[SHOT 2026] The Polymer Receiver Beretta AX800 Semi-Auto Shotgun

Founded in 1526, Beretta turns 500 years old in 2026! This year's Beretta Range Day, held at the Pro Gun Vegas range in Boulder City, Nevada, was focused on celebrating their quincentenary. We had the honor of being invited to attend the event, and it was a truly amazing experience, as we had the chance to shoot the newest Beretta firearms, ranging from rimfire handguns to high-end shotguns. In this article, we'll take a look at the new Beretta AX800 Suprema 12 gauge semi-auto waterfowl shotgun.

The AX800 Suprema, in Beretta's own words, is the most advanced waterfowl shotgun they've ever built. It has a lot of interesting features, but let's start with the elephant in the room, the polymer receiver. Yes, the AX800 Suprema has a polymer receiver (with built-in metal rails). Use of polymers in firearms is nothing new or groundbreaking, but for some reason, nobody before made a semi-auto shotgun with a completely polymer receiver.

With an overall weight of 7.6 to 7.8lbs (depending on whether you opt for the 28", 30" or 32" barrel), it is not an ultralightweight shotgun and the use of polymer in the receiver of this gun was not for weight reduction but rather to provide utmost resistance to corrosion and harsh environmental conditions that waterfowl hunters often find themselves in.

Long arms made with such a high level of polymer use oftentimes have questionable aesthetics and durability. But this is a Beretta. A Beretta is built like a tank and looks like a Ferrari.

“Shoot farther, hit harder, cycle faster” is what Beretta says this new shotgun offers. This is achieved primarily thanks to the following technologies used in the gun:

• B-LINK Pro gas system. This gas system cycles 36% faster and runs 46% cleaner than any other Beretta shotgun ever made.
• Steelium Pro barrels. Previously seen only in competition guns like the DT11, this barrel design features an extended 17.7” forcing cone to deliver tighter, more consistent patterns, as well as greater downrange energy.
• Kick-Off Pro stock. The stock of the shotgun has an advanced recoil mitigation design that decreases the felt recoil by up to 70% to make shooting the heaviest 3.5” waterfowl loads a more comfortable experience.

The Beretta AX800 Suprema shotgun is available in black as well as several camouflage options. The MSRPs start from $2,499. The following models are available at the time of writing:

• AX800 Suprema Black Synthetic
• AX800 Suprema Realtree Max-7
• AX800 Suprema Mossy Oak Bottomland
• AX800 Suprema Mossy Oak Original Bottomland
• AX800 Suprema Mossy Oak Original Shadow Grass
• AX800 Suprema Optifade Marsh
• AX800 Suprema Optifade Timber

500 years! What amazes me the most is how the world's oldest gun company manages to be both a keeper of gunmaking traditions, continuing to create classic guns, and at the same time an ambitious revolutionary that questions established practices and pushes the boundaries of firearms design. This tradition-based yet forward-thinking approach is probably the secret of Beretta's longevity and strength. I take my hat off to the people behind this legendary company and wish many more centuries of success.