Shotguns: Ten of the Best (part 2)

Ian Coley’s gunshop professionals recommend 10 shotguns ranging from the modest to the magnificent – here is part 2

BROWNING B525

RRP: £1,165

The biggest competitor for the ubiquitous Silver Pigeon, the B525 is very similar in terms of handling, with a well-balanced swing and minimal recoil thanks to back-bored barrels and recoil pads.

An ideal all-round gun, the build quality on the 525 is of Browning’s usual high standard, with a 10-year warranty on the action. It’s the only shotgun on the market at this price point that is hand-finished to ensure optimal performance, complete in an ABS case with spare chokes. It’s reliable, functional, stylish and practical – all at a very sensible price point.

MIROKU MK38

RRP: £1,750

The Miroku MK38 is, in our opinion, one of the best guns on the market. Well balanced and steady to shoot, it is second to none in terms of reliability – all features that make it an ideal entry-level gun, and one you wouldn’t necessarily need or want to upgrade in a hurry.

It’s extremely well put together and complemented with typically subtle yet detailed engraving on the action. Available in 30” or 32” barrels, the MK38 comes with five chokes and the hallmark Miroku cardboard box. No frills, but still a true legend in the clay gun market.

BERETTA SILVER PIGEON SPORTER

RRP – £1,945

Probably the most popular gun of its era, and many people’s first introduction to the sport, the Silver Pigeon action has been tried and tested over the years, and is renowned for its durability and reliability.

Thanks to the low-profile action, the Silver Pigeon handles superbly, feeling well balanced and smooth in the swing. Scroll engraving and oil-finished wood gives the gun that classic Beretta look.

Available in 12, 20, 28 and .410 gauge, and complete in ABS case with spare chokes, the Silver Pigeon offers a great all-round package in terms of price, quality and value.

CAESAR GUERINI SUMMIT

RRP – £2,675

As far a competition clay guns go, the Caesar Guerini Summit takes some beating. Available in 12, 20, 28 and .410 gauges with a choice of 28″, 30″, 32″, or 34″ barrels, there is an option to suit almost all shooters.

The pistol grip sporting stock has a slight palm swell and nice radius on the grip, which makes the Summit a very comfortable gun to shoot. The build quality is superb – something that is backed up by Caesar Guerini UK’s 10-year mechanical warranty – but in the unlikely event that parts do need replacing, this can easily be achieved. Complete with eight multi chokes and ABS case.

BLASER F16

RRP £3,095

The F16 offers German reliability and handling at an attainable price point. It’s very well balanced and smooth in the swing, thanks to its low-profile receiver, with little felt recoil.

Typically crisp trigger pulls and adjustable trigger for comfortable length of pull. Great off-the-shelf gun for most, but if you want to really customise the F16 to suit, there are balancing systems and adjustable stocks available as optional extras.

The F16 has a minimalist grey action that complements the ‘fusion’ walnut stock – this is laser-enhanced to give improved figuring. Cased with spare chokes.

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