Shotgun
Shotgun buying guides
Better than the Silver standard?
A reliable Beretta does the job – but what else is out there? Hollis Butler finds four alternative guns for pigeon shooting that break the mould and are priced at well under £1,000
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The day started with a text from my friend George: “All good. Crack on.” I’d been keeping an eye on one of his spring barley fields all week. Pigeons had been dropping in despite the gas-gun, making the most of a wind-flattened section near the top hedge. I reckoned it was worth giving it a go.
So I threw the gear in the truck: hide net, poles, a dozen decoys and Copper, my Labrador. It wasn’t going to be a red-letter day, but that wasn’t really the point. Just a bit of crop protection, a few hours in the field and a chance to see if I could hit more than I missed.
I did some rather rushed recon by the field, admittedly forgetting most of Archie Coats’s advice about backgrounds, wind direction and flightlines. After finding a spot in the hedge line, I scattered the decoys, had a fight with the hide net and eventually loaded up.
I’d be shooting my Beretta Silver Pigeon, the first gun I ever bought. It’s not flash but it fits me well and I do seem to have a bit of luck with it,
a few hours in the field and a chance to see if I could hit more than I missed.
I did some rather rushed recon by the field, admittedly forgetting most of Archie Coats’s advice about backgrounds, wind direction and flightlines. After finding a spot in the hedge line, I scattered the decoys, had a fight with the hide net and eventually loaded up.
I’d be shooting my Beretta Silver Pigeon, the first gun I ever bought. It’s not flash but it fits me well and I do seem to have a bit of luck with it,
I thought. You can’t move for Silver Pigeons at a clay ground. They’re the safe choice and, fair enough, they work. But I did start wondering what else was out there. Something that didn’t turn up at every shoot, perhaps even a bit more interesting.
The session ticked along as they often do. Fits and starts, a couple of nice birds in, plenty I didn’t see coming. I shot all right, but nothing to write home about. I ended up with half a dozen pigeons picked and a few I couldn’t reach. Copper did well. George was happy enough. The day had ticked all my boxes.
On the drive home, I found myself still thinking about alternative guns again. That evening, I started looking. I wasn’t seriously shopping, just a little curious to consider what else might suit a day like that. A reliable gun for an afternoon in the hide, one that doesn’t break the bank, from a name you don’t hear all the time. I wasn’t after anything flashy or exotic, simply a working gun that gets on with the job and makes for good company in the hide.
It turns out there’s quite a bit out there, ranging from over-and-unders to semi-autos. Guns I’d never handled, brands I’d barely heard of, and a few I’d written off without really knowing why. Some looked smart, others looked like they’d last. So I’ve pulled together a few that stood out. All are well under £1,000 and all a bit off the beaten track. And if you shoot something unusual, I’d love to hear how it’s fared.
Stoeger M3K
The Stoeger M3K offers a solid all-round package for pigeon shooters – reliable, adaptable and good value in a tough semi-automatic set-up. It is built on a Benelli-style inertia system, which means it shoots quickly, doesn’t get too dirty and works well with both standard pigeon loads and the heavier alternatives.
Since its launch, the MK3 has earned a fair bit of praise as a very creditable performer that feels robust, user‑serviceable and capable of handling daily fieldwork. GMK – which also distributes the Beretta Silver Pigeon – notes the Stoeger’s enlarged shotgun loading port, oversized bolt handle and aluminum action with drilled-and-tapped ribs; features that mirror pricier guns.
Expert field testing confirms its performance across pigeon-specific loads, from Grand Prix and Clear Pigeon to Zenith and Titanium Strike, with reliably smooth cycling. And it shares aftermarket compatibility with the Benelli M2, allowing upgrades such as bolt-release buttons or tube extensions to match your shooting style.
For pigeon work, the short 24in vent-rib barrel keeps things nimble in the hide without giving too much away on moving targets. All in all, the M3K gives pigeon shooters a semi-auto with Benelli pedigree, FAC-ready capacity, tough construction, and a bit of flexibility – and it doesn’t break the bank.
RRP £45
Mystique Rabbit dog dummy
The unique filling and durable material help the dog easily grab and hold it. An integral throwing rope assists users in throwing the dummy, which can be scented for added realism. It’s available in small (700g) and large (1,300g) sizes, with or without a fur cover. It is advised to build the dog’s confidence with the smaller dummy before moving on to the larger one.
RRP £25
EGE Arms 350
The EGE Arms EG 350 is a good shout for pigeon shooters looking for a reliable semi-auto that won’t cost a fortune. The 350 stands out for its no-nonsense build quality. It features a durable black synthetic stock, robust steel action and reliable ejector mechanism – all useful when the hide gets busy or the roost kicks off.
The gun offers smooth, consistent cycling, even with mixed cartridge brands – a crucial advantage for those shooting large decoy patterns quickly. The semi-auto has also been praised for soft recoil, allowing faster follow-up shots, and delivers the classic, simple operation that many prefer in the field.
No fuss
On price, the EGE Arms EG 350 undercuts a fair few rivals without sacrificing essentials. As UK importer ASI highlights, these shotguns come proofed for steel shot – vital given ongoing lead restrictions –
and include multichoke options for varied decoy spreads or flightline distances. Shooters like the no-fuss maintenance and corrosion resistance, making the gun well suited to muddy hides and wet English winters.
EGE Arms 350 delivers excellent value and dependable use for pigeon shooters who need a workhorse they’re not afraid to rough up. For newer hands or seasoned decoyers after a spare gun, the EG 350 offers a cost-effective solution in our ever-evolving shooting landscape.
RRP From £499
The EBA Blackthorn
The EBA Blackthorn semi‑automatic 12‑bore represents standout performance and solid value for pigeon shooters. Designed in Britain, its action echoes proven platforms and feels properly solid at a budget-friendly price.
Gas‑operated, it runs reliably across a wide range of loads and practical features include two pistons – standard and magnum – five interchangeable chokes and a 3in chamber.
Experts praise the Blackthorn’s solid build quality: a slim 28in barrel with vented rib, red bead sight, secure barrel nut fastenings and a 5lb 3oz trigger-pull. Users note minimal vibration and manageable recoil – ideal if you’re out all day. The adjustable length-of-pull (down from 14.5in to 14in) via included recoil pad makes it easy to get on with, whatever your build or set-up.
Backed by a three-year Edgar Brothers warranty, the Blackthorn makes a compelling investment for shooters needing a no-frills, reliable field shotgun for pigeon and pest work. Its combination of rugged gas operation and versatile ammunition compatibility make it a handy option for pigeon days.
RRP £410
