a more competent and authoritative panel of guests than the men in this video to help you decide which shotgun you should pick up. (And also James is there)

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Benelli M4 Shotgun 500 Round Durability Test: ROUND 2

​ takes on another grueling 500-round durability test of the legendary Benelli M4 shotgun. In this highly-anticipated second attempt, James aims to test the firearm’s reliability and performance after a previous mishap caused by improperly installed aftermarket components.

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Upgrading A Turkinelli With Mesa Tactical Gear (Part 1)

Mesa Tactical has been upgrading police shotguns for many years. Their range of accessories fits many popular models, including the legendary Benelli M4. But do those same parts also fit on a Turkish clone like the Aksa S4? Let’s find out!

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