Richard Atkins tests the William Powell Perdix ‘crossover’ shotgun

The forend is the now increasingly popular parallel, slim beavertail style, without finger ridges. It is deep enough to fill the hand and it affords an easy grip hold at any position along its length while not being bulky. I like this style having been brought up on full beavertail and semi-beavertail types before the Schnabel came along. Chequering is fine-line cut for a positive hold and an attractive look on the grip and forend.

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Attractive

The Perdix is styled with an excellent fit and finish. The figured walnut woodwork, engraved side plates and lustrous blacking produce a definite quality look and feel that stays true to its position within the William Powell/Rizzini range. It slots between the sub £1,800 Perseus and the much more expensive round-bodied Phoenix. Perdix means partridge in Latin, so it is slightly odd that only pheasant and duck appear in the well-applied engraving on the side plates.

Summary

Perhaps the most striking thing about the Perdix is its undoubted superior appearance, and it certainly attracted many admiring comments. It was a gun people wanted to have a few shots with and not a negative comment arose, even those who might need it shortening accepted the long stock. If skillfully fitted, the same piece can be removed and set back on almost invisibly.

The Perdix, with 30in barrels as tested, balanced slightly ahead of the hinge point for steady, smooth handling, which was universally liked. One shooter proclaimed he “cannot shoot an over-and-under” but surprised himself with the Perdix and pulverised clays consistently.

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