I know Im a little snooty when it comes to shotguns. But darned if the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7, a sub-$550 semi-auto shotgun, won me over and quickly. Simply put, this might be the best value in shotguns today, shoot maybe ever.

　　So before I get into why I find the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 so freaking good, here is a little background about me. I love some target shooting and was even a junior state champion skeet shooter way back in the 1900s. But today, I mostly shoot a couple of rounds of sporting clays a year between chasing pheasants, grouse, and other upland birds behind my German shorthaired pointer.

　　I love the heck out of beautiful shotguns. Theres something sublime about a nice Browning over-under in 20 gauge while walking across a rambling wheat field in South Dakota. Those walnut stocks and intricate scrollwork gleam and shine and cost so much. I love them and justify the cost with the joy they bring.

　　The ATA NEO X Max-7 has very effective camouflage; (photo/Sean McCoy) But after testing this shotgun, Id contend they wont kill any more birds than this affordable and reliable ATA that just joined my quiver. And if youre a hunter on a budget needing a first, versatile shotgun or just want to add a very nice shooter to your arsenal, read on. This ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 is a shooter.

　　In short: The ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 is an excellent semi-automatic shotgun that punches way above its price range. With an inertia-driven reloading system, excellent swing feel and balance, nice trigger, and tough camouflage coating, this gun will break targets and drop birds in the field reliably and leave lots of money in your pocket.

　　Shopping around? Check out my guide to the Best Shotguns for Any Budget.

　　ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 Check Price at Academy Sports

　　Specs Gauge: 12 (tested), 20, 20 youth Action: Inertia-driven semi-auto, 5-round capacity Barrel length: 28 inches Chamber length: 3 inches Choke: Interchangeable; includes F, IM, M, IC, SK Pros Light Reliable inertia-driven semi-auto Change chokes with no tools Points and swings intuitively Cons Lacks fine finish of higher price shotguns Sean McCoy ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 Review Lets talk price because, hot damn, this is one affordable shotgun! At the time of writing, the ATA NEO X Max-7 sells for $530 at Academy Sports. That, my friends, is not much money for a very nice-shooting 12-gauge shotgun. If youre new to hunting and want one shotgun for anything, this is hard to beat.

　　The ATA Arms NEOX runs on an inertia-driven semi-automatic system. If youre familiar with the Benelli Super Black Eagle, the similarities and handling are hard to ignore. Given that the SBE sells for around $2,000, the NEO X Max-7 suddenly becomes very compelling.

　　The large bolt, trigger, and receiver on the ATA NEO X Max-7; (photo/Sean McCoy) The NEO X Max-7 is a very modern-feeling shotgun. It has a large bolt handle and release button and a wide magazine port, making it very easy to run with gloves on. The large safety catch is behind the trigger guard, which is not my favorite position but is entirely usable and safe.

　　The synthetic stock snaps quickly and accurately to my cheek. The gun fit me out of the box, although it comes with shims for adjustment. The vented, stepped rib barrel with a mid-bead and red fiber optic front sight provides an intuitive sight picture.

　　Ive tested the NEO X Max-7 shotgun for about 2 months so far this fall. And Ill admit I was hesitant at first. Ive heard mixed reviews of Turkish shotguns, so came into this with a healthy dose of skepticism.

　　After a couple of rounds of trap and 2 weeks of upland bird hunting, that skepticism is gone. Im not that practiced a trap shooter, but I managed an 18 on my first round with the ATA NEO X Max-7, having not shot a round of trap in at least 2 years. So, I felt pretty confident that I could hit some birds with it when I got into the field.

　　ATA Neo X Max-7 has a wide loading port and large bolt lever; (photo/Sean McCoy) The next test came in Minnesota when I joined onX Hunt for a few days of grouse hunting. Lets say my percentage wasnt as good, but after a few total whiffs, I went three for three on my last day. I missed a rooster on a short outing in Nebraska on my way home. Then, I redeemed myself and dropped a nice rooster on my only shot during the Colorado pheasant opener. The gun works and works well. The operator was questionable.

　　ATA Arms NEO X: A Versatile, High-Value Shotgun This is an early review for me. Ive only put a few boxes of shells through the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7, and things may change. Ill update the review as I hunt and shoot more with this shotgun over the coming months and years.

　　But for now, Im smitten with this shotgun. It is light enough to comfortably carry it through long days in grouse or pheasant cover. It swings great, leading to accurate shooting. And it comes up fast and easily.

　　It comes with five chokes — F, IM, M, IC, and SK. This is usually reserved for much more expensive shotguns and brings huge value. I havent patterned it yet, but I will update this review when I do before turkey season.

　　The ATA NEO X Max-7 made for a very effective grouse gun; (photo/Sean McCoy) It operates easily and reliably. Ive had no jams or misfeeds, even with light target rounds. Heavy hunting rounds cycle fast and with authority. Its worth noting that the NEO X shoots 2¾ or 3 rounds. It does not shoot 3½ shells. This, to me, is totally fine.

　　I do have a 3½-inch Benelli Nova, and honestly, I never shoot those cannon shells. If I need more reach or power, I just shift to tungsten. With modern ammo, many hunters are shifting to 20 gauge and even 28 gauge and .410. So, I dont really see a downside to 3 chambers.

　　The camo on this model looks good and blends in well with many types of vegetation. Im impressed with the toughness of the camo coating, too. It shows no signs of scratching or scuffing even after 3 days of plowing through thick aspens while grouse hunting.

　　All in all, the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 reviewed with few downsides when compared with vastly more expensive shotguns. If youre looking for a 12-gauge semi-auto shotgun, to me, its a no-brainer. No, you wont impress anyone with the name.

　　But if you just want to hammer targets and birds on a budget, this is a fantastic shotgun. Grab one. Go drag it through the mud and aspens and cattails and report back. My guess is youll have one fine story of a shotgun that does the job and leaves lots of money in the bank for ammo, licenses, and fuel. Whats not to like?

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　　Check Price at Academy Sports Sean McCoy