BROWNING's new 12-ga., 3" and 3½" autoloading shotgun, the Maxus, is all about the numbers: 18 percent less felt recoil; 44 percent less muzzle jump; 19 percent faster bolt speed and 24 percent faster lock time. And thanks to its synthetic stock and aluminum receiver, the modern-looking Maxus weighs in at less than 7 lbs. Along with a choice of 26" or 28" barrels, the Maxus features a Vector Pro lengthened forcing cone, Invector-Plus choke tubes, Speed Load plus loading and the innovative Speed Lock fore-end. www.browning.com  

BENELLI has already improved the 12- and 20-ga. Super-Sport, designed for sporting clays, by giving it lengthened forcing cones and a polished taper between the chamber and barrel to reduce felt recoil and enhance patterning. The 12-ga. model is backbored to 0.733" and is fitted with Briley's EX bolt release mechanism and an enlarged bolt handle. Both the SuperSport and the Cordoba now have ComforTech stocks with carbon-fiber finishes. www.benelliusa.com

FRANCHI's Renaissance Sporting shotgun is now available in 20 gauge, weighs 7.4 lbs., is fitted with a stainless steel boxlock action and has a 30" ported barrel with lengthened forcing cones for uniform shot patterns and reduced felt recoil. The knurled, extended choke tubes make it easy to change chokes. Its coin-finished receiver features floral scroll engraving and gold embellished details and complements the well-figured select walnut. www.franchiusa.com

GAMO's Shadow Express .22-cal. air rifle/air shotgun combo shoots either pellets or shot, which makes it great for small game at medium to close range. Features include a bull barrel with full vent rib, two-stage adjustable trigger and twin cheek pads for ambidextrous use. The P-23 CO2 semi-auto air pistol looks similar to a classic Walther PPK/S. It touts a velocity of 400 f.p.s. and fires 12 shots in 2.4 seconds. www.gamousa.com

NEW ENGLAND FIREARMS is expanding its line of imported Pardner Pump shotguns to include two new cantilever models. The NP1-12C with walnut and NP1-2SC with synthetic stock sets are 12-ga. shotguns with 22" barrels that have "Ultragon" rifling and cantilever optic mounts. www.hr1871.com

TRADITIONS adds the Outfitter, a muzzleloader/shotgun/rifle that converts between platforms with the removal of a screw; the Vortek, an overmolded muzzle-loader design with detachable trigger group and stainless steel barrel; the LT Accelerator, which pairs the company's Accelerator Breech Plug with the Pursuit LT muzzleloader; and the Buckstalker, an economical yet full-featured break-action in-line. www.traditionsfirearms.com

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