Tough, reliable and long-lived - shown by the fact that some guns in hard use for over 30 years are still going strong

Remington launched their iconic Model 1100 shotgun in 1963 – sparking a strong spirit of competition in Beretta, who determined to win some of their previous glory back. Two years later Beretta introduced the A300, the first of a collection of guns that continued to raise the bar and improve as the years rolled by.

Beretta carried on producing the popular A300 until the late 1970s, when the first multichoke – the A301 – took over.

Tolerant of light loads

The early 1980s saw the arrival of the A302 and the A303 (the first range to include a Sporter) following shortly afterwards. Then came the A304, to be followed by the A390 – the first to incorporate a really efficient gas valve which made it more tolerant of light loads. Then in 1999 Beretta launched the A391.

Popular variants include the Urika, Teknys and the slightly different, beefed-up Xtrema. Some models bear the prefix AL.

Beretta developed the Xtrema into the A400. This shotgun has a gas system and 3.½in chambers which Beretta claim will handle all loads from 24g to 64g.

Most of the guns are right-handed 12-bores, but some models are available in left-handed format, and there are also 20-bores. Some late model guns are available with synthetic stocks and/or camouflage finish.

Many guns come in different versions for different disciplines.

Magazine capacity

All of the guns imported into the UK before 1989 were five-shot (four in the magazine tube and one in the chamber). After a change in British legislation the factory began to produce three-shot guns for the UK market.

The majority of guns already in UK ownership had their magazine tubes crimped by gunsmiths to limit the total number of shots to three. If you are buying a pre-1989 gun, or any other imported as a five-shot, on a shotgun certificate, the magazine tube must be restricted and must have a Proof House stamp verifying the restriction. You can only hold a semi-auto which will fire more than three shots on a Firearms Certificate.

Beretta semi-autos all sport reliable trigger mechanisms made from durable material

Ammunition tolerance

Guns without adjustable gas valves were usually made to cycle the 32g (1.1/8oz) cartridges. At the time these were the standard norm for clay and field shooting. Many which would not cycle 28g (1oz) cartridges were modified to do so by gunsmiths – usually by opening out the gas ports in the barrels. My advice would be that if you are buying an early gun, try it out with your favourite cartridge before you buy.

Gun fit

Late-model guns are supplied with shims which alter the comb height.  A good second-hand gun will have the original shims with it, but if it doesn’t, the importers should be able to help.

How do Beretta semi-autos work?

Beretta semi-autos are gas fed. As the wad and shot travel up the barrel small ports in the tube allow high-pressure gas to flow into a cylinder and piston assembly inside the fore end. The piston is connected by rods to the mechanism within the receiver, and as it moves to the rear it first unlocks the bolt, then moves it backwards. An extractor claw on the bolt face withdraws the spent case until it is clear of the chamber, and a mechanism then flips it sideways and ejects it through the loading port.

As the bolt moves back it re-cocks the hammer for a second shot, while a fresh cartridge is lifted from the magazine tube and placed in front of the bolt. The bolt then moves forwards under the pressure of a spring, chambering the new cartridge. With the cartridge fully home, the bolt locks and the second shot can be fired.

A choice of fixed or multi-choke models.

What can you expect to pay for a Beretta second-hand semi-auto?

Buy new and you can expect to pay from £1,390 for the Urika 2 series, £1,420 for the A400 series and £1,490 for the A391 series. These are importer’s recommended prices, and most retailers sell them more cheaply than that.

These guns hold their second-hand values reliably. A301s and A302s are on the market for £300 to £400, and good A303s are generally around the £450 mark. A391 series guns are generally £600-plus, and a good Xtrema model can be well over £900.

Importer: GMK

Looking for a second-hand Beretta semi-auto shotgun? Visit our Marketplace

A rimfire rifle from Ceská Zbrojovka that can change calibres from .22 LR to .22 WMR and the ever-popular .17 HMR as well

You can now shoot the tried and tested CZ action with hammer-forged barrel, but with the extra advantage that a silenced .22 LR rabbit gun can be changed into a flat-shooting .17 HMR rifle for fox control.

The thumbhole-laminated sporter

I had the thumbhole-laminated CZ455 sporter in .17 HMR for testing. The barrel can be removed and the trigger is a single stage unit with a lighter overall trigger pull. The barrel length on this model is 20in, although a 16in-version is also available, making it a very handy short vermin gun, even with a sound moderator fitted.

Barrel, action and finish

On the outside, the action is well-engineered and proportioned for rimfire cartridge use and has a reputation for accuracy and reliability.

Unde the skin of the steel action lies a totally different barrel attachment arrangement that allows the barrel to be exchanged for a differing calibre while still retaining the accuracy.

CZ customers have been asking for a barrel- change facility and the CZ 455 .17 HMR  should rival the Sako Quad in this respect.

The barrel is a trim 20in, although a 16in would be a better choice, even for the .17 HMR calibre.

This is a varmint rifle, so the barrel is profiled with a muzzle diameter of 0.865in and an almost straight taper. This does not however unbalance the gun. The muzzle end of the barrel is choked inside to ensure the best possible accuracy; even the 16in is choked and not just a shortened 20-in barrel.

CZ has made sure of a secure fixture that uses twin grub screws that lock into the bottom of the action at an angle.

With the barrel removed there are corresponding twin-milled faces that those two grub screws tighten against when the barrel is inserted. The headspace is maintained by a recessed milled slot to the barrel facing off the front of the action.

Trigger, safety and magazine

The trigger has undergone a makeover. The set trigger from the 453 has gone and the single-stage unit has been tuned to give a better and lighter trigger pull.

Listed at 2lb pull, I measured 2.5lb. This is quite acceptable and there is almost no creep, only a precise let-off with a positive lock time to maximise accuracy.

The bent metal trigger-guard is secured to the action via only two screws that balance the wood to metal fixture more evenly, and these screws have Torx heads.

The safety is the wing-type lever on the rear bolt shroud which, when it is at right angles to the bolt, is in the fire mode, pushing it forward makes the rifle safe.

The CZ 455 comes with a plastic five-shot magazine as standard and an optional 10-shot version. The .17 HMR magazine fits the .22 WMR. A separate mag is needed for a .22 LR option if you fit that barrel, and this also comes with an adapter to fit in the magazine neatly to ensure perfect feeding.

I am a big fan of the thumbhole stock

The simple lever catch located in front of the magazine well allows the magazine to pop out far enough for it to be grasped and removed without fuss.

Stock

I am a big fan of the thumbhole stock, and not just for its looks. I also like the added strength to the top of the stock around the pistol grip.

On a sporting arm such as this, the laminated wood option is very practical. Layers of wood are glued together, with the glued layers forming an impervious barrier to moisture. Moisture can warp a good stock and this in turn can ruin your accuracy and the consistency of group sizes.

The pistol grip and thumbhole are very generous and give a good hold; the same goes for the fore-end. I did find the lacquered finish to be a bit shiny so some form of chequering or stippling would be of help.

The raised cheekpiece is almost straight, raising the comb well for scope use and the solid black rubber recoil pad is very grippy.

Accuracy and targets

With all loads tested the accuracy was excellent. This however is something that has come be expected from CZ rifles. I also fitted the LEI .17 HMR sound moderator, which is an astonishingly quiet moderator for its size and adds very little length to your rifle.

The Hornady, Winchester, Federal and Remington all shoot the Hornady 17g V-Max bullet and all shot very similar velocities of around 2,550fps. Accuracy on all was similar.

At 50 yards the best came from the Federals, with 0.65in groups and at 100 yards just under an inch.

If you’re after foxes, the 20g GamePoint from CCI is a good bet, and velocities of 2,426fps gave a healthy energy figure of 261ft/lb which was the highest tested. Group sizes were remarkable at 50 yards, almost a single enlarged hole of 0.45in. That was repeated consistently and at 100 yards no more than 0.75in.

Every rifles has its own ammunition preference

Every rifle is different when it comes to ammunition and when you get the right choice, both rifle and ammunition will sing beautifully together.

The more ‘eco-friendly’ bullet loading from Hornady is the sintered copper-jacketed bullet called NTX. These weigh 15.5g. However they still shoot velocities similar to the heavier 17g V-Maxes, giving 2,550fps and 224ft/lb.

Accuracy was very good at 50 yards. Five shots were grouped into 0.55in and at 100 yards 0.95in were consistently printed.

Reproducing the accuracy and point of impact is vital when exchanging and replacing the barrels. I shot five NTX bullets at 100 yards, then removed the .17 HMR barrel and refitted and shot five more.

The result was one nice 10-shot group of 1.2in, so less than 0.3in deviation from the initial results.

The Sako A7 incorporates the barrelled action from a Sako rifle, and adds to it Tikka' s stock styling, with a few twists, such as the soft-touch synthetic stock finish, standard Weaver scope mounts and a new magazine that can be loaded into the rifle from the top or separately.

I’ve always thought it would be good to have a rifle that combines the standard and price of the Tikka T3, with the advanced features of the Sako range. That is just what the Sako A7 does.

It incorporates the barrelled action from a Sako rifle, and adds to it Tikka’s stock styling, with a few twists, such as the soft-touch synthetic stock finish, standard Weaver scope mounts and a new magazine that can be loaded into the rifle from the top or separately.

The 20in barrel version on test comes threaded and is available in a variety of cartridges, from .22-250 to .300 Win Mag.

Two action lengths

For maximum corrosion resistance you can choose the Sako A7 in stainless steel. There is also a blued finish coated to repel bad weather and wear and tear.

The A7 is available with two action lengths. A short action for .22-250 to .338 Federal loads as well as both .270 Short Magnums and .300 Win Short Magnums. A medium action is available for .25-06 to .30-06 loads in addition to the Magnums, such as 7mm Rem Mag and 300 Win Mag.

The rifle I tested had the .243 short action, which uses Sako’s three-lugged bolt locking system. This allows a short bolt lift to open. The bolt operates smoothly with a straight profiled handle.

A single extractor grips the spent case and the plunger ejects it forcefully.

On the Sako A7 a separate recoil lug is sited in the stock system. Although this works well I prefer the lug attached to the receiver ring.

Sako has opted for the Weaver picatinny mounting system to make the scope mounting options more universal. So observers will note the lack of trademark tapered dovetails.

It is a beneficial move as it allows a wider range of mounts to be fitted. OptiLocks are also available for Weaver mounts.

Barrel and sights

The Sako A7 is available with Sporter profile barrels.

The Magnum calibres have a Metric M15x1 thread, while the standard calibres have the M14x1 thread.

The barrels are made using the traditional method of cold-hammer forging, and the rifling twist on this .243 rifle was one-in-10in, which allowed the use of all the bullet weights available.

The stainless steel finish is muted to reduce reflections, and it is free-floated along the length of the fore-end stock section, with a small support midway along.

Accuracy and load

I shot a variety of bullet weights in the factory loads because the .243 can be used for vermin as well as deer.

The Winchester 95-gr Ballistic Silvertips shot tight, 1in three-shot groups at 2,864fps for 1,730ft/lb energy just legal for deer in England.

The Norma and RWS loads were equally good at 2,783fps and 2,791fps, generating 1,720ft/lb and 1,730ft/lb respectively.

The RWS shot groups of just under 1in at 100 yards. This is reasonable for a Sporter-weight barrel.

Of the reloads, a good fox load would be the Hornady 75-gr V-Max travelling at 3,208fps, propelled by 45 grains of H4350 powder.

These grouped at just under 1in. The Nosler 95-gr Ballistic Tip is a good fox or deer bullet, and 44 grains of Reloder RL 19 powder gave 2,882fps and 1,756ft/lb of energy for an impressive 0.85in grouping.

The Sierra 100-gr Game King was not far behind at 2,796fps, but the best performance was from the Nosler 100-gr Ballistic Tip bullet, which travelled at 2,845fps, producing 1,798ft/lb and excellent groups of 0.85in at 100 yards.

Stock

The stock on the rifle is impressive. It feels rigid and solid, which adds to success with handling and accuracy. It is also comfortable to use. Although there is no chequering, there is moulding in the raised finger ridges and a dimond pattern helps with grip.

The whole surface is tactile, thanks to a soft-touch coating which is also practical. Stainless steel sling-swivel studs and a 1in black rubber recoil pad finish it off.

Trigger, magazine and safety

Sako are renowned for the quality of their triggers and this one didn’t disappoint either.

You can adjust the trigger with a screw in the trigger housing (this is accessed when the stock is removed) with a pull-weight range from 2lb to 4lb.

On the model I reviewed the factory setting was 2.85lb which worked well for me.

Alternatively a set-trigger unit can be fitted instead, with a superb lightweight trigger pull of 7oz to 9oz.

The safety is the excellent Sako lever type, with an additional plunger to allow the bolt to operate to load or unload the A7 with the safety on. This is another feature I appreciated.

Best of all is the newly designed magazine which offers great versatility when loading.

To detach you gently press it in at the front end while operating the release lever. This stops the magazine popping out by mistake.

The .243 on test held three rounds stacked in a single column.

The magazine can be loaded through the action while the magazine remains in place, which is great if you want a fast top-up and do not have a spare magazine.

Conclusion

The Sako A7 handles like a Tikka, but it has a better stock. The action is true to Sako’s traditions, but the addition of a Weaver mount allows a universal fit for a variety of scope mounts.

The magazine’s dual-action release mechanism is a nice feature but the accuracy impresses most.

Take a look at the velocity figure.

Looking for a clay-shooting gun that's a bit out of the ordinary? Then the Zoli Kronos might be the one for you.

The manufacturer’s name may not be as familiar to you as some. Antonio Zoli SpA are located in a modern factory in Italy’s most famous gun-making area, the Gardone Valley, just outside the city of Brescia. The modern day company was founded in 1945 but Zolis have been making guns here since the 14th century.

Always quality shotguns

Early on the company specialised in replicas of historic muzzle-loaders and manufacturing rifle-shotgun combos. They also double-barrelled and bolt-action rifles but quality shotguns have always been a focus.

Today the factory uses modern engineering and computer technology to produce fine guns – in conjunction with traditional craftmanship.

If you’re wondering why the name is unfamiliar it’s because these guns had a slightly erratic importing history, so were not as well known as they deserved to be. The importing issue is now solved however.

Sporter and trap gun

The Zoli Kronos shotgun comes in sporter and trap versions. You could use the sporter for skeet but it is on the heavy side for regular field shooting. It would be alright in a pigeon hide though. The trap version is suitable for trap disciplines and that’s all.

How it works

Look at it and you’ll think that this is a typical Italian-designed gun, with a compact, low-profile action and with the barrels hinged on stub pins.

Then look into the detail further.

The action itself is a strong, steel forging designed in the English Boss over-and-under tradition. Locking is with a two-pronged bolt which engages with bites in the rear end of the chambers aligned with the centre line of the bottom barrel. There is also a bottom lug below the rear of the chambers which engages with a recess in the action floor. This arrangement ensures a very secure and mechanically efficient lock-up, quite the equal to the systems provided by other top Italian manufacturers such as Beretta and Perazzi.

Ejectors are of the spring-loaded design and activated by rods running through the side-walls of the action.

A one-piece cocking lever is driven by a cam on the fore-end iron. The strikers run in sleeves to ensure a smooth forward movement, and the sleeves feature vent-holes to help get rid of any high-pressure gases that may escape should a primer become punctured at the moment of firing.

Slim action

I was impressed that the designers have managed to keep the action slim when you consider that the gun has a drop-out trigger group.

A broad action can result in one of two issues: either thick wood at the head of the stock to accommodate the width, or thin and fragile wood with a normal-width stock featuring a broad action cut-out.

What about the drop-out trigger group?

It doesn’t just drop out with the simple movement of a button or catch. Removal requires the slackening of a grub screw with the T-headed Allen key supplied with the gun. Whilst this prevents the mechanism dropping out accidentally it’s not convenient either if you want to remove it quickly.

Mind you, you can remove the group easily for maintenance and cleaning and you can  check it every few times you clean the gun. It also means for some shooters the replacement of a tired or broken mainspring could be a relatively simple DIY job. On most other guns such a procedure means the removal of the stock, and other work usually best left to gunsmiths.

The tumblers do not immediately rebound after firing, the firing pins being withdrawn from the fully-forward position by the locking bolt pressing the hammers back when the top lever is opened.

A recoil-driven inertia mechanism transfers the single trigger to the second barrel, and barrel selection is by a rocking switch in the safety thumbpiece, very similar in outward appearance to the mechanism used by Beretta.

The trigger is adjustable for reach, a small grub screw locking it in one of three positions.

The exterior of the action is finished in black, with all of the internal parts brightly polished.

And the barrels?

These are built on the usual monobloc principle, with the two tubes sleeved into a one-piece forging which contains the bites for the locking mechanism.

Material is chrome-moly steel. Thirty and 32-inch tubes are available on both the sporter and trap versions.

The sporter is a multichoke with five tubes provided, while trap versions have fixed chokes of full and 3/4.

The gun I tested was a sporter with ventilated top and side ribs, and a matted top rib tapering from 11mm at the breech to 10mm at the muzzle.

Wood

This was of a generally good quality, with well-figured, tightly-grained walnut treated to a semi-oil finish. The pistol grip on the sporter tested was quite deep and full, with a very slight palm swell.

Stock length on the sporter is 14.¾in, with drops of 1.½ and 2in at heel and toe respectively.

Some shooters may prefer a bit more drop at the heel but adjustments can be made. The standard sporter fore end is of a beavertail design, but not in a broad, trap-shooting style.

Weight

This comes in at around 8lb for the sporter and the trap is about 8½lb. Good weights for guns which may be used to fire over 100 cartridges in a day.

Importer

Edgar Brothers

There are many good-quality, affordable .17HMR rifles from brands such as CZ, Sako and Savage, but top billing must go to Anschutz.

Anschutz is a German manufacturer with an impeccable name for the accuracy of its target rifles. Each is tested at the factory and comes with a certified test target card.

Credit must be given to its in-house barrel making and design. Triggers and stocks are painstakingly manufactured and work together to create a rifle that gives the best modern-day performance, combined with old-world finish and quality.

The 1517 model employs the Model 64 action and has an 18in heavy-profiled barrel, which is screw-cut for a sound moderator. It is also fitted with a walnut thumbhole stock.

Barrel and action

Every rifle in the Anschutz range is offered with shortened barrels, which makes better use of the handling qualities without affecting ballistics.

The model I tested for review has an 18in barrel, with a heavy profile of 0.74in, and it is screw-cut for a 1/2UNF thread sound moderator. The barrel is well-finished internally.

When a moderator is fitted the overall length is only 42in — which is the same as a normal rifle without a moderator.

All machining marks are honed, and the chamber is precision-cut. The rifling has button-rifled lands and is hammer forged, with the standard one-in-8.9in twist for a .17HMR cartridge.

No sights are fitted, but the action has twin 11mm dovetail rails split between the action opening.

If you need a different mount (perhaps to attach a night-vision scope) it is also drilled and tapped for scope bases.

The action is the Model 64, which is a match-grade. However the construction is lighter than its predecessor, the Model 54, which was larger and heavier.

The Model 64 has a 1in-diameter cylindrical tube construction, which ensures integral strength and a large locking area for the bolt.

The bolt cocks on opening and is smooth, travelling only 1.3⁄4in in the action.

The cartridge is manipulated from the magazine to the barrel chamber by two large claw extractors sited at three o’clock and nine o’clock on the bolt face, and it is ejected by two protruding tabs in the action base as the bolt is retracted.

The large bolt handle impressed me. It gives a good grip while the large plastic bolt knob ensures positive cycling of the action.

The overall finish is high-quality traditional total immersion bluing. It looks excellent and will be hardwearing if oiled regularly.

Trigger, safety and magazine

You have a choice of trigger mechanisms — from the single-stage, match-grade version to set triggers.

The model I tested had a precise, single-stage trigger-pull, which is suitable for sporting use. The factory setting is 2.2lb but you can adjust it to 4.41lb. It is incredibly crisp and precise — a contributing factor to the great accuracy of all Anschutz rifles.

The safety is a simple sliding catch. When activated, it blocks the trigger and lifts the trigger sear and bolt release catch. This allows the bolt to be opened in the safe position, so you can unload with the safety on.

A flush-fitting magazine is detachable by moving the release catch forward. It is a bit fiddly but on the plus side you won’t lose the magazine.

Unusually, it is a fourshot unit. Five is more common but I think it was designed this way to ensure that it is flush with the underside of the action.

Accuracy and targets

The only ammunition available is factory made, so I chose five types with 17–gr and 20-gr bullet samples, shooting four-shot groups at 50 and 100 yards.

The accuracy impressed me straightaway.

At 50 yards, shooting from a bench, all the shot groups were touching. I followed up with groups at 100 yards.

The best results came from the CCI 20-gr GamePoint. All its shots grouped into less than 1⁄2in.

For a lighter bullet weight of 17-gr, the Winchester V-Max load (2,533fps and 242ft/lb) gave a healthy 3⁄4in grouping.

Shots from the Remington and Hornady 17-gr loads gave groups of around 1in.

The least impressive accuracy was with the CCI TNT load at around 1.1/4 in at 100 yards, although it produced good velocity.

The accuracy and velocities generated by all the test ammunition proved that short barrels work well.

Stock

I’ve always been a fan of thumbhole stocks on a rimfire. You get better control with one hand which is particularly useful if you’re out lamping and on the move, because your other hand is usually holding onto the vehicle or busy loading.

The thumbhole stock is beautifully proportioned, especially in combination with the short barrel

I liked the colour and grain of the walnut and the stock is well figured all over, with a Tru-Oil finish. A gloved hand will fit comfortably into the thumbhole.

Scope use is comfortable and easy thanks to the nicely raised cheekpiece. Skip-line chequering features on both the pistol grip and the fore-end and there is a thick black ventilated recoil pad.

How the Anschutz 1517 .17 HMR rifle scored

Accuracy 19/20 – The tight shot groups make this the most accurate .17HMR I have tested to date

Handling 18/20 – Shortened barrels make this rifle the ideal length. Combined with its weight, this gives it perfect balance

Trigger 18/20 – Available with a variety of trigger mechanisms, this single-stage version is suitable for sporting use

Stock 18/20 – A well sculptured and nicely finished stock with the additional appeal of a thumbhole

Value 18/20 – This rifle offers numerous features for your money, making it worth every penny

Total 91/100

Conclusion

A premium grade rifle. I particularly liked the thumbhole stock which is perfectly balanced with the overall weight and length of the rifle. The same is true of the trigger.

A shorter barrel is a benefit in any rimfire sporting rifle and means that, once a moderator is fitted, the balance is not lost.

This is a classy rifle that won’t disappoint.

Importer Ruag

In different price brackets from £425 up to £6000 plus, Mike George makes his choice

Target price £425

Lincoln Premier 28-bore

When Sporting Gun first reviewed this gun in 2004, we gave it high praise because it was a bargain-priced gun built on a proper 28-bore action.

Over the years we have seen 20-bores built on 12-bore actions, and rather more 28-bores and .410s built on 20-bore actions. As the barrel centre lines have to be at the same spacing as those of the major bore, the result is that the tubes are far too widely spaced, necessitating deep side ribs and unnecessarily thick metal around the chambers. This results in ugly guns, which may be overweight. When we gave the Lincoln a second look in 2006, the retail price was £795 for the multichoke version, and £725 for the fixed choke, at least £400 cheaper than its nearest rival.

The Lincoln Premier range is still made, but the 28-bore is now built on a 20-bore action. If you want it built on a 28- bore/.410 action, you have to spend around £1,700 on the Jubilee Prestige model.

Lincoln over-and-under shotguns are built in Italy, on typical Italian working principles: shallow actions with the barrels hinged on stub pins, and a low-mounted full-width bolt running along the action floor. The rest of the action is pretty simple with not a lot to go wrong.

More information: Lincoln importers are John Rothery Wholesale, who sell only through the retail trade. See the 2015 range at Bisley

Target price £2,000+

Arrieta Crown 16-bore round action

 

Sixteen-bore guns are not as popular as they once were in the UK, although they seem to be a bit more in vogue in mainland Europe. Critics in Britain may well say they fill a non-existent gap between 12 and 20-bores, but they, nevertheless, make a pleasant, lightweight game gun ideal for walked-up days.

A 16-bore side-by-side can also be very elegant – just like the Spanish built Arrieta Crown round action. It is a sidelock with a straight-hand stock and a splinter fore-end, very much in the English tradition, and the fixed chokes are 1⁄4 and 1⁄2 – another plus because many continental gunmakers do tend to over-choke their field shooting barrels. Price is another incentive to consider with this gun. I don’t know what you think an elegant, round-action sidelock game gun ought to cost, but under £5,000 for a new gun seems like a very reasonable deal. There are many used examples on the market – admittedly mainly 12-bores and not all round actions – for around the £2,000 mark.

Technically, the guns owe much to the classic Holland & Holland design, with locks powered by large v-springs mounted ahead of the hammers and Southgate type ejectors. Other classic touches include the disc-set firing pins, and neatly engraved lock plates finished with colour hardening.

The straight-hand stock, a necessity as the gun has double triggers, and the fore-end are well figured. The stock is 15in, and drops are 11⁄2 and 21⁄2in at comb and heel respectively.

More information: Arrieta does not have an exclusive importer, but E.J.Churchill stocks them.

Target price £6,000+

Krieghoff K20

The city of Ulm, on the banks of the Danube in the south of Germany, has three main claims to fame: it is the birthplace of Albert Einstein, it boasts the tallest church spire in the world, and – most important of all to us – it is the home of the famous Krieghoff shotgun.

Krieghoffs are best known as competition guns. Typified by the K80, which has been in continuous production since the late 1950s. However, there are field versions, too, and a 20-bore
in the shape of the K20, which has been made for the past 15 years.

Both the K80 and the K20 are unusual in that they have a bolting system unique to shotguns currently on the market, although not unique historically. The system of a sliding hood which runs forward when the gun is closed to trap the breech ends of the barrels, was used on the late lamented Remington 3200, and its predecessor, the Model 32, which came out in 1932.

Apart from its bolting system, the mechanism is relatively conventional for a shallow-actioned boxlock with barrels hinged on stub pins. However, all the parts are very finely made and finished, and there is a big choice of engraving patterns and themes.

Trigger pulls are notably crisp, and there are so many options, including woodwork quality, that, when buying new, you can pretty well design your own gun with any refinement you can think of – if your pockets are deep enough.

The gun illustrated is a Sporter, and it weighs 73⁄4lb, which is a bit overweight for field shooting and generally considered ideal for a 12-bore Sporter, but there are lighter models. On the second-hand market you do have to watch the specification because the gun may represent the original owner’s ideal, which might not be yours.

More information: From the UK importer, Alan Rhone, tel 01978 660001, or visit Krieghoff 

 

 

 

 

 

Entry-level Bettinsoli shotguns were once viewed as inexpensive, cheap and cheerful knockabout guns that were plainly designed and plain to look at. But now it's all changed thanks to a rethink by the Italian manufacturers says Jason Harris

The Italians realised that if they were to remain competitive they needed to redesign their offering and invest in some up to date machine tooling. The decision has paid off.

Today’s ‘entry-level’ Bettinsoli Diamond Line shows how far matters have improved.

Excellent turn-around

In fact the turn-around is quite amazing – the new guns are extremely well-finished, well-built and reliable.

Perhaps better still, they’re still as reasonably priced as before.

The gun’s weight is a comfortable 7lb 10oz. So it is light enough to take out into the field, but heavy enough for clayshooting.

The gun I’ve been investigating is the 30in version. However a 28in option is available if you prefer something shorter. Both shotguns are chambered for 3in (75mm) chambers, proofed for special steel shot and fitted with a 10mm ventilated top rib.

The side ribs have also been ventilated to maximise cooling and keep weight in check.

A fairly traditional pattern

The mechanism of the Bettinsoli Diamond Line follows a fairly traditional pattern with hammers pivoting from the trigger plate and the sears suspended from above. Both hammer springs are held captive on guide rods to ensure they rebound and prevent the firing pin dragging on the primer when the gun is opened after firing.

The gun is supplied ex-factory with a manual safe system. However if you preferred you could have this converted by a gunsmith to auto-safe.

This Sporter has been fitted with a single trigger that selects first barrel by the movement of the safety catch through a gate.

Selection of the second barrel is made through inertia from the first shot being fired.

Game scene engraving

On the action frame there is an attractive and full covering engraving of a game scene, featuring pheasant, duck and woodcock embellished with a stylish gold line following the pattern.

The action frame and all furniture have been treated to a silver finish and the top lever has been pierced for decoration.

I was pleased to see that makers have not scrimped on the gun stock, which is made from good quality wood with a reasonable amount of figure.

Stock length

Stock length is 14½in (which includes a ½in recoil pad). Many would find this a little short but other sizes of pad can be bought to fine tune the stock length if required.

There are three variants available – two of which come supplied with the gun.

Drops at comb and heel are 1½in and 2¼in respectively and the stock has been given a slight right hand cast at heel.

Each gun comes in a useful ABS gun case with five chokes and an extra recoil pad to adjust length of pull. There is also a small screwdriver to change the pad.

Our reviewer’s verdict

The price tag of £825 represents excellent value for money. This is an excellent entry level gun for many shooters.

Build Quality 8

Handling 8

Styling 8

Value for money 9

Importers Ruag

Many shooters are wary of light, aluminium guns, but they shouldn't be, says Mike George

Mike George picks out his recommendations for secondhand aluminium guns.

Bettinsoli Crypto Lite

Bettinsoli are well respected as makers of entry-level guns, and a new Crypto Lite (now known as the Crypto Extra Lux Lite) comes in at just over £1,200. The gun pictured is last year’s model, weighing 6lb 5oz. The gun achieves its light weight by utilising an aluminium alloy action body. For slightly less money you can buy a heavier, steel-actioned version.

Many shooters are wary of guns with aluminium alloy actions, thinking the aluminium is soft. Pure aluminium is soft, but introduce other metals into the mix and reinforce the action face to prevent scuffing (aluminium can “pick up” on steel) when the gun is opened and closed, and the criticism becomes invalid.

So what’s the gun got going for it other than light weight? It has the advantage of simple, proven mechanical features, with hammers pivoted from the trigger plate and sears hanging from the top strap.

In many ways it is a typical Italian designed gun but one interesting feature is the extra long forcing cones in the chromium lined barrel bores. The gun is a multichoke, with five tubes supplied in a plastic case.

Call importers RUAG on 01579 362319, or visit www.ruag.co.uk

Verney-Carron Sagittaire

The town of Saint-Étienne in eastern central France is one of the world’s famous armaments centres. Its gunsmiths armed the revolutionary French in their fight against the royal families of Europe (including their own) and supplied countless thousands of guns to the armies of Napoleon.

Today the town is the home of several makers of sporting arms, among them Verney-Carron. This company makes shotguns of all types, and double rifles, as well as bolt actions. All of their products have a certain French flair, which unfortunately doesn’t always appeal to British sportsmen.

The design of the Sagittaire goes back to the 1960s, when a 12bore version was made with a steel action. Nowadays redesigned lightweight guns in 12and 20bore are made with aluminium alloy actions. The 12bore weighs just 6lb, but features 3in magnum chambers and steel shot proof. Only shooters who are either very tough, or masochistic, would want to fire magnum shells through such a light gun, but it can be done…

The mechanism within the action is unlike anything else, but it works and seems to be reliable. And the bolt is a twopronged component, with the barrel set hinged on stub pins, similar to the principles employed by Beretta.

It has to said that the gun is a little unusual in both operating principles and stock dimensions, but then many items made in France are strange by British standards. Anyone who ever drove a Citroën DS21 in the 1960s will know exactly what I mean, and stocks can always be altered.

Call importers Garlands of Edingale on 01827 383300, or visit www.garlands.uk.com.

Verney-Carron Sagittaire

Beretta Ultralight

The current version, the Ultralight Classic, weighs 6lb 3oz according to the importer’s website, but that could well be for the multichoke version. Personally I would prefer the fixed-choke version, which has a recommended retail price for a new gun of £1,900 against £2,075 for the gun with multichokes. Most gun dealers will undercut these prices.

So why do I recommend a target second-hand price of £1,400? Basically because I think this gun is the best of the bunch by a small margin, and if I were buying one I would like a gun in first-class condition. I wouldn’t worry too much about age — most guns will have been bought for walked-up shooting so they won’t have fired huge numbers of cartridges.

Like the others, the Ultralight has an aluminium alloy action block, in this case reinforced around the firing pin holes with a titanium insert. Aluminium is less than half the weight of steel, so the Beretta engineers have added to the action’s strength by making it fractionally wider than its steel counterpart.

The barrels, sensibly, have 70mm (2¾in) chambers, so Beretta must assume that owners won’t be looking to punish themselves with magnum loads through such a light gun. Stock dimensions are typical Beretta, so they should suit the majority of shooters without drastic modification.

These points apart, the gun is mechanically similar to the rest of the extensive 600 series, which means the operating principles and materials are time proven and reliable, and, if anything does go wrong, spares are easily available through a long established importer.

Call importers GMK of Fareham on 01489 579999, or visit www.gmk.co.uk.

This meaty side-by-side Baikal MP-221 .45-70 double rifle isn’t elegant, but it’s accurate and easy handling - perfect for boar

Baikal is one of the few manufacturers to have provided British shooters with inexpensive yet sturdy rifles for a good few years.

The guns may be built like a T34 tank — most Russian guns are — but you have to admire their longevity, even if they lack a little visual finesse.

Renewed interest in boar shooting

With the interest in boar shooting in this country growing, however, one model from the Baikal line imported by York Guns caught my eye.

It is an attractive-looking double rifle with side-by-side barrels and in a perfect boar calibre, the US’s venerable .45-70.

As you can imagine, the Baikal MP-221 model is over-engineered in all departments — i.e. plenty of meat around the chambering and action and therefore you can load this .45-70 to good velocities that older vintage lever guns would never take safely.

It’s a short rifle, fast-handling — albeit a bit rough around the edges — which is enormous fun to shoot and for a close-quarter double rifle, at just £975 it is also a real bargain.

Stock and fore-end

The stock is walnut, though very pale despite some staining. It is functional, however, and finished in a light, clear lacquer. The rifle has a splinter-type fore-end, which is 8.5in long and 2in wide, but very shallow in draft.

The lock-up is precise, though, as with the pistol grip area, the chequering is cut not pressed and a little crude. It certainly bites or grips the hand when the Baikal is shot.

The stock can be shot from either shoulder as it has no cheekpiece and a low comb for open sight use, and little or no cast. I did find it a little short for me, my right thumb under recoil was a bit close to my nose on occasions.

The ventilated .75in recoil pad is welcome, and because of the general short length and weight, the MP-221 handles well.

Barrel, action and finish

The finish was blued steel, which was to be expected, and was satisfyingly even, as was the action with the name Baikal MP-221 and “Made in Russia” etched into the bottom plate. The action is solid with a flat, plain blued finish to the sides.

The barrels are also substantial: the chambers have 6mm thick walls and the barrels run separately along their length until the muzzle collar.

Here the right barrel sits free to move — at 8.75in down the barrel, on the underside, is an adjustment wheel that allows regulation or barrel tuning to occur.

You rotate the wheel through a mild steel covering rib to shield the barrel join, which in turn adjusts a wedge system to move the right barrel in relation to the left barrel, thereby coinciding shots at a range that you want.

The sights are elegantly simple, too — the foresight is a basic ramp and truncated post which looks as though it can be shortened to suit your needs, and the rearsight is dovetailed into the 7in-long quarter rib with a single screw to tighten and adjust for windage and rear facing notch-aiming blade.

The sights come up very quickly, but I also fitted an excellent Sightmark Holo/Reflex sight that gives a four reticule “floating” aim mark that suits the Baikal very well and is an accurate sight system for fast-moving game.

Trigger and safety

The safety automatically sets as the locking lever is operated and moves backward to show a small steel bead.

This disappears when the safety is slid forward and the rifle now becomes live and ready to fire. The Baikal has a double trigger mechanism — the length of pull is 14.25in for the front blade and 13.25in for the rear.

I thought that the rigger-pull and weight was a bit creepy and heavy at 7.5lb. However when the rifle is shouldered and a target engaged, you hardly notice it, and repositioning the firing finger between both trigger-blades is soon instinctive.

Accuracy and targets

Getting any double rifle to group accurately and together for both barrels can be tricky, and this is why doubles come regulated for a particular load. I had no such load, but tried a few factory loads and some jacketed and lead bullet reloads.

The factory loads were loaded to low lever action pressures so velocities were sedate but manageable.

The Remingtons shot 1,733fps for 2,001ft/lb of energy and would be a nice woodland round if not a little unusual — accuracy was 2.5in at 60 yards. Reloads and quite some regulation yielded some really impressive groupings.

The big old 510-gr Montana gas-checked bullets lumbered along at 1,412fps for 2,258ft/lb energy and gave consistent 2in shot-to-shot groupings per barrel but 2in apart.

The best and most accurate load, though quite mild, was the 405-gr Hollowpoint lead bullets with only 36 grains of Alliant RL 7 powder yielding 1,380fps and at 60 paces I had tight 1.5in clusters with the odd flier — really good accuracy and thus regulated to this rifle’s barrels.

My conclusion

This rifle is no beauty. However a boar facing the MP-221 will worry about its accuracy at woodland ranges!

Basically you’re getting a hard-hitting double rifle accurate with proper loads, for less than a grand at £975.

If you lose it in the baggage on a hunting trip abroad you’re not going to worry overmuch about the value you’ve lost. It’s also a rifle you can treat robustly and not worry about scratching it.

It’s tough enough to handle heavy loads, though the short stock and light weight make it a bit “lively” in the shoulder, which is why the hollowpoint lead loads would be a good bet.

What it scored

Accuracy: Fine accuracy with certain reloads. Barrels can be tuned to coincide 17/20

Handling: A bit light but handles very fast and sights well 17/20

Trigger: A bit rough, but fine in use. Trigger pulls are heavy at 7.5lb 16/20

Stock: Practical woodwork and a little short in the butt (for me) 16/20

Value: Good value when considering accuracy, build and price 18/20

Total 84/100

Why is the Beretta Silver Pigeon so popular?

It’s fair to say that today Beretta shotguns are the top choice for British game shots.

I am one of the fans too. I have over six Berettas and their design and durability continues to impress me. In fact one of my guns is well over the 100,000 cartridge mark.

But they’re not perfect

What is? Nothing that is created by human or robotic hand can be perfect and neither are Beretta guns. However they have gained an enviable reputation due to their consistency, styling and practical field performance. This applies as much to standard models as bells and whistles creations like Jubilees and SO sidelocks.

This test gun falls somewhere between the two. The current RRP is £2,220 for the field model as tested, and £2,405 for the sporter which might also be used as a high bird gun.

A bit of cachet to this special limited edition Silver Pigeon

The idea for the gun emanated in the UK from GMK. It has upgraded wood, tasteful tight scroll and game scene engraving and a coin finished action that is not too bright.

There is a bit of cachet to this special Silver Pigeon, as well – only 999 were offered worldwide and each gun is individually numbered. It has 30″ Mobil multi-choke barrels, the much admired, low profile, Beretta 68 series action, and stock shapes and measurements that are significantly improved on some older guns.

One other feature that sets it aside from the current standard model Silver Pigeon III is a fore-end with a rounded tip rather than the Schnabel. This new design is excellent and gradually coming in on other models.

The 3″ chambered barrels of the test gun are the typical monobloc production of the Gardone giant. They set a standard that others seek to achieve. There are solid joining ribs and a 6mm ventilated sighting rib.

Beautifully put together

Everything has been put together well – achieving the consistent quality that we have come to expect from the world’s oldest and most successful shotgun manufacturer. Being specific, it is very rare to encounter a Beretta 68 series gun where the jointing between barrels and monobloc is poor.

It is equally rare to find a gun where the barrels have been distorted as a result of the manufacturing process.

Sometimes, on cheaper guns, one sees rivelling internally matching the bridges of the rib – not in a Beretta. Sometimes sighting ribs are out of true – again, rarely, if ever, in a Beretta. And, sometimes one sees barrels that leave much to be desired with regard to the internal and external finish – again rarely on a Beretta.

Moreover, the firm’s barrels are hard-chrome plated to resist corrosion. This is a plus as well, particularly for those of us who are not so careful with gun cleaning.

Another positive, confirmed at the pattern plates, was the competent regulation with regard to point of impact. Many manufacturers are not as careful as Beretta in this respect. Every Beretta gun, as far as I am aware, is still checked for point of impact in a tunnel range at the Beretta 1 factory (which also incorporates its own branch of the Italian Proof House).

If you take a tour of the factory you will eventually come across a man whose only purpose in life is to shoot the newly manufactured guns and make sure that both barrels are going where they should (this is done by means of an electronic impact detector).

I am certain that many of the guns sold today do not shoot where they should. They are built to a formula that may work, but they are not checked by shooting to ensure it.

A modern classic

The action of the Beretta is due to be updated soon, but it is a modern classic as it is. Lower than many other designs (because the gun has a trunnion hinging system rather than a full-width hinge pin), the simplified Beretta trigger-plate ‘boxlock’ over-under was conceived during or just after World War II and launched in the mid 1950s as the Model 55.

It evolved into the 68 series guns and has not required much redesign for 50 years. It has two other clever features, trapezoidal barrel shoulders that engage with the top rear of the action walls, and, most brilliantly, conical locking bolts that emerge from the action face and mate with circular recesses to either side of the top chamber mouth.

The stock of the test gun impressed me. The figure is better than average though a bit eccentric in that there is a very different pattern to the rear of the stock than the front. The finish is a little light for my taste and the chequering might look better with classic straight-line borders.

The grip shape is good and offers good purchase and control with its sensible radius and proportions. The comb shape is comfortable – neither thick nor thin with some taper – and the flutes near the nose are not overly obvious, as often happens on machine made stocks.

I also liked the new fore-end which is not only more elegant than a Schnabel but more user-friendly.

It allows you to subtly change your hand position and your front hand can be extended (although I think this can impede swing).

One of the better handling Berettas

Beretta Silver Pigeons can usually be relied upon to shoot well and to keep on doing so with minimum attention. The test gun did not disappoint in any functional or shooting respect.

Indeed, this was one of the better handling Berettas that I have recently shot.

Whilst I am a Beretta enthusiast, not every model suits me.  I have found some guns in the range a little front-heavy due to barrel weight. I am not always keen on excessively modern styling either. But this is a classic-looking gun.

Felt recoil good

The gun balances and points well. Barrel weight is excellent – heavy enough for control, light enough to be lively.

Felt recoil is good thanks to good stock design and sensible measurements. Trigger pulls are also impressive with this trigger plate, coil-sprung, action design.

Typically sidelocks offer the finest pulls.

On a practical level this is a lovely gun. It looks the part, it shoots well and it’s not eyewateringly expensive.  What more do we want?

This model has probably won more Sporting events than any other gun and has had very few changes since its launch.

In its heyday the 682 Sporter scored winning performances at the very top level, in the hands of aces such as George Digweed and Barry Simpson, while trap and skeet versions won their fair share of top-level victories, too.

I bought one of these guns in the mid-1980s. Whilst it was the best-engineered gun I have ever owned in some other aspects I found it disappointing.

I felt it was heavy and not particularly responsive in handling and so I didn’t keep it long. The mistake I made was buying one when it was launched because Beretta then improved it immensely.

The main change was to slim down the very thick-walled action giving the gun the same, slightly  narrower, action as the 686 and 687 models.

A minor change to the guide rods on which the coil main springs run solved a small reliability problem. The woodwork was also streamlined.

The barrels now have the maker’s wider ‘Optima’ bore and their ‘Optimachoke’ multichoke tubes to match.

Choke tubes can be either flush-fitting or extended.

The gun now feels lighter and livelier although most new guns still weigh in at around 7lb 15oz, which puts them on the slightly heavy side for Sporters.

Depending on the model and its age, actions can be bright silver or black, but all have relatively simple engraving.

The current gun is the 682 Gold E, of which there are Sporting, trap and skeet models.

Sporters and trap guns are available with adjustable stocks at extra cost.

Sporters are all multichokes, while trap and skeet variants are fixed. There never has been a 682 field version.

Specifications

• Typical Beretta action, with high-mounted fork-shaped bolt engaging with holes in the barrel monobloc. Spring-loaded ejectors.
• Single, selective trigger (most are adjustable) operated by inertia system (although some early Gold E models have a mechanical system); barrel selector built into safety thumbpiece.
• Barrels (all multichokes) are 28, 30 or 32 inches. All barrel tubes internally chromed, and late models all have 3in (76mm) chambers.

What’s good about it?

• Well engineered, enduring design.
• Excellent competition pedigree.
• Reliable, long-established importer.

And what’s not so good?

People with a small frame may find the gun slightly heavy

What will you pay?

Pay £1850 or less for a really good second-hand example but remember competition shooters fire a lot of cartridges, so beware of super-cheap bargains.’

Importer GMK

Read more gun reviews here 

Some of our gun reviews are looked at over and over again by our readers. Which are they? Read on and discover for yourself

Since the Cynergy was launched in the UK, most shooters have come to the conclusion that this is a gun to suit the sophisticated tastes of the 21st century Shot

This is perhaps the most radical break-action shotgun launched in the past 100 years. In fact, it could claim to be more radical in design than John Moses Browning’s immortal B25 – created over 80 years ago and still doing sterling service. The B25 is the gun that set the bar for the modern over-and-under.

Read on and you’ll see how mechanically it stands apart.

Made in Japan

Japan’s Miroku build the Browning in the city of Nagoku. Miroku and Browning began their association in 1965 and Miroku has been building sporting arms since 1893.

Of course, Miroku also make guns under their own name.

Adaptable enough for field use

In my opinion most people will buy the Cyergy for clayshooting – but the weight and stock dimensions of the Sporter version makes it adaptable enough for use in the field.

How the Cynergy works

The Cynergy’s workings are fascinating. Some other guns have some of the features, but nothing else has the whole package.

The action block, machined from a solid steel forging, is one of the shortest in the business, and the first visible difference is the jointing seems to be back to front, with the concave curve in the block itself and the convex curve on the fore-end iron. Stub pins are built into the fore-end iron, but the gun does not truly hinge on these. They form a convenient rearward latch for the fore-end iron when the gun is assembled, and the barrels actually hinge on quarter-circle cut-outs in the action walls which engage with similarly-shaped projections in the barrel monobloc. This feature provides huge load-bearing areas compared to pins of any kind, and makes for incredibly strong jointing with little chance of ever shooting loose.

The top lever is very slim and low in profile. Cocking rods run along the action floor, and are forced backwards by cams in the fore-end iron when the gun is opened. Browning call this system ‘Monolock’.

Inside the mechanism, the arrangement for firing the gun is novel, too. There are no hammers, the coil mainsprings acting directly on the firing pins via levers. The sears work directly on to these levers, which means the gun has an incredibly fast lock time. Browning claim just 1.8 milliseconds from trigger release to cartridge ignition, which really is fast. The single, selective trigger is transferred to the second barrel mechanically rather than by recoil, but a recoil mechanism is there to prevent a double discharge.

Barrel selector is in the usual place, built into the safety thumbpiece.

The bolt on this gun is a U-shaped component, with prongs coming forward through the breech face to mate with bites in the back of the barrel monobloc level with the centre line of the bottom barrel. There are no barrel lumps, as such, at all.

The single-piece ejectors, which are tripped when the gun reaches the fully open position, are powered directly by coil springs which run between the barrel tubes forward of the monobloc. With the fore-end fitted, these springs rub behind polymer shrouds.

Typical of a dedicated competition gun, the exterior of the action bears little engraving – a simple logo and the word Cynergy on each side in gold, and the Browning logo, again in gold, on the top lever.

Barrels

• Built on Miroku’s monobloc system.
• The top rib, supported on angled pillars, is slightly ramped and tapers from 11mm at the breech to 8mm at the muzzle.
• Side ribs are ventilated.
• Bores are internally chromed.
• Chambers are three-inch (76mm), and the tubes carry steel shot proof.
• Tubes are over-bored, with an internal diameter of 0.736 in compared to the old British standard of 0.729in. This reduces recoil and tends to improve patterning, too.
• Long Browning Invector Plus choke tubes, now re-named Diamond chokes, are fitted. These protrude from the muzzles, and are colour-coded for easy identification.
• Barrel sets of 28, 30 and 32 inches are available

Stock

When the Cynergy first came on to the British market the stock was as radical as the rest of the gun. It had what’s known as a ‘hog’s back’ comb of rounded profile – a style sometimes seen on continental rifles. The idea of this is, on recoil, the stock moves away from the shooters cheek, avoiding stinging and possible bruising. The gun also had a soft rubber recoil pad.

However the Pro Sport and Pro Trap models are fitted with stocks of conventional profile, with normal recoil pads.

There is also a stock with an adjustable comb available and a version called the Black Ice with a synthetic stock. The original stock remains available on a number of models, for those who like it.
The weight of the sporter is approximately 7¾lb.

Competitors

The  Beretta 682 Gold E, and the Browning Ultra or XS. For more information visit Browning

Sporting Gun tested the Cynergy in August 2004

Here's a gun that makes choosing between shotgun models much more difficult

Back in 2007 Jason Harris reviewed the new Beretta 686 Onyx shotgun. Read his review, originally published in December 2007, to see what he thought of the model.

There is little that can be done to improve on the mechanics of a Beretta and the Beretta 686 Onyx is mechanically similar to the models on each side of it.

The present action in its current form goes back around 20 years or so and it hasn’t changed much since. The original Onyx was developed as a basic low cost gun and was launched in the late 1980s.

At the time the gun was not much cheaper than a 686 but it was well thought of by the shooting community. A bit later, the low cost gap was filled by the Essential.

The first Onyx had black metalwork. On the new model only the barrels and the action frame are black and they also have some decorative engraving.

The trunnions and trigger plate screw are scroll engraved and the underside of the action has the Beretta name and logo neatly engraved and lightly inlayed in gold. It is the same on the polished side panels of the frame.

A glare-free surface

The front part of the frame and the under side have been engine turned to break up the mass of polished frame. In turn the top of the action frame has been left with a matt finish which gives a good contrast to the rest of the silver frame.

This also gives a glare-free surface over which a shooter can see the sighting plane without being distracted.

The action is machined from a solid block of steel with no protrusions through the bottom of the action to accommodate barrel lumps and the like. This in part allows the action to be kept as shallow as possible, keeping weight under control and also adding to the looks of the gun.

The barrels hinge into the action on stub pins or trunnions in each side of the action wall, and lock up is achieved by a U-bolt protruding through the action face. These engage in corresponding holes in the breech face of the barrels.

The action walls also have cut outs that the barrel fences engage with, thereby producing a very strong closure indeed.One of the features of the Beretta is that the U-bolts and trunnions are available in oversizes, so if the gun should ever work loose after many years of shooting, it can easily be tightened many times, as and when needed.

Reliable mechanism

The main mechanism of the gun is held on the trigger plate and at first glance looks a fairly complicated affair. In fact it is relatively simple – and very reliable. Hammers pivot at the front of the plate with the sears behind them, and the selector mechanism at the back. The safety catch forms the selector for choosing which barrel to shoot and this is achieved via a button in middle of the safety catch.

As this gun is in game configuration, the safe is set for auto return, but it can be easily removed if required. The gun uses inertia from the recoil of the first shot to set itself up for the second shot.

The 28in barrels are chambered for 3in magnum loads and the rib is standard Beretta issue with a width of 6mm and ventilated to dissipate heat. It’s also matt finished to reduce glare and completed with a small silver foresight bead at the muzzle.

The gun is fitted with the Beretta mobilchoke system and comes supplied with a set of five chokes.

The blacking on the gun is of a high standard and affords a deep gloss that is very attractive. The barrel flats have been engine turned, a finish that goes really well with the engine turned action.

Barrels are made on the usual monoblock configuration and they’ve been chrome lined as standard on a Beretta of this price.

The stock and fore-end on the Onyx is not dark but it is certainly acceptable for the price. The wood has been treated to a thick gloss polyurethane type finish in an attempt to keep costs low but it can easily be stripped off by the owner and given an oil finish at some later date if needed. The traditional-looking chequering is certainly machine cut but in spite of that the points and diamonds are very neatly cut.

The fore-end is a Schnabel shape which looks good at any distance and is very comfortable for the forward hand. As for the stock dimensions these follow favoured lines and work well with drops at comb of 38mm and 55mm at heel giving the shooter a good sight picture and bringing the face to the rib quite nicely. Cast is for a right handed shooter with about 3mm at the heel and 6mm at the toe.

Comfortable for the user

Beretta seem to be giving their guns quite a bit more cast at toe these days which makes them very comfortable for the user but does make life harder for gunsmiths when we’re asked to re-shape the stock for a left-handed sportsman!

The stock is finished with a black rubber recoil pad of about 3/4in thickness, which feels comfortable and does help soften the recoil when heavier cartridges are used in the gun. The length of pull is 14.3/4in which is a good average length that will suit most people. A second thinner rubber pad is also supplied so that the gun can be quickly made shorter if the need arises.

The gun comes supplied with sling swivels if you really feel the need to use them but of more use to most of us is a small tube of oil and an ABS travel.

Our reviewer’s conclusion

Beretta has one of the most comprehensive ranges of guns to be found anywhere and any addition is always welcome.The Onyx doesn’t so much fill a gap as make the choice that much more difficult between models. I am sure this one will please future owners. Alternative buys would be the Miroku MK70, the Winchester Supreme, the Zoli Golden Falcon or the Lincoln Jubilee.

This is a gun you should look out for in the second-hand market and here's why.

When this shotgun first came out many people supposedly ‘in the know’ reckoned it filled a gap between the latest-generation 682 series and the much more expensive ASE models – boxlock versions of the famous SO sidelock series.

Instead, the gun stood strong on its own merits and established itself as  a top-level competition contender, used by Richard Faulds and clay-shooting legend A.J. Smith.

Adaptability

It’s not a very adaptable shotgun to be honest.

The weight and specification make it really a dedicated, precision clay-busting tool.

How it works

From the outside it looks like an ASE but it’s different. And it works nothing like the familiar 680 series Beretta boxlocks.

The main similarity with the ASE is it has a drop-out trigger mechanism. Push the safety as far forward as it will go, then push over the top lever, open the gun, and the trigger group can be pulled out downwards.

It is a very safe shotgun. The trigger unit cannot be pulled from a closed and loaded gun.

The hammers are hinged from the bottom, and powered by V-springs rather than the coil springs found on cheaper Beretta models. The hammers and sears have been arranged to give extremely crisp and precise trigger pulls. The trigger blade is fully adjustable in a fore-and-aft plane to accommodate hands of all sizes, and transfer to the second barrel is by a recoil-driven inertia mechanism.

Barrel selection is by Beretta’s usual rocking switch, built into the safety thumbpiece. This component is larger than on most other Berettas. The safety is non-automatic, which is right for a competition gun.

The action frame is an extremely tough steel forging, with a plain, bright-polished exterior with the maker’s name set in gold on the sides and the gun’s name and the Beretta logo on the bottom on the standard model. The more expensive L-version features very fine engraving.

Lock-up is achieved by a cross-bolt running across the top of the action just above the centre line of the top barrel. When the top lever is pushed over, the bolt moves sideways and its end protrudes through a slot on the left side of the action frame. When the gun is closed, the bolt end retracts and projections on the breech ends of the barrel pass through slots in the action face, and engage with the bolt. This is the bolting system used on the SO sidelocks, and is extremely strong and positive.

The top lever is curious – paddle-shaped and offset to the right. It looks a bit odd, but users report it provides for a very positive and fast reloading action. It works well for both left and right-handed shooters.

Cocking rods pass through the lower sides of the action frame, and ejectors, of a beefed-up design compared to some other Beretta models, are spring-loaded. The barrels hinge on stub pins in the normal Beretta fashion. The fore-end iron includes an adjustment to take up slack in the jointing, should the gun ever shoot loose.

Barrels

• Available barrels: 28, 30 and 32 inches, all built on the monobloc principle.
• Three-inch (76mm) chambers are standard.
• Forcing cones are so long and with such a gradual taper that they are not apparent when you look through the tubes.
• Uses Optima-bore format, which gives an internal diameter of .732in – a little wider than the British standard of .729, and a whole lot wider than Beretta’s historical standard of .719.
• To further the interests of good patterning, far longer multichoke tubes than normal are fitted. These protrude from the muzzle ends, and feature colour-coded rings for easy identification. The protruding ends have an easy-to-grip pattern of parallel slots to aid fitting and removal.
• The gun can also be supplied with flush-fitting choke tubes.
• Top rib tapers from 10mm down to 7mm, and is ventilated. Side ribs are fitted to the barrels only on the length that shows ahead of the fore-end, and these, too, are ventilated.

Woodwork

• A choice between standard and adjustable stocks.
• Both comb height and cast can be altered on the adjustable version.
• The hand of the stock features a slight palm swell.
• Stock and fore end are in well-figured, dark walnut, with a varnish finish.
• Wood-to-metal fit is excellent, as is the standard of chequering.

Weight

The 32in version with the adjustable stock comes in at 8.1/4 lb.

Conclusion

Sporting Gun tested the 32in adjustable stock version in early 2002. It scored 9 out of 10 for build quality, and 8 out of 10 for handling, styling and value for money.

The testers liked the engineering quality, the gun’s pointability, and the thoughtful provision of a spares kit.

The weight was a downside and the chunky stock with a butt pad, which tended to snag  on mounting. Mind you, they felt the gun could do a lot of work without undue wear, which could make it a good second-hand buy and the butt pad can be easily changed by a gunsmith.

Distributor GMK

With over 400 years of history under its belt, Zoli is a success story built on passion and excellence that shows no signs of slowing down. By Selena Barr.

It’s not surprising that Zoli of Italy has built an excellent reputation. The company has a 400-year history of gunmaking in Brescia and its 40 staff show a passion and enthusiasm for their work that helps their employer and its products stand out from an increasingly crowded market.

The company’s history shows Zoli’s ancestors were building locks for guns back in 1490, going on to manufacture complete firearms shortly after. Although records after this are hazy, a flintlock pistol was designed and produced in 1850, with this gun still held in Zoli’s treasured private family collection.

Zoli’s shotgun manufacturing expertise began in earnest in the early part of the 20th century when it started making hammer side-by-side shotguns such as the AVI and Santa Barbara. These were followed by Anson-type over-unders including the Ariete, Empire and Silver Fox, and Holland & Holland-type side-by-sides such as the prestigious Vulcano.

The next move was into the production of replica black powder guns for America, which created a new market for replica firearms reminiscent of the American Civil War era, such as the Mississippi, Harper’s Ferry and Sharps. Over 200,000 replica guns were produced before Zoli ceased production of these firearms in the late 1970s to focus on creating shotguns and rifles of its own design.

The Zoli Game Gun, released in 2014, is a hybrid between a technical sporter and a classic game gun

The company’s Delfino line of shotguns went on to give Zoli increased recognition around the world but it was its production of shotgun/rifle combination guns and express rifles that really enabled it to take a step up onto the international stage. Zoli soon became renowned for producing firearms that could give better-known European manufacturers a run for their money.

Innovative and modern

With its reputation continuing to grow, Zoli became ever more innovative, modernising its Delfino over-under line by moving away from the top fastener to a more traditional under-bolt locking system. It also introduced the Ritmo range of smooth-bore barrel shotguns, shotgun/ rifle combination guns and express double rifles, as well as the highly regarded AZ 1900 bolt-action rifle.

Following the success of this, Zoli decided to design and engineer the MG-92 drilling model, which is still in production today and is the only three-barrel (two smooth barrel and one rifled) drilling model ever to be manufactured in Italy.

Towards the end of the 20th century, under the management of Paolo Zoli, the company’s energetic managing director, Zoli began one of its most challenging over-under design projects. Called Revolution 4, this led to the creation of the Corona combination rifle and shotgun, the Focus over-under double rifle, the Columbus smooth-bore game over-under shotgun and the Kronos sporting over-under. Recently added to the company’s broad range are the Z-Expedition game gun and highly regarded competition shotguns. All of these are made in-house at the company’s modern 3,500sqm production facilities.

The latest model from Zoli, whose products are distributed in the UK by Edgar Brothers, is the elegant Pernice Round-Body 20 bore shotgun designed for game shots wanting something light and fast. The notable feature of the Zoli Pernice is its round-body receiver, which not only gives it strikingly sleek looks but is usually normally only featured on far more expensive guns.

It also incorporates fine engraving and a fore-end release catch on the end of the fore-end rather than in the usual position, which is in keeping with the design of the gun and available in two grades of wood, the Grand Lux and Ambassador.

Becky McKenzie understands the benefit of custom-made shotguns

So what exactly goes into designing a new shotgun?

As Paolo Zoli explains, it is a complex procedure that needs to take into account three key factors: aesthetics, technology and what the market wants. “Successfully designing and bringing a new shotgun to the market is the culmination of many integrated factors and processes and is not an occupation for those looking for a quick result. First concept to commercial production of a completely new shotgun can take five years, the first three to design and create the prototype alone, and the following two to bring the product into industrialised production.”

The Game Gun was developed in collaboration between Paolo Zoli, brand ambassador Becky McKenzie and Edgar Brothers

A businessman through and through but with a passion for his job, Paolo explains that the first step in designing a new gun is to ascertain what the market requires. “The very first thing we do is identify exactly what the market wants in terms of a new gun, whether it is a traditionally designed game shooting gun, or an all-new high-end competition gun. It is vital for us to produce guns that shooters actually want rather than guns we think we would like to make.”

“When we create a new gun at Zoli we start completely from the beginning”

Following this, the brainstorming starts as the Zoli team begins to outline the performance characteristics and technical specifications the gun must feature, including dimensions, tolerances, engagement between components, calibre, ballistics, felt recoil and so on. “When we create a new gun at Zoli we start completely from the beginning,” says Paolo. “We never, ever try to modify what we already have and that is why it is very important to define all the technical aspects that will go into the new gun. Only when that has been done will the design process be started on our Computer Aided Design system.”

Zoli believes its barrels, like those seen on the Kronos competition gun, “yield the best ballistic performance and comfort, generating the lowest ever possible recoil.”

The next step is to analyse the resulting design and implement any necessary modifications before a first prototype is produced for in-house testing. “A new shotgun could not even come into being without having a solid technical basis,” emphasises Paolo. “So the cosmetic side – the art if you like – comes as a second step and we do not believe in compromising the quality and performance of a gun with aesthetics. After all, it is the functional side that produces the performance, while the design is more to do with perception. The most important thing is how the gun performs when it is used: the ballistics must be good, the recoil must be soft and smooth, the gun must be perfectly balanced so the shooter only needs to concentrate on their shooting.”

Safety testing follows and comprises putting the gun under large stresses with loads far greater than those found in commercial cartridges. Performance testing is undertaken by Zoli staff and competition shooters closely connected to the company.

“Of course this type of testing results in many subjective opinions,” explains Paolo. “However, it is important for us to receive feedback and understand how shooters perceive the gun and then compare this to what is actually happening, which can be measured by instruments.”

Edgar Brothers’ managing director Derek Edgar (left) with Paolo Zoli

The benefits to customisation

Key to the design process for Zoli is the incorporation of sciences such as biomechanics, many of which are defined by research and development in the sphere of modern sports medicine. Paolo says: “Zoli is definitely ahead in this area and we take account of all new sciences in the designs of our new guns. But we always remember we are designing for humans who come in all shapes and sizes, and while many of our off-the-shelf shotguns are close to what a shooter needs thanks to their adjustable comb heights, stock lengths and triggers, we also produce bespoke guns that appeal to serious competition shooters who want the absolute best in terms of function and fit.”

According to Paolo Zoli, the most important elements of customising a gun are related to the stock dimensions, the length of the barrels and the adjustment of the trigger mechanism in terms of crispness and pressure. “There is an almost endless list of variables for someone who wants a highly customised gun. For example, we will take into account barrel weight and bore diameter, the customer’s height, weight and build, the length of their arms and neck, the angles between their hand, wrist and elbow when they shoot, their posture and how they move, how they shoot at a target, and how they handle the gun. We also have to ensure that the stock weight meets the needs of the shooter in terms of balance, swing, stance and so on. It is a very personal thing.”

Zoli has been sponsoring teenage champion clay shot Taylor Hedgecock since 2014

Popular with world champions

For Becky McKenzie, world champion clay shooter and Zoli brand ambassador at Edgar Brothers, having a custom-fit Zoli Z Sport High Rib with 291⁄2” barrels has contributed to her performance. “Not all Zolis come with adjustable stocks and ribs but having one custom fitted has allowed me to achieve the best performance possible,” says Becky. “My Zoli is superbly balanced, which is crucial: it is balanced at the hinge pin so it’s neither barrel- heavy nor stock-heavy.”

For Paolo, combining the technical aspects of gun performance with design excellence has led to Zoli becoming recognised around the world. “But this hasn’t come about by chance,” he explains. “It is the result of many years of hard work and understanding how the performance of a gun affects the performance of a shooter, and appreciating how vital the technical aspects of the gun are from the start. Everything to do with the manufacture of a gun has to be aimed at creating the best performance possible and I enjoy my involvement in the design process. To sell such high performance guns means I have to more or less know everything about the gun and while I don’t have a design background, my 35 years at Zoli has taught me a great deal about production, technology, distribution and consumers, all of which are integral to launching a new gun.

“Product development is very exciting for me. We like to see our products being used rather than just seen and we want to continue offering guns that are pleasant to shoot, that support the shooter and give them confidence in their shooting. That is easy to say but hard to do.”

A career in gun design can certainly be rewarding but while understanding about technology is important, Paolo is emphatic that gun designers and gunsmiths must love what they do: “To know how to use technology is not enough. You must not be afraid to get your hands dirty and must be willing to learn from the ground up. Most importantly, you must have a passion for the job and put something of yourself into the end product by being creative, thinking boldly and by understanding your market as we do here at Zoli.”

If you wish to buy a new-to-you gun for the coming game season, then now’s the time to be looking along the racks of second-hand shotguns

Beretta 486 Parallelo

Beretta 486 Parellelo

Purchasing a gun in July will enable you to shoot a few summer clays to get used to your  acquisition, and get any handling tweaks sorted out, before the serious stuff begins.

The choice will be between a traditional side-by-side and a more modern over-and-under, and if you take the first option, then a Beretta is well worth a second look. Although the company is best known for its O/Us, its smaller number of side-by-sides are well-made and long-lived, and the latest of the breed is the 486 Parallelo.

The action represents a re-think by the Beretta designers, with the hammers driven by v-springs. The mechanical bits within the action are very compact – a necessity because there is less available internal space when compared to an O/U and, unlike a traditional side-by-side, the gun has a single, selective trigger. First barrel is selected, O/U-style, by a button within the safety thumbpiece.

The ejector work is powered by coil springs and – glory be – ejection can be turned off. This saves a lot of hands-and-knees groping for spent cases at the end of a drive, but you can turn it on if you are lucky enough to have drawn a really hot peg.

The barrels are made on the monobloc principle, and lockup is achieved by a low-mounted bolt engaging with twin bites in the barrel lumps. Fixed-choke and multichoke barrels are available in a variety of lengths up to 30 inches.

The straight-hand stock is commendably slim considering it has to accommodate a stock bolt passing through the hand, and the fore-end is a traditional English splinter type. Weight is between 7lb and 7¼lb, depending on barrel length and wood density.

New guns usually sell from £3,300 upwards.

Contact the importers GMK

Webley & Scott Jenson 3000 sidelock

Webley & Scott Jenson 3000 sidelock

When Jason Harris tested this Webley & Scott as a new gun a little more than three years ago, he was quite critical on a couple of points. The first was that, at 7lb 15oz, it was overweight for a 28inch game gun. Also, he didn’t like the profile of the rounded pistol grip.

But, despite those criticisms, the gun still has a lot going for it – and the biggest plus point is price. O/U sidelocks for around £5,000 new are pretty rare, so for that kind of money I can even forgive the fact that although the gun bears the name of a famous English maker, it is made in Turkey. I should also point out that there are lighter guns in the W&S sidelock series.

The gun is a true sidelock, which means there is no stock bolt running through the hand. The lock plates and action have been treated to a most attractive colour-hardening finish, which has been applied by traditional means as would have been used by Webley & Scott in its heyday, and not by the more modern salts bath method. The colours really are rich and varied, as well as serving to apply a hard “crust” to the steel.

The lock plates are held on to the stock with a hand detachable screw with its head on the left side.

The top lever, trigger guard and trigger are presented in a deep black, while the fore-end iron has been colour hardened to match the action. Overall, the standard of metal finishing is very good. The gun is a multichoke, with five tubes supplied, and the ventilated rib is 6mm wide. Chambers are 3in, ejectors are spring-loaded and lock-up is achieved by a low-mounted bolt engaging with a bite on the barrel lump.

Woodwork on this model is extremely good, as you would expect on a quality gun made in the home of the finest walnut trees.

Contact Webley

Rizzini RB EL

Rizzini RB EL

Round-body shotguns have great elegance, and when the subject comes up I invariably think of the Dickson Round Action, a Scottish-made gun, a pair of which has just come on the market for £29,500. A good single gun can cost more than £12,000.

Fortunately there are reasonably-priced round-bodied alternatives to this timeless classic, and one of them is the Rizzini RB EL. The new price should be a little more than £4,000: I can’t be exact because, at the time of writing, the importer had yet to release his latest price list.

The fact that, as well as being available “off the shelf”, guns can also be made to individual order, further complicating the price structure, particularly on the second-hand market. So my target price of £3,000 is something of a shot in the dark, if you will excuse an awful pun.

The gun is made in Italy by B. Rizzini, not to be confused with one of his relatives, E. Rizzini, who made some cheap and cheerful guns on sale in the 1980s. It is part of an extensive range, all of which are of excellent quality.

The action is typical of most Italian guns – low in profile, with barrels hinged on stub pins, and a low-mounted bolt engaging with a bite on the shallow barrel lump. Hammers, driven by coil springs running on guide rods, are mounted on the trigger plate, with sears hanging from the top strap. Generally, this layout is reliable and long-lived.

The round action is presented in polished steel, and is very tastefully engraved with game scenes – partridges on one side and grouse on the other. The gun illustrated is a 20bore with 29inch barrels, 3inch chambers, and a solid rib tapering from 8mm at the breech to 5mm at the muzzles. The gun is available in 12, 16, 20 and 28 bore and all are built on true-scale actions, which means the smaller bores don’t suffer from odd-looking barrel spacing. In addition, a set of .410 barrels is available to fit the 28 bore action.

When Jason Harris tested the new gun for this magazine in 2013, he awarded it 96 points out of 100 – one of his best scores ever.

Contact ASI 

This semi-automatic is a simple, sturdy and practical wildfowling or all-purpose shotgun, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously, says Lewis Potter

The products of O. F. Mossberg & Sons, always known simply as Mossberg, have, since their founding in 1919, gained a reputation for practical designs where simplicity and reliability are outstanding features. While much of the product range concentrates on rifled firearms, in the UK the manufacturer is probably better known for its semi-automatic shotguns. My introduction to Mossberg was in the early 1970s when I occasionally borrowed a pump-action model from a farmer on whose land I used to shoot. It was the farm knockabout gun used by one and all and was rarely, if ever, treated to any sort of maintenance, but it just kept going.

Mossberg has teamed up with Duck Commander, a company that produces one of the best-selling duck calls in the US. To describe the family who owns this firm as “enthusiastic duck hunters” could be regarded as an understatement. Since they appeared on a reality television series called Duck Dynasty, their reputation has been greatly enhanced. The object of this partnership seems to have been to fine-tune a staple product of Mossberg’s specifically for duck shooting, though it would have plenty of other uses.

First impressions

The original Mossberg semi-automatic was developed around 40 years ago, and even now the 930 Duck Commander will have a comfortably familiar appearance to many enthusiasts of the shotgun. The finish rather enhances the practical appeal of this sort of shotgun from the Realtree Max-5 on the stock and fore-end to the overall matt green of the receiver and barrel.

This is something that I can appreciate, having once given the metalwork of my old 6-bore muzzle-loader a coating of olive drab paint as both camouflage and protection when lurking in the reedbeds of an estuary. The  nish and colouring of this 930 very much supports the idea of a shotgun produced with input from practical users.

It is not all super-serious; what at first just looks like a mottled camouflage pattern on the receiver is multiple ducks coming in with wings outspread, similar to those on the Duck Commander logo, which is rather a fun way of producing an interesting  nish. As for the legend “faith, family, ducks” on the left side of the receiver, this undoubtedly sums up the Robertson family’s (owners of Duck Commander) view on life and their reputation as duck hunters of note.

Handling

At a smidgen under 7.lb on my scales, the 930 is a reasonable weight for this sort of shotgun, aided, no doubt, by the aluminium alloy receiver and hollow synthetic stock. Balance is biased a bit forward as an aid to a smooth swing, while a length of pull of 14¼in is fairly standard for a shotgun of this type and adequate when wearing heavy winter clothing.

The familiarity of the top-mounted safety makes the operation of the Duck Commander instinctive

While a 28in barrel may seem a little short compared with traditional wildfowling guns, there is actually quite a length of gun in front of the user, compared with a double due to the length of the receiver.

Also ballistically, with modern cartridges and powders, barrel length makes little difference to performance and I suspect the Duck Commander was conceived with inland duck shooting in mind. Having said that, with the potential for a good, clean swing and the degree of protection afforded by the  finish, it seems to me a good candidate for use in the salt laden air of the foreshore and saltmarsh.

One of the design aspects of Mossberg semi-autos that I always thought a good idea is the safety button situated at the top rear of the receiver. With its serrated finish and practical size, it is big enough to use with gloved hands without causing you to fumble, because when that happens it is a sure way of spoiling what could otherwise be a good shot. The familiarity of the top-mounted safety makes the operation instinctive — all an aid to good handling.

Technical features

The Duck Commander is a gas-operated semi-automatic using the conventional bleed-off of combustion gases from the barrel to operate the mechanism. While that is the principle, the execution of the mechanical detail is somewhat different to many other designs.

The piston situated in the bleed-off housing under the barrel pushes against a sleeve, which in turn contacts a small carrier with twin bar arms that drives the bolt back to operate the cycle of reloading and cocking the lock work. The piston moves only a short way along the tubular magazine, little more than 1in, but is sufficient to drive the bolt back its full travel. The bolt return is achieved via the familiar long link pushing against a spring concealed inside the butt.

Bolt release from the open position is achieved by pressing the quite large bolt release button on the right-hand side of the receiver. This button projects an unusually long way out of the receiver side wall and, like the safety, would be another bonus when shooting with gloved hands.

The operation is standard semi-auto and the capacity on this gun on test is 2-plus-1. Cartridges are 2¾in and 3in and the gun British proofed for steel shot as there is no formal proof system in the US.

On test

The Truglo sight showed up as clear as a fox’s eyes in a lamp, and placing it just on the centre of the target put the pattern well over the duck outline. The only problem I encountered on my temporary and very exposed test site was a gusting wind, which can make it a little difficult to place the pattern central in the horizontal plane.

Placing the Truglo sight just on the centre of the target put the pattern well over the duck outline

Cartridges used included Eley VIP Steel, Gamebore Super Steel, Lyalvale Express High Performance Steel and Winchester Blind Side, as well as a mixed lot of pigeon and game cartridges.

The Mossberg never missed a beat, throwing spent cartridge cases up to 15ft away. Mixing cartridges of different lengths and loads gave no problems.

Trigger-pull was what one might expect for a semi-auto and recoil, even with the bigger loads, proved to be quite acceptable. Of the three choke tubes provided, improved cylinder, half and full, most of the testing was done using the two more open chokes and steel shot cartridges.

Need to know 

• Bore: 12, cartridge capacity 2-plus-1
• Barrel: 28in, 3in magnum. Optional model in 3½in magnum, three multichokes
• Action: Gas-operated semi-automatic of well-thought-out design
• Features: Pleasing combination of camouflage and colour, practical safety button and magazine release
• Maker: O. F. Mossberg & Sons, US
• Importer: York Guns
• Suggested retail: £685 (special offer)

Pattern sheets

Pattern sheet 1: shot at 30 yards, nominal tight improved cylinder as measured, cartridge Gamebore Super Steel, 35g No.5 shot. Patterns pulled to the right, over-correcting for wind, but the left half of the pattern still shows a good kill capability represented by the duck silhouette. Conditions: dry, variable gusting sidewind

Pattern sheet 2: shot at 30 yards, nominal light half-choke as measured, cartridge Winchester Blind Side 13/8 oz No.3 cubic shot. Pattern pulled slightly left (standing for deliberate shot pattern testing is always “interesting” in a crosswind) but a good kill pattern. About the same diameter of spread as the conventional shot with less choke but this is fairly normal for cubic shot.

Conclusion

The 930 Duck Commander certainly looks the part and I liked the combination of camouflage stock and fore-end with green barrel and receiver, though there is an overall camouflage option as well as a 3½in magnum version. The finish is well executed and potentially very durable for use in harsh conditions. It is no wonder that the US military used to favour the Mossberg.

Simple, sturdy but at the same time technically interesting, this Mossberg is without doubt a suitable wildfowling and general-purpose shotgun.

• Construction: Well-made as expected of this maker 18/20
• Handling: A little deliberate but very paintable 17/20
• Finish: The combination of Realtree Max-5 camouflage and green I thought very good 18/20
• Fit: A fit that would suit many shooters, especially in fowling weather clothing 17/20
• Value: Good value in a crowded market 17/20

SCORE: 87/100

Good-looking, well-built, easy to handle and impressively accurate, this trim rifle from Schultz & Larsen is a practical choice for shooting deer or fox, says Bruce Potts

Schultz & Larsen (S&L) comes from Denmark and has a long history of making precision rifles and barrels. It has become a household name for its excellent cut rifled barrels and its new CNC machinery produces quality at an a ordable price. Schultz & Larsen offers a good range for stalking rifles and this Legacy model is designed for small-calibre rounds such as the .222 and .223 Remington calibres, with my favourite option the .300 AAC Blackout. The Legacy is a small, trim rifle weighing 6.2lb (2.8kg) that offers a smooth bolt action with a detachable magazine and quality walnut stock.

Action and barrel

The action is all-steel construction and really well made or proportioned for the smaller-calibre rounds that it is designed to shoot. As with the barrel, it wears a rich, deep-blued finish and nicely scalloped faceted wall sides, with the action top drilled and tapped to accept scope mount bases. But it is also cut with integral grooves for proprietary strong and lightweight S&L all-steel scope mounts, which are available in a range of diameters and heights.

So, the choice is yours: Picatinny one-piece for night-vision sight use or scope tube for conventional sights. The bolt itself is well machined, all steel with a polished body that has a three-lug locking system for a good strength lockup and short bolt lift. It is designed to take three times the normal pressure load, which is reassuring.

There is a Sako-type extractor for positive extraction and a strong plunger-type ejector that really  ings out empty red cases. The bolt handle has a low 60° arc, courtesy on three-lug system, and I like the straight bolt stem and teardrop polished bolt knob for a firm, comfortable grip.

On S&L rifles, the three-lug bolt locks directly into the chamber end of the barrel so that none of the pressure on  ring is transmitted to the action body. This also means that you change switch barrels with a tool supplied and by loosening two locking screws that tighten the receiver around the barrel.

Barrels are screw-cut for a sound moderator with a standard slim Sporter profile and 21in length in this .223 cartridge, though the 30 AAC Blackout is 17in. S&L barrels are all cut rifled, which offers an ultra-precise internal finish and precision to the rifling that means better and more consistent accuracy and longer life than a button-rifled barrel because the barrels are totally stress-free. They have a slightly tight or choked to the barrel muzzle, again for better accuracy potential, and each barrel is hand-lapped so that the barrel’s bore gets less fouled.

Trigger, magazine and stock

The trigger is precise. The blade itself has a steel long slim profile with a good curve for positive grip. It is single stage, adjustable and this model broke cleanly at 2.2lb. The safety catch is a three-position lever type. Forward is fire, central allows the bolt to operate and unload the rifle but block the trigger, while rear-most it locks both the bolt and firing pin.

The detachable all-steel and blued magazine will please hunters because it is easy to remove and switch to a different bullet type if necessary via a small button catch in front of the magazine.

S&L has a great array of walnut stock grade options to choose from. This is a grade two for £165, while for those who love a good  figure and walnut grain, the grade four upwards will not fail to please. This excellence is not just skin deep, as the Legacy’s action is well bedded, with a synthetic material to maximise accuracy potential in all climates, and the barrel has a small amount of support just ahead of the action join. The stock design is pure classic in appearance and, like the action, is perfectly proportioned to the overall rifle profile.

The butt section has a small amount of cast with an elevating comb section for scope use, with the pistol grip being particularly comfortable. It has a nice palm swell and longish rake finished off, as with the fore-end, with hand-cut chequering.

The Ultradome sound moderator is both light and very quiet and not ridiculously expensive at £182

There is no cheekpiece, and it does not need it because the quality walnut and design are sufficient to support and achieve aesthetic appeal. Finally, the stock has a very nice traditional oiled-linseed finish, again bringing out the quality of the walnut and being practical for field use.

Field test results

Accuracy and targets

I fitted an S&L Ultradome sound moderator and a Zeiss scope in the S&L 30mm rings. First, even with the moderator fitted, the Legacy handled well and was balanced. The noise reduction was impressive as was almost no felt recoil at all. The .223 barrel on test has a 1-in-12in rifling twist rate and digested the 35-gr to 55-gr bullets with ease.

Best factory load was the Norma 50-hr Ballistic Tip, with a velocity of 3,370fps from the 21in barrel for 1,261ft/lb energy — three shots into 0.75in at 100 yards. This load would be a good small-species deer load and is legal for roe in Scotland as well as fox.

Normal 50-gr Ballistic Tips were best of the factory loads with three shots grouped at 0.75in

The best reloads were the Hornady 40-hr V-Max bullet with a payload of 24.5 grains of RL10X

Reloads were equally impressive, with a good, flat shooting fox load being the Hornady 40-gr V-Max bullet travelling at 3,588fps and 1,144ft/lb energy from a payload of 24.5 grains of Alliant RL10X powder. Three shots grouped consistency gave 0.50in clusters. I used Federal Match small primers for all the loads.

Loading, ejection, feel and accuracy of this Legacy was impeccable and gave real assurance in reliability and hitting your mark, every time.

Factory

Reloads

Conclusion

If you appreciate a good-looking, well-built rifle in the traditional style and old-fashioned attention to detail, but using the latest technology, the new S&L Legacy is the rifle for you. Certain rifles just feel right in the hold and aim and this Legacy is one of them. It is perfectly proportioned as a small-calibre vermin/fox rifle and equally at home as a small-species deer rifle.

Mike George looks at three secondhand Sporters in three different price brackets - by Beretta, Zoli and Miroku

Miroku Universal MK60 – target price £1,500

Miroku MK60 Universal Grade 5

In the 1980s a type of gun for the Sporting disciplines was just evolving. All too many Continental manufacturers were trying to palm us off with slightly modified trap guns, while their game guns were too light and often too tightly choked, and skeet guns were too open-choked and not nearly steady enough for the more distant targets.

Nowadays the skeet gun has all but disappeared, while every gunmaker’s range seems to include a Sporter. One of the very best Sporters of the 1980s was the Winchester 6500, available in fixed choke or multichoke format. Both guns handled brilliantly well, with the 30-inch fixed choke gun just having the edge.

Sadly, the 6500 – made by Kodensha in Japan – was not destined to be with us for long; it was a victim of gun trade financial games rather than poor engineering. But another Japanese company, Miroku, had just the gun for the fixed-choke Sporter fans.

The fixed-choke Mirokus first came out as the 6000 series, which had chopper-lump barrels, then evolved into the MK60 guns, which had the more modern monobloc barrels that are still with us today. And one of the best of the breed is the MK60 Universal, which is particularly elegant in the Grade 5 format illustrated.

The guns you will find on the new and second-hand racks are almost the same mechanically as they were 30 years ago, and only the engraving styles have really evolved. It’s not so much as Miroku have let the grass grow under their feet as the fact that the designers got things right in the first place.

And when you consider that a new Grade 5, with pleasant engraving and well-figured walnut woodwork, will cost you a little over £2,400, that’s what I call real value-for-money.

One of my few criticisms is that the gun is choked ¼ and ¾. I feel that ¼ and ½ would be better, particularly for the average club shooter, and certainly for the person who likes to use a Sporter to double as a game or pigeon shooting gun. Mind you, the ¾-choked top barrel would be mustard for really high pheasants.

On the plus side, the weight is just about right at a bit over 7½lb, with variations for barrel length and wood density.

More information: From any Browning/Miroku dealer, or visit Browning

Zoli Ambassador EL Z Sporters – target price £8,500

Zoli Ambassador EL Z Sporter

I can remember testing Zoli Sporters and game guns for Sporting Gun 30 years ago, and I have good memories of the excellence of their construction. So impressed was I with one of their game guns that I bought one for myself.

It seemed, however, that excellent as the guns were, the make never seemed to stay long with an importer, and supply became erratic. Those days are, fortunately, now over, and the Italian maker is with the capable and long-established agency of Edgar Brothers of Macclesfield.

There have been changes within Zoli, too. In the late 1990s they completely redesigned their range so that they could compete internationally against top companies such as Beretta and Browning. For instance, their action bodies are now forged from a single piece of steel and fi nished with computer controlled machine tools. They are so strong they can be used on double rifles.

Zoli Ambassador EL Z Sporter action

The bolts Zoli fit to this frame are deeper than average, and engage with bites in the barrel monobloc just below the spring-loaded ejectors. The barrels hinge on stub pins and, on the Ambassador, the trigger mechanism is a drop-out unit retained by a small locking screw.

This type of trigger mechanism has two main uses: firstly it is a good security measure in that it can be easily removed and stored in a separate lock box to the gun. Secondly, it can be easily taken out for cleaning and maintenance. It looks as if the replacement of a broken mainspring would take only minutes.

Some parts of the action, notably the hammers, look as if they have been gold plated, just like the finish employed on the mechanism of some very fine sidelocks. In fact, the finish is titanium nitrate, just the same as is used to impart high wear resistance to some drill bits and lathe tools.

The barrels are particularly well made – a matter of pride to Zoli, who bore the tubes in their own factory.

A new gun like the one illustrated costs anything from £11,000 upwards, depending on the discount the retailer is prepared give you – but do watch this point in the light of exchange rate irregularities due to Britain’s vote to quit the European Union.

More information: From the importers, Edgar Brothers of Macclesfield, Cheshire, tel 01625 613177, or visit Edgar Brothers

Beretta SO5 – target price £10,000

Beretta SO5

I remember just how impressed I was when I first fired an SO-series Beretta. When loaded, it closed with a satisfying “clonk” reminiscent of the closing of a Rolls Royce door, it swung with an elegant precision, and the trigger pull was the crispest I had ever experienced.

The only criticism I had was that it seemed a bit heavy, and I note that the present-day SO5 Sporter weighs a robust 8¼lb. Good balance, however, does much to compensate for the extra half-pound it carries over what is generally accepted for an ideal Sporter.

All of the SO series are hand-built sidelocks and all follow the principles laid down by Beretta’s famous designer, Tullio Marengoni, who had started work as an apprentice with the company in 1894. He became chief designer in 1904 and, like his American opposite number, John Moses Browning, a string of Sporting, military and law enforcement arms were soon rolling off his drawing board.

The first SO sidelock came on the market in 1933. Like all successful Beretta shotguns, the first SO was a shallow-actioned gun with barrels hinged on stub pins. Apparently, he had seen Browning’s famous B25 boxlock, and it didn’t appeal to his Italian sense of elegant engineering design. It was perhaps a bit like comparing a classic Ferrari to an American Chevvy Corvette.

Marengoni’s early SOs had double triggers, but, like the modern series, were built for both clay shooting and field use. Production ceased during World War II, but resumed afterwards. Marengoni died in the mid-1960s, in the same era that the SO2 and competition versions of the SO3 were introduced. The SO5 in trap, skeet and Sporting variants came in 1989. All modern SOs have single triggers.

Nowadays versions go up to SO10, but the SO5 is still in production as a Sporter. At a cost of around £20,000 it is nowhere near the top of the tree. The SOO, designed for field shooting, has a RRP of more than £62,000, and that of the EELL version is more than £72,000. That’s still nowhere near that of a “London Best” gun, but it’s getting on that way!

More information: From the importers, GMK of Fareham, Hants, tel 01489 579999, or visit GMK

Three second-hand over-and-under Sporters

This selection of second-hand over-and-under Sporters can be found on the second-hard market from £600. Bettinsoli X-Trail Sporter Target Price £600…

Gun reviews: Zoli Ambassador EL Z Sporter shotgun

Gun reviews: Zoli Ambassador EL Z Sporter shotgun: Jason looks at a top of the range Sporter that’s well made…