The discussion opens with a lighthearted reference to preparing for a first three-gun competition and contrasts older pump-action shotguns with more modern competition setups. The focus is on shotguns used specifically for three-gun, rather than traditional roles like breaching, bird hunting, or home defense. Two main competition categories are outlined: tube-fed shotguns, which dominate traditional divisions, and magazine-fed shotguns, which are more common in open division. Pump actions are acknowledged but described as a disadvantage in this context. The hosts set the stage for a ranked list of five preferred competition shotguns, emphasizing that the choices are based on practical match use and configuration rather than general-purpose shotgun roles.
The fifth pick is a heavily modified Stoeger M3000, originally purchased for around $500. It is set up as a tube-fed competition gun with extensive work on the loading port, machined specifically for strong-hand loading and noticeably deeper on one side to speed quad loads. A competition follower and a Nordic Components competition magazine tube are installed, allowing up to 13 rounds in the tube, supporting common three-gun stage requirements like starting with 8+1 and immediately quad loading. Oversized controls include an enlarged charging handle, bolt release, and safety. An aftermarket Briley-style handguard with M-LOK slots allows mounting accessories such as lights or lasers and carries a match saver shell holder for emergency single-round loading. A rear sight was added for slug use, with slug targets sometimes extending to 100 yards and, in rare cases like a Fort Benning match, out to 200 yards. The gun originally had a camouflage finish and uses interchangeable chokes, which are noted as important for pattern control on steel and no-shoot targets.
The shooter’s background in three-gun dates to 2017, starting with very basic equipment. Early matches were shot with an unmodified tube-fed shotgun holding only two to three rounds, loaded one at a time with no extension or opened loading port. A Daniel Defense rifle with iron sights was used out to about 400 yards, with difficulty making hits, and a Glock 17 with iron sights served as the pistol. Over time, experience and match demands justified moving to more advanced and expensive shotguns. Tube-fed guns were initially preferred for learning quad and dual loading techniques. Later, the transition to magazine-fed shotguns came from their speed, shorter overall length, and easier manipulation in dynamic stages. The conversation highlights that three-gun requires mastering rifle, pistol, and shotgun, including slug accuracy at 100–200 yards and understanding choke patterns to avoid hitting both targets and no-shoots with the same shot.
The fourth pick, shown on screen rather than in hand, is the Tokarev TT-12, a Turkish-made magazine-fed shotgun. It is described as one of the more affordable mag-fed options, typically in the roughly $400–$500 range. The TT-12 uses AR-style controls, including a familiar safety and magazine release, making it easier for shooters who already run AR-pattern rifles to transition to a shotgun without relearning control layouts. This consistency is presented as a practical advantage in three-gun, where switching between platforms happens under time pressure. The TT-12 is noted for generally running a wide variety of ammunition reliably and being less picky than some other semi-auto shotguns. It represents an accessible entry into open-division style mag-fed shotguns while still offering the speed benefits of detachable magazines over traditional tube-fed loading.
The third pick is the Beretta 1301, specifically a competition-oriented configuration. The example shown has a pistol grip stock, but it is noted that pistol grips are not typically preferred in three-gun because they interfere with efficient quad loading from underneath the receiver. The Beretta 1301 uses a gas-operated system, which is contrasted with inertia-driven designs. Gas operation is favored for new or less aggressive shooters who may not shoulder the gun firmly or maintain a solid cheek weld, conditions that can cause malfunctions in inertia guns. Gas operation also helps when shooting from awkward or sideways positions off barricades. From the factory, the 1301 has a well-executed loading port with enough room for the thumb during loading, and it can be further opened by a professional gunsmith. A distinctive feature is the shell release button located inside the loading port, allowing the shooter to load and then immediately press the release without searching for a small external button. The gun benefits from textured furniture and oversized controls, including an enlarged safety, bolt release, and charging handle. For competition, an extended magazine tube is considered essential so capacity matches other shooters, avoiding a disadvantage when others are running 12-round tubes.
The second pick is a Benelli M2 configured as a Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) three-gun model. The discussion notes that many Benelli M2 variants from different builders—such as factory three-gun models and custom builds from shops like Roth Performance and Rose—have strong reputations for reliability. Compared with the gas-operated Beretta, the Benelli M2 is highlighted as lighter and very quick to move between targets. The TTI build features aggressive stippling on both the forend and pistol grip to maintain control in hot or sweaty conditions. An extended magazine tube provides capacity for 12 rounds in the tube plus one in the chamber. A match saver shell holder is mounted on the handguard, allowing a single shell to be quickly inserted into the ejection port and chambered via the bolt release. The loading port is extensively machined and scalloped, with a competition follower that protrudes further for positive feel. A TTI lifter is installed to smooth loading and reduce the chance of catching a thumb. The shell release button is located behind the loading port, unlike the Beretta 1301’s in-port design. Oversized controls include the safety, a large charging handle, and an enlarged bolt release. A bright fiber-optic front sight aids target acquisition, and QD sling mounts at the rear of the stock and on the barrel clamp support stages that require slinging the shotgun.
Before revealing the top pick, an honorable mention goes to an upcoming Beretta model, the A300 Ultima Competition. The gun shown on camera is not the exact model, but it is used to illustrate expected features. The A300 Ultima series is described as appealing, with improved texture on the stock and forend similar to the example in hand. The competition version is expected to include a 10-round magazine capacity, positioning it as a higher-capacity option within the A300 line. It will also retain a Picatinny rail mount, allowing the use of optics or other rail-mounted accessories. While detailed specifications and match performance are not fully discussed, the mention frames the A300 Ultima Competition as a noteworthy forthcoming shotgun for competitive shooters who favor Beretta’s operating systems and ergonomics.
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