I Hunted With Academy's ATA Arms and Yildiz Shotguns, and Here's What I Thought

I've only been a gun owner for four years, and there are two main reasons for that. One, I only started hunting four years ago. The other reason is that guns can be really, really expensive. My first gun purchases were versatile calibers: a .22 and a .270. Between these two affordable and common guns, I could hunt everything from cottontails to mule deer and I typically have an easy time finding ammunition. After a close encounter with a mountain lion, I've become a pistol owner, too. However, my most recent acquisition was a shotgun, mainly because I wanted to enter the world of bird hunting. Prior to this fall, I felt intimidated by the amount of gear and knowledge necessary to bird hunt. I also don't have a bird dog—just a German Shepherd mix. However, there were dusky grouse and waterfowl in my neck of the woods, so I knew that I could jump-shoot grouse and kayak out to downed ducks without a trained dog. However, none of this could be done without a shotgun.

Thankfully, before selecting my own shotgun, I was invited out to Academy Sports + Outdoors' Cast & Blast event in Texas. While there, I got to shoot their ATA and Yildiz shotguns both in the field and at the range. Even with my limited shotgun shooting experience, I was nailing ducks and clays upwards of 40 yards out with these bad boys. For their shockingly affordable price, these guns shot reliably, accurately, and effectively. Even a new waterfowler like myself would be in the game with an Academy shotgun. Here are the details, plus a few more of my overall thoughts on these impressive firearms.

Academy's Yildiz 12- and 20-Gauge Over/Under Shotguns

Before we get into their field applications, let's dive into some details about the Yildiz Legacy HP. First of all, this model is offered in both a 12 and 20-gauge. For folks who want a lighter kick and a smaller shot, the ambidextrous 20 gauge is a solid option. For those who want to chase large waterfowl species or even wild turkeys, the 12 is going to be the best bet. Paired with quality ammunition, any shotgunner will be lethal with a Yildiz.

Both gauges feature a 28-inch barrel with a blued finish, a fiber optic front sight, a mid-bead rear sight, and a beautiful, warm-toned Grade II Turkish walnut stock. Delicate engraving decorates the action, manual safety, and barrel selector, giving it a stylish touch. Each model comes with five chokes: full, improved modified, modified, improved cylinder, and skeet. All of this makes the Legacy HP a great gun at a great price of just $499.

During the Cast & Blast weekend, I shot the Yildiz Legacy HP in 12 gauge while teal hunting. This was my first duck hunt ever, and I was incredibly nervous to hunt a new species in a new place with a new gun. Thankfully, my nervousness was quelled by the ease at which the gun raised to my cheek and how reliably it shot and ejected my shells every single time. It proved its accuracy and power when I dropped an exiting teal out past 35 yards. 

I'm a small, short-armed person with minimal shotgunning experience. This light, maneuverable, naturally-fitting gun did the trick for me even without ever pointing a barrel at a duck before.

At the range, I practiced skeet shooting with the Yildiz Legacy HP 20 gauge. I thought the 12 gauge was light, but this model was even lighter! After getting the swing of how the clays would launch from the towers, I was consistently hitting targets for the rest of the afternoon. I never found myself thinking too hard about lifting and pointing the gun. Again, the lightness, maneuverability, reliability, and ease of use melted all my anxiety about shooting in front of a small audience away. Instead of being nervous, I felt like a confident shooter with the Yildiz in my hands.

Academy's ATA Arms NeoX Inertia Shotgun

Plenty of hunters have never even heard of ATA Arms, but that's hopefully becoming less true as they emerge in the market. They're a well-known gun manufacturer based in Turkey—they even manufacture Weatherby's popular Orion 20 gauge. In addition to Weatherby, they make Academy's ATA Arms NeoX shotgun. With a manufacturer like this, you know you're getting a good product. Again, Academy's ability to offer their customers a solid gun at an affordable price shines, as the NeoX retails for $499.

The NeoX shotgun comes in black or Realtree Max-7 Camo Pattern. It's available only in 12 gauge and features a 28-inch barrel. The action fits three-inch shotshells, making it an excellent option for serious bird hunting. The NeoX's polymer stock keeps the gun's weight down and the rubber inlays keep your grip nice and tight. Just like the Yildiz, the NeoX has a fiber optic front sight and a mid-bead rear sight. It also comes with the same five choke tubes.

Although I didn't get a chance to shoot this shotgun in the duck blind, I was able to use it at the range. I also watched some expert waterfowlers whack both ducks and clays with this 12 gauge. In terms of long-barreled shotguns, the weight was incredibly light, and I was able to swing it with ease. Because of the rubber inlays and robust recoil pad, the kick was very manageable for a lightweight, long-barreled, large-gauge gun. Plus, the rubber inlay on the cheek pad kept my sweaty face from sliding all over the stock in the 90-degree Texas heat. Watching others shoot intuitively and drop both birds and clays with the NeoX was an exciting teachable moment for me, too. For both new hunters and shooters and those with years of experience, the ATA Arms NeoX 12 gauge is a fantastic affordable option to add to a gun safe.

Academy has done something special with its shotgun line; competitors just can't match the value of the Yildiz and ATA shotguns they offer their customers. Each gun is reliable, effective, and easy to use even in the hands of a new shooter. Add in the wallet-friendliness to these shotgun lines and you've got a deal no one can beat. If you're looking to start duck hunting, goose hunting, upland hunting, or just want to shoot skeet with your friends, check out Academy's Yildiz and ATA Arms shotguns. You'll be downing birds and clays in no time.

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