The A300 Ultima is a 12 gauge semi-automatic from Beretta with a Gray receiver and a black synthetic stock. The barrel runs 28 inches with a 3-inch chamber, capacity is 3+1, and the gun weighs 7.7 pounds at 47.6 inches overall with a 14 1/4-inch length of pull. The rib is wider and stepped, with a mid-bead and a fiber optic front sight, and the bolt handle and bolt release are both oversized.

The Kick-Off system in the stock cuts felt recoil, which matters over a full box of 3-inch loads, and the big bolt controls work with cold or gloved hands. It is sold as an upland and waterfowl gun, but in South Carolina a 12 gauge is also a legal deer gun, since any legal firearm may be used: Game Zone 3 opens private land to guns August 15, Game Zone 4 in the Pee Dee follows September 1, and the Upstate zones open October 11.

Key features

• 12 gauge semi-automatic, 28-inch barrel, 3-inch chamber
• 3+1 capacity, 7.7 pounds
• Kick-Off recoil reduction system
• Stepped rib, mid-bead and fiber optic front sight
• Enlarged bolt handle and bolt release

Ships to the South Carolina FFL dealer you pick at checkout; the dealer runs the NICS check and you leave with the gun, with no permit or waiting period.