Shooting

www.purdey.com
Shooting
Party
Get ready! It’s time to celebrate the latest lineup of
fine shotguns from the world’s most revered gunmakers.
by Matt Coffey
here seems to be a
recurring theme in the new
shotguns and shotshells out this
year: smaller gauges yet larger loads.
Regardless, if you’re in the market for a
new go-to field gun or looking for
a unique collector’s piece, you’re
sure to find what you need in the
following offerings from the world’s finest gunmakers
and manufacturers.
wingshooter who wants something a little different, and
introducing the new 24-gauge to American gunners is no
different. Wingshooting Adventures has commissioned a
limited run of 24s for the American market. With 28inch barrels on a petite frame, the guns weigh a mere six
pounds, making them perfect for a long foray afield.
Wingshooting Adventures currently has two Model 578s
with rounded actions in stock and are taking bespoke
commissions for more. They can be ordered in any of the
Arrieta models, with custom configurations ready in six
to eight months. Top-quality Fiocchi 24-gauge shells are
readily available in the U.S. (www.wingshootingadv.com)
AYA. Following the tremendous success of the No.1 De
Luxe, AYA has developed the No. 2 De Luxe to offer clients
an equivalent version of the original No. 2.
The most striking feature of the new model is its beautiful
engraving. Originally designed by AYA’s master engraver,
the stunning bold foliate pattern is reproduced by laser and
finished by hand. To complement the engraving, the No. 2
De Luxe is stocked with upgraded No. 1-quality walnut and
treated to a deeper oil finish and fine checkering.
Standard features include side-by-side hammerless
sidelocks, forged steel action with double locking
mechanism and gas vents, gold-lined cocking indicators,
double trigger with hinged front trigger, optional selective
or non-selective single trigger and much more. The gun is
available in 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410 with standard
28-inch barrels. Other barrel lengths can be
special ordered. (www.aya-fineguns.com)
Baserri. The MARI Hr is Baserri
Shotgun’s new entry into the Over/
Under hunting scene. The
gun’s 6-pound, 4-ounce
weight is achieved by
using a 100-percent
ADCO’s Diamond Double side-by-side with functioning
exposed hammers are available once again. The 20-inch Coach
Guns, as well as the long-awaited 28-inch barrel version, will
be ready early this summer. Orders are now being taken, and
distributors are preparing to restock these popular guns.
The case hardening and Turkish walnut of the Diamond
Double ensures you will be proud to carry in the field and to
add to your collection. Many versions are available with
accessories like choke tubes, making it a versatile
sporting clays and hunting firearm.
(www.adcosales.com)
Arrieta has long
catered to the
Designed by AyA’s master engraver, the bold foliate pattern on
this No. 2 DeLuxe is reproduced by laser and finished by hand.
Opposite, from top: The Ellipse EVO Light from Caesar Guerini features
a lightweight alloy action and a new high-quality engraving process
• Joel Etchen Guns is now offering custom-ordered, 20/28-gauge
Beretta combos with fancy wood and unique engraving.
S
P
O
RT
I
N G
C
182
L
A S
S
I
C
S
aluminum receiver that is titanium coated for additional toughness. The real
beauty behind the shotgun is the use of the patented barrel system that
reduces felt recoil allowing the hunter the ability to carry the 12 gauge in
the field without the worry of a bruised shoulder after a day of shooting.
The barrel is drilled from a solid bar of Chrome-Moly steel, and is
back-bored 8 ½ inches and tapered from .74 to .724 over the entire
length. This creates a shotgun with drastically reduced felt recoil,
higher muzzle velocity and more uniform patterns.
The MARI Hr will also be offered in 20 and 28 gauge later
this year. The 12 gauge is now available at Baserri Shotguns
dealers nationwide. (www.baserrishotguns.com)
Benelli’s revolutionary Vinci just got
“supersized.” The brand new and much
anticipated Super Vinci is designed to handle
3 ½-inch magnum loads.
At the heart of the Super Vinci is
the In-Line Inertia Driven system,
which has been designed to
reliably chamber light
2 ¾ -inch loads up through
the most powerful 3
½-inch magnums.
The Super
Vinci features
Practical Speed
Performance (PSP),
which is the practical
“speed” shooters seek
when determining how fast
you can shoulder the gun, acquire
the target, shoot and recover from the
recoil to prepare for the next shot.
Like the original Vinci, the superbly
balanced Super Vinci embodies all the
features that make this latest Benelli semi-auto
the most reliable, softest kicking, fastest shooting,
lightweight 3 ½-inch magnum in the world. Its unique
modular design makes it easy to disassemble for cleaning,
maintenance, storage and transportation. (www.benelliusa.com)
Beretta. The dream of owning an affordable over/under
shotgun without having to sacrifice the style, form and function of
a luxury model comes true with the debut of Beretta’s Silver
Pigeon I. Inspired by the shotguns of old, but with modern
technological advances, this economically priced gun will
provide years
of shooting
pleasure while
becoming a
treasured family
heirloom.
Deeply set
barrels bring the
sight plane in
line with your
hands, providing
reduced recoil
and minimal
muzzle rise.
The chromelined, cold-hammer-forged barrels feature Optima Bore HP geometry,
and deliver unparalleled ballistic performance.
Drawing inspiration from the beautiful luxury models that have come before
it, the satin nickel receiver features extensive English-style scroll and floral
engravings. The rich engravings, traditional 3-inch receiver, select walnut
S
P
O RT I
N G
C
183
L
A S
S
I
C
S
S
P
O RT I
N G
C
184
L
A S
S
I
C
S
From top: Fausti’s Dea SL is the first Italian side-by-side designed primarily for woodcock
hunters. • The 2003C from Merkel showcases stunning game scene engraving. • Beretta’s
Silver Pigeon I features chrome-lined, cold-hammer-forged barrels. • Krieghoff is now
offering floating ribs on sub-gauge barrels for its K-80. • Webley & Scott has re-entered the
U.S. market with this 2000 Sporter boxlock.
The A-Bolt Hunter model will be offered with satin
finish walnut stock and low-luster, blued finish on the barrel
and receiver. The Stalker model features a composite stock
with textured gripping surfaces and has Dura-Touch Armor
Coating for a sure grip. The shotgun will also be offered in a
Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity with a low-luster, blued barrel
and receiver. All models have a TRUGLO/Marble’s fiber-optic
front sight. (www.browning.com)
Caesar Guerini. The new Ellipse EVO Light from Caesar
Guerini is a groundbreaking design featuring a lightweight
alloy action that will be marketed exclusively through the Orvis
Company. The shotgun will feature a new engraving process
that allows for high quality and contrast through the utilization
of their proprietary Invisalloy finish. The process avoids any
stock, Schnabel fore-end and gold-plated trigger belie its
economical price, and make the Silver Pigeon I a shotgun
you would be proud to pass down from generation to
generation. (www.berettausa.com)
Browning. New this year from Browning is the return
of the A-Bolt, bolt-action, 12-gauge, 3-inch shotgun that
looks, handles and feels like a Browning A-Bolt rifle. The
shotgun has the same fast-cycling 60-degree bolt lift and
easy-to-reach top-tang safety.
The new shotgun will feature a 22-inch, fully rifled,
1-in-28-inch twist barrel designed exclusively for use with
sabot-type slugs. An adjustable rear sight is included and the
receiver is tapped for scope mounts; the detachable magazine
attaches to a hinged floorplate with two-plus-one capacity.
S
P
O RT I
N G
C
185
L
A S
S
I
C
S
To the Woodcock,” is the first real Italian side-by-side shotgun
designed to hunt the queen of the woods.
The shotgun features new internal geometry on the barrels,
a unique game scene engraving with silver inlays signed by the
artist, a pierced top lever and scaled receiver for every gauge.
A limited edition, custom gun is also available with gold inlays.
(www.faustiusa.com)
Joel Etchen Guns of Ligonier, Pennsylvania,
has custom-ordered, limited-production, small-gauge
combos made by Beretta. These guns come in 20/28gauge two-barrel sets or .410/28 two-barrel sets with
fancy wood and unique engraving with either 28- or
30-inch barrels. (www.joeletchenguns.com)
Krieghoff. For the first time shooters will be able to
experience the highly popular Krieghoff floating ribs on
sub-gauge barrels. Available in 20, 28 and .410 gauges,
as well as 30- and 32-inch barrel lengths, the new barrels
are sure to make any sub-gauge shooting event an
enjoyable and successful experience.
Also new are additional engraving patterns for your
Krieghoff shotgun. Krieghoff is proud to continue their
tradition of exquisite engraving options with their new
“Gold Victorian Scroll” and “Sovereign” patterns, which
are sure to catch the eye and enhance your K-80 even
more. (www.krieghoff.com)
Merkel. The new 2003C O/U from Merkel makes an
impression with its meticulously engineered sidelocks.
Although the gun looks as though it would be right at
home in the gun cabinet, it’s functionality make it perfect
for clays or birds.
The 2003C features a steel receiver, detachable sidelocks
with compression springs, Kersten cross bolt, double
trigger, game scene engraving, highly figured, luxury-grade
walnut and much more. (www.merkel-usa.com)
Mossberg has added two new models to their offerings
degradation of the engraving’s appearance even after the
metal-plating, resulting in a stunning final product.
The new EVO Light in 20 gauge with 28-inch
barrels weighs just over five pounds, and the breech
face incorporates a new hardened steel bushing
surrounding the firing pin holes. The Ellipse EVO
Light will be offered in 20 and 28 gauge with 28-inch
barrels as standard, but 30-inch barrels, .410-gauge
combination sets, and straight English style stocks are
optional. (www.gueriniusa.com)
Cole Gunsmithing. Well known for customizing
and servicing Beretta and Zoli shotguns, Cole
Gunsmithing of Maine is set to open a second shop
in South Florida later this year. Known as the Beretta
experts, Cole Gunsmithing is a Beretta authorized
service center and the exclusive U.S. importer and
service center for Antonio Zoli Z Guns. Cole offers
a broad range of gunsmithing and repair services, an
extensive inventory of spare parts, standard and upgrade
wood sets, custom stock-fitting, and sales of standard
and custom, one-of-a-kind shotguns.
A stocking dealer for Beretta, Caesar Guerini and
Antonio Zoli, Cole Gunsmithing can provide the perfect
model for field or sporting needs. Check out the New
European-style Kronos Extra, by Zoli available in
the U.S. exclusively through Cole. The Kronos Extra
can be ordered with or without the new Bilanx BHB
technology. (www.colegun.com)
Fausti. Finding inspiration in the glorious Italian
Renaissance, Fausti has created a revised version of a
traditional workshop where their Boutique Line of fine, deluxe
shotguns come to life. One model, the Dea SL “Dedicated
S
P
O RT I
N G
C
186
L
A S
S
I
C
S
F rom top: With its In-Line Inertia Driven system, Benelli’s Super
Vinci can chamber all loads up to 3/1/2-inch magnum. • New
from Mossberg is this fast-handling SA-20 with synthetic stock and
forearm. • Winchester’s Super X3 Sporting features a lightweight,
aluminum alloy receiver. • Cole Gunsmithing offers repair services
for a wide range of fine guns.
this year with the SA-20, and SA-20 Bantam. Both of these
semi-automatic 20 gauges are perfectly balanced, fast
handling, lightweight and easy on the wallet.
The SA-20 is fitted with a standard 14-inch length of
pull (LOP) synthetic stock and forearm, while the SA-20
Bantam features a shortened 13-inch LOP. The gas
system on these reliable wingshooters vents excess gases
to aid in recoil reduction and to help eliminate stress on
other components. These are fun shooting, go-anywhere
guns with built-in features normally found on firearms
with much higher price tags. Whether your idea of fun
is busting clays on the range or chasing small game, the
SA-20 models fit the bill. (www.mossberg.com)
Purdey has produced the latest innovation in bespoke
gunmaking: a 20-bore over and under, which apart from the
stock, is made almost entirely from Damasteel.
Modeled after the Woodward/Purdey model, it is
believed to be the first in the world built using Damascus
for all external and many internal components. Priced
at £89,000 (excluding UK taxes), the first of the limitededition guns sold late last year.
The Damascus gun carries no engraving apart from its
maker’s name in gold on the lockplates and barrels, highlighting
the patterning unique to each gun.
The project was made possible by the advent of an ultrahigh-tech method of steelmaking developed by Damasteel
AB of Söderfors, Sweden, who supplied a Damascus steel
of a purity and strength suitable for use in the precision
manufacturing processes involved in bespoke gunmaking.
(www.purdey.com/)
Webley and Scott. After more than 30 years of absence
in the U.S., Webley & Scott has re-entered the market with
three different models of over/under shotguns.
The 900K is an impressive boxlock with a steel CNCmachined receiver, gated barrel selector, heavy-duty
hammer springs and CNC machined internal parts. It’s
available in 12 and 20 gauge with 28- or 30-inch barrels.
S
P
O RT I
N G
C
187
L
A S
S
I
C
S
These stunning classics feature high-gloss blued barrels
and actions, manual safety, automatic ejectors, fiber optic
sights, exquisitely jeweled mono-bloc walls, and oiled
Turkish Walnut stocks and forends. All models come
complete with five thin-walled chokes and choke wrench,
and are presented in a high-quality Negrini carrying case.
The Sporter 2000 model will initially be available in 12
gauge with 28-inch barrels. This premium boxlock offers all the
same features as the 900K and boasts a genuine bone charcoal
color-case-hardened action and hand-oiled stocks and forends.
Rounding out the trio is the 3000 premium sidelock.
This gun features everything offered on the 900 and 2000
and is a true, seven-pin design with two independent firing
mechanisms mounted on the sideplates, carefully inletted
into the stock and mated with the receiver. The receiver is
hand engraved with English scroll on more than 25 percent
of its surface. Finishing, checkering (24 lines-per-inch) and
fitting are all done by hand, and it’s presented in a wood and
leather maker’s case. (www.webleyandscott.com)
Westley Richards started off the year in a big
way by introducing their new 4-bore, hand-detachable lock
shotguns. Four-bores are legal for hunting game in Europe,
but here in the states they are of interest only to collectors.
They will be built with all the features commonly found on a
Westley Richards hand detachable lock shotgun, including
model ‘C’ dolls head extension with snap-action lever-work.
The first order is for a matched pair of guns fitted with
single selective triggers. (www.westleyrichards.com)
Winchester. New in the Super X3 line of semi-auto
shotguns is the SX3 Sporting from Winchester. This
adjustable 12 gauge features a lightweight, aluminum alloy
receiver, and the barrel is configured in a lightweight profile
with ventilated rib. The walnut stock and forearm have oillike satin finish with adjustable comb. The Super X3 guns
are available in 28-, 30- and 32-inch barrel lengths with five
extended Signature choke tubes and fitted ABS hard case.
Other new models include the SX3 Composite
20 gauge with 26- and 28-inch barrels; an SX3 20 gauge
Waterfowl model; Compact Field SX3 in 12 and 20 gauge
and National Wild Turkey Federation Extreme Turkey
models in either 12 or 20 gauge.
(www.winchesterguns.com)
New from ADCO is the Diamond Double hammer
gun, available in different versions for either clay shooting or
bird hunting. Top: With its distinctive aluminum receiver, Baserri’s
new MARI Hr tips the scales at just 6 pounds, 4 ounces.
S
P
O RT I
N G
C
188
L
A S
S
I
C
S
Offering fully guided quail, deer, turkey
and hog hunts on 3000 pristine acres.
Memberships also available.
10% Discount on All Prepaid
Quail Hunts Booked Before
August 1st for 2011!
Best kept secret in the Southeast!
Red Pebble Plantation
redpeb b l e p l a n t a t i o n . c o m | 229.643.1888 | Rebecca, Georgia
S
P
O RT I
N G
C
189
L
A S
S
I
C
S
SHOTSHELLS
B&P. For more than 125 years Baschieri & Pellagri has
produced reliable, high-quality ammunition for all types of
shooting. With the patented Gordon Hull System, B&P’s
shells deliver superior patterning with 15 percent less
recoil. B&P stocks loads for every kind of shooter including
competition, hunting, waterfowl or even sub-gauge. The
shells are the ultimate advantage to any shooting sport and
are always offered with free shipping. (www.bandpusa,com)
Fiocchi. The most advanced training aid for trap, skeet
and sporting clays shooters is the ability to “see where you
are missing.” The Fiocchi Chemical Tracer powered by
Cyalume, provides a daytime visible tracer that travels with
the shot column as it hits or misses the clay bird. The tracer
is non-incendiary, non-toxic and meets EPA and consumer
safety compliance. It leaves no residue in the barrel and
is non-corrosive. The 12-gauge, No. 8 shot with Cyalume
tracer is light sensitive and therefore packaged as part of
the new Fiocchi Canned Heat line.
HEVI-Shot. It’s time to bring your sub-gauges back out in
the field with HEVI-Shot’s new sub-gauge Field and Marsh
line. The new shells are available in 16, 28 and .410 bore, all in
the No. 4 and No. 6 sizes.
The 16-gauge HEVI-Shot Field and Marsh shells will
outperform any 12-gauge steel shell on the market, and
the 28-gauge shells will take on any 20-gauge steel. The
.410 bore that was once only perfect for squirrels will take
a duck at 25 to 30 yards and a pheasant out to 40 yards.
(www.hevishot.com)
Remington’s STS Target Loads have taken shot-to-shot
consistency to a new performance level, setting the standard
at all major skeet, trap and sporting clays shoots across the
country while providing hand-loaders with unmatched
reloading ease and hull longevity. Available in most gauges,
S
P
O RT I
STS shells are the most reliable and consistent shells you can
shoot. (www.remington.com)
RST. Classic Shotshell Company has recently made some
additions to its lines of Best and Premium grade shotshells.
The company added a 2¾-inch pheasant load in various
shot sizes, along with pigeon loads in both paper and plastic
shells to their Premium line.
Additions to the 2½-inch Best line include woodcock
loads in 12 through 28 gauges with No. 10 shot. Spreader
loads are available in 12 and 20 gauge, as well as a brush
load in 28 gauge. (www.rstshells.com)
Winchester Ammunition introduced one of the most
innovative shotshell loads in the brand’s 144-year history
with the new Blind Side line. Combining groundbreaking,
stacked HEX Shot technology and the new Diamond
Cut Wad, it is the most deadly Winchester waterfowl load
available. Filled with 100 percent HEX Shot, you get
more pellets on target, a larger kill zone and more traumainducing pellets than ever before.
With the unique shape of HEX Shot, Winchester packs
the shot into the wad more efficiently to give hunters up
to 15 percent more pellets per shell, and the six-sided,
multiple-edged shot provides increased trauma and wound
channels, resulting in fast kills. The shot is designed to hit
waterfowl like high-velocity tumbling bricks preventing
over penetration and maximizing energy. The Blind Side
wad is also designed to maximize pattern performance
resulting in consistent patterns that increases the kill zone
up to 25 percent in all choke tube variations.
has added a number of 2 ¾- and 2 ½-inch shotshells to its
TBestop:andRSTPremium
grade lines. Below, from left: HEVI-Shot’s new subgauge Field and Marsh shells; Remington STS Target Load; Fiocchi’s
Canned Heat Chemical Tracer; Winchester’ Blind Side.
N G
C
190
L
A S
S
I
C
S