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Merkel, longtime manufacturer of high-line firearms, has introduced a lower-cost double barrel to the shotgun market. Called the 40E, this classic side-by-side features the same action and barrels found in other Merkel shotguns, but without the frills which generally drive up the price. For more on this firearm, available in 28-, 20- and 12-gauge, check out this“Rifleman Review” segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.
Despite the incredible array of polymer-frame, striker-fired, semi-automatic handguns on the market, the classic revolver not only refuses to die, it has seen something of a resurgence in recent years.
For 2026, the semi-automatic shotgun market has seen even more growth, with some manufacturers expanding their current offerings and other makers entering the marketplace with novel designs.
For the past 100 years, the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) has established the standards that ensure our safety when using modern shotshells, cartridges, firearms and more.