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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.

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

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 28-inch 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

S P O r t I N G C L a S S I C S

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esigned 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.

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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 chrome-

lined, 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


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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.

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

rom 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.

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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

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 20/28-gauge 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


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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 limited-edition 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 ultra-high-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 CNC-machined 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.

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.

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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 oil-like 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)

ew 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.

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SHOtSHELLSB&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,

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 trauma-inducing 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.

op: RST has added a number of 2 ¾- and 2 ½-inch shotshells to its Best and Premium grade lines. Below, from left: HEVI-Shot’s new sub-gauge Field and Marsh shells; Remington STS Target Load; Fiocchi’s Canned Heat Chemical Tracer; Winchester’ Blind Side.

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