I do know I’m somewhat snooty with regards to shotguns. However darned if the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7, a sub-$550 semi-auto shotgun, gained me over and rapidly. Merely put, this is perhaps the very best worth in shotguns at this time, shoot perhaps ever.
So earlier than I get into why I discover the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 so freaking good, here’s a little background about me. I really like some goal capturing and was even a junior state champion skeet shooter manner again within the 1900s. However at this time, I principally shoot a few rounds of sporting clays a 12 months between chasing pheasants, grouse, and different upland birds behind my German shorthaired pointer.
I really like the heck out of gorgeous shotguns. There’s one thing elegant a couple of good Browning over-under in 20 gauge whereas strolling throughout a rambling wheat discipline in South Dakota. These walnut shares and complex scrollwork gleam and shine and value a lot. I really like them and justify the price with the enjoyment they bring about.
The ATA NEO X Max-7 has very efficient camouflage; (photograph/Sean McCoy)
However after testing this shotgun, I’d contend they gained’t kill any extra birds than this reasonably priced and dependable ATA that simply joined my quiver. And in case you’re a hunter on a price range needing a primary, versatile shotgun or simply wish to add a really good shooter to your arsenal, learn on. This ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 is a shooter.
In brief: The ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 is a wonderful semi-automatic shotgun that punches manner above its worth vary. With an inertia-driven reloading system, glorious swing really feel and steadiness, good set off, and difficult camouflage coating, this gun will break targets and drop birds within the discipline reliably and go away plenty of cash in your pocket.
Purchasing round? Try my information to the Greatest Shotguns for Any Finances.
Mild
Dependable inertia-driven semi-auto
Change chokes with no instruments
Factors and swings intuitively
Lacks superb end of upper worth shotguns
Sean McCoy
ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 Evaluation
Let’s discuss worth as a result of, scorching rattling, that is one reasonably priced shotgun! On the time of writing, the ATA NEO X Max-7 sells for $530 at Academy Sports activities. That, my pals, is just not a lot cash for a really nice-shooting 12-gauge shotgun. Should you’re new to looking and wish one shotgun for something, that is laborious to beat.
The ATA Arms NEOX runs on an inertia-driven semi-automatic system. Should you’re aware of the Benelli Tremendous Black Eagle, the similarities and dealing with are laborious to disregard. On condition that the SBE sells for round $2,000, the NEO X Max-7 immediately turns into very compelling.
The big bolt, set off, and receiver on the ATA NEO X Max-7; (photograph/Sean McCoy)
The NEO X Max-7 is a really modern-feeling shotgun. It has a big bolt deal with and launch button and a large journal port, making it very straightforward to run with gloves on. The big security catch is behind the set off guard, which isn’t my favourite place however is completely usable and secure.
The artificial inventory snaps rapidly and precisely to my cheek. The gun match me out of the field, though it comes with shims for adjustment. The vented, stepped rib barrel with a mid-bead and crimson fiber optic entrance sight supplies an intuitive sight image.
I’ve examined the NEO X Max-7 shotgun for about 2 months to this point this fall. And I’ll admit I used to be hesitant at first. I’ve heard combined critiques of Turkish shotguns, so got here into this with a wholesome dose of skepticism.
After a few rounds of lure and a pair of weeks of upland chicken looking, that skepticism is gone. I’m not that practiced a lure shooter, however I managed an 18 on my first spherical with the ATA NEO X Max-7, having not shot a spherical of lure in a minimum of 2 years. So, I felt fairly assured that I might hit some birds with it once I bought into the sector.
ATA Neo X Max-7 has a large loading port and huge bolt lever; (photograph/Sean McCoy)
The subsequent check got here in Minnesota once I joined onX Hunt for a couple of days of grouse looking. Let’s say my proportion wasn’t pretty much as good, however after a couple of whole whiffs, I went three for 3 on my final day. I missed a rooster on a brief outing in Nebraska on my manner dwelling. Then, I redeemed myself and dropped a pleasant rooster on my solely shot in the course of the Colorado pheasant opener. The gun works and works nicely. The operator was questionable.
ATA Arms NEO X: A Versatile, Excessive-Worth Shotgun
That is an early overview for me. I’ve solely put a couple of packing containers of shells by way of the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7, and issues could change. I’ll replace the overview as I hunt and shoot extra with this shotgun over the approaching months and years.
However for now, I’m smitten with this shotgun. It’s gentle sufficient to comfortably carry it by way of lengthy days in grouse or pheasant cowl. It swings nice, resulting in correct capturing. And it comes up quick and simply.
It comes with 5 chokes — F, IM, M, IC, and SK. That is often reserved for far more costly shotguns and brings big worth. I haven’t patterned it but, however I’ll replace this overview once I do earlier than turkey season.
The ATA NEO X Max-7 made for a really efficient grouse gun; (photograph/Sean McCoy)
It operates simply and reliably. I’ve had no jams or misfeeds, even with gentle goal rounds. Heavy looking rounds cycle quick and with authority. It’s value noting that the NEO X shoots 2¾” or 3″ rounds. It doesn’t shoot 3½” shells. This, to me, is completely superb.
I do have a 3½-inch Benelli Nova, and truthfully, I by no means shoot these cannon shells. If I want extra attain or energy, I simply shift to tungsten. With trendy ammo, many hunters are shifting to twenty gauge and even 28 gauge and .410. So, I don’t actually see a draw back to three″ chambers.
The camo on this mannequin appears good and blends in nicely with many varieties of vegetation. I’m impressed with the toughness of the camo coating, too. It exhibits no indicators of scratching or scuffing even after 3 days of plowing by way of thick aspens whereas grouse looking.
All in all, the ATA Arms NEO X Max-7 reviewed with few downsides when put next with vastly costlier shotguns. Should you’re in search of a 12-gauge semi-auto shotgun, to me, it’s a no brainer. No, you gained’t impress anybody with the title.
However in case you simply wish to hammer targets and birds on a price range, it is a unbelievable shotgun. Seize one. Go drag it by way of the mud and aspens and cattails and report again. My guess is you’ll have one superb story of a shotgun that does the job and leaves plenty of cash within the financial institution for ammo, licenses, and gasoline. What’s to not like?
