If you are looking for an individual, well balanced side-by-side that is good to shoot, then inexpensive English boxlock shotguns always represent value for money.
They represent a great way of owning a good quality English shotgun by a recognisable name for a more reasonable sum of money than might be asked for a best sidelock.
Many people look upon the boxlock as the poor relation to the sidelock, whether in style or shooting characteristics, but this need not be the case if you select your gun carefully.
Unwanted, unappreciated and cheap
The Birmingham boxlock was once the Beretta Silver Pigeon of the shooting world. Every father bought one for his son, either new or second-hand. He would learn to shoot with it, perhaps get a smarter sidelock once he was older and wealthier, and the old boxlock was kept for wet weather or rough shooting.
Today, he might get a Yildiz small-bore when he’s 13 that has to last until he stops growing, at which time he’ll get a basic Silver Pigeon or a Guerini. That will last him until he gets a decent job and wants to splash out on something better which, having got used to an over-and-under, probably means a Beretta Diamond Pigeon or a high-end Browning.
What that means is good British boxlocks are unwanted, unappreciated and cheap. You can buy a first-class British boxlock from the early or mid-20th century today for £3,500. A Webley & Scott Model 700 can be had in almost unused condition for £2,000 and good used ones can be had for as little as £500. These represent the best value for money in guns anywhere today.
What to look for in a used gun
When looking for a used gun, be realistic about what you want and expect it to do. If you need a gun for your boy or girl to learn to shoot with, perhaps breaking 50 clays three times a month and a bit of rough shooting in between, the gun really only needs to be good for three or four years until he or she outgrows it.
English boxlocks are better value than they have ever been.
Brand value
People will pay for the cachet of a well-respected name on their gun. Wouldn’t you rather tell your friends you had a Browning than a Lanber, or a Purdey than a Pape? The market agrees, so Brownings and Berettas resell better than anything else in that sector, and good Purdeys never hang around for long.
Original quality: A gun that cost £5,000 when new will be worth more today than one that cost £2,000 when new.
Current condition: A clean, original gun will command a better price than a battered, modified or repaired one.
Configuration: Fashions and trends make some very good used guns very hard to sell. If the fashion has moved to long barrels (which it has), the same gun with short barrels will be very hard to sell and the price has to be reduced accordingly.
Mechanics and reliability: Some mechanisms become unfashionable or prove unreliable or awkward. These become hard to sell once they develop a reputation. Some reputations are deserved, others are not. However, the market is harsh and prices will be affected anyway.
“I would dearly love to be able to afford a sidelock O/U from a prestigious maker, but I can’t afford…
To do well in the second-hand market you have to be different
If everyone wants a Beretta Silver Pigeon with 32in barrels and a 15in stock with pretty wood, you are not going to buy one cheaply. It is simply supply and demand.
However, if you want a Browning Black Duck and only have £2,500 to spend, you can probably get a good one, if you can live with 26in barrels, because most people won’t consider it. The upside at purchase has to be weighed against the downside of resale because you will hit the same problems as a seller that worked to your advantage as a buyer.
Webley & Scott Model 700 £1,500
These guns are the closest you can find to a mass-produced side-by-side gun, but they still have the individual feel and balance you would expect of an English shotgun.
A good secondhand gun will cost around £1,250 – £1,500 for the standard Model 700.
This really does represent remarkable value for money, especially when considering the price of Spanish guns of an equivalent quality.
For example, the boxlock AYA Number Four now costs over £3,000 when new.
William Ford boxlock £2,150
A 12-bore boxlock with its original 28″ barrels and 2½” chambers and a fine gun.
It has a well-figured stock with an elegant straight-hand grip.
The fit between the wood and action is excellent, and the gun features finest scroll engraving on the action, fences and barrels, which retain much of their colour.
This gun comes with the tried and tested Southgate ejector system, which is most commonly found on best London guns.
The gun mounts easily and the weight is slightly biased towards the front hand, giving a good heft and allowing for a smooth, deliberate swing without being unbalanced.
These guns really do have a very individual feel to them, being extremely well built and presented.
It is a lovely gun to shoot and is well-priced, costing much less than a new equivalent European boxlock. It will happily provide good, reliable service for another lifetime.
Westley Richards Droplock £4,000
Unique to Westley Richards, with the bottom plate on the action body opening to reveal the locks, which can easily be removed and replaced in the field by hand.
The workmanship on these guns is second to none among guns from both Birmingham and London, which makes them very sought after and collectable.
They come with the Westley patent lever, which, like the removable locks, is unique to their guns and which gives a most desirable individual finish to the gun.
Barrel lengths of 28″ and 2½” chambers are not unusual in guns built around 1920.
You should expect fine scroll engraving across the action, and these earlier guns will feature the Westley box ejector system.
This is slightly different from the more well-known and widely used Southgate ejector, but is still very reliable and efficient.
You can regularly find these guns in good condition, complete with their own cases and all accessories. They tend to sell for £4,000 – £6,000 depending on age and condition.
That used airgun may be a cut-price gem — or it could turn out to be a useless piece of scrap. In our guide to buying second-hand air guns we show what to look for, and what to avoid
You can save a fortune by buying a second-hand air rifle. But if you don’t know what to look out for, it can also end up leaving you out of pocket. Here’s what to look out for so you make the right decision when it comes to acquiring a pre-owned air rifle.
Ensure that the breech lock-up is secure when inspecting a pre-owned break-barrel
The first thing to look for
Check for signs of rust along the barrel and cylinder, and don’t be afraid to remove the gun from its stock. Tidy metalwork indicates that the gun has been properly cared for, whereas external corrosion tends to suggest that the internals have been neglected. While you have the gun out of the stock, inspect the woodwork for signs of splitting.
Don’t be afraid to remove the gun from the stock, and always look for signs of corrosion – especially on the cylinder of a PCP
Rust is an even bigger issue with pre-charged airguns, as there’s a risk of the integrity of the air cylinder being compromised by corrosion. Ideally, the owner will have used dry air from a scuba bottle or from a pump with a moisture filter to minimise the risk of internal corrosion — it’s worth checking. Remember also to check the filling probe and/or inlet for signs of damage around the seals.
Check the seals on PCP filler probes – though easily fixed, damage can reveal a lack of routine maintenance
Next check the screws
Damaged screw heads are usually evidence of tinkering, which can often do more harm than good. If you see any screws with gouged heads, be sure to ask the owner how that happened.
Give the gun a shake
Have a few test shots with the gun if you can.
Before you load-up, give it a good shake and make sure there are no unusual rattles.
If the gun you are trying is spring-powered, the cocking stroke should be smooth and with no roughness or grinding.
On a break-barrel, the breech lock-up should be secure with no hint of play.
Whatever the power-plant, the test shots should reveal whether the gun is still up to scratch, both in terms of the smoothness of the firing cycle and its downrange accuracy.
Power
Chronograph testing, if possible, should confirm consistent muzzle velocity and (with the exception of FAC-rated airguns) an acceptable power level within the UK legal limit of 12ft/lb. Have a look down the barrel; a build-up of lead deposit isn’t a problem and can easily be cleaned, but rust, scrapes and gouges are cause for concern. Metal-bodied airgun darts can cause serious harm to rifled barrels; if the gun is offered with a set, or if you have reason to believe the owner has been using them, expect there to be damage.
Provenance
Who you are buying from can make a big difference. A shooter who has kept a written record of airgun maintenance will probably have taken good care of it. Gunshops have a reputation to maintain, and should have the staff and resources to service a second-hand airgun properly before it reaches the racks. You could also be offered a warranty.
You could find excellent quality second-hand airgun bargains by joining a reputable airgun club. Serious club shooters tend to take very good care of their guns, and many of them change their hardware frequently, ensuring a steady supply of nearly new, and very well cared for, pre-owned airguns.
The golden rule when buying a second-hand air rifle?
Use common sense and be cautious. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
The Tikka T3 Lite is a high-quality budget rifle from the workshops of Finnish gunmaker Sako that has been a boon to Charles Smith Jones as he goes about his pest control
When the Tikka T3 Lite first appeared it took the market by storm. Finnish gunmaking company Sako had intended to produce a budget-priced rifle that shot well straight out of the box to meet the exacting demands of an increasingly sophisticated body of hunters. They succeeded where others had failed thanks to a combination of innovative design and no-nonsense engineering.
The draw on the bolt can seem long and a single -stage trigger has a clean break
The Tikka is indeed a Sako in all but name, made in the same factory to the same exacting standards, just at a lower price.
At the heart of the rifle is a common action size, different calibres being catered for by changes in the dimensions of the magazine. While this meant that the draw of the bolt might have seemed quite long on shorter cartridges, it was more than compensated for by the smoothness of the action.
Also helpful is the 75-degree bolt lift, noticeably less than a more usual 90 degrees on this type of bolt.
The twin forward lugs are strong and secure, tracking effortlessly through the action rails, so cycling is quick and effortless and ejection of the fired case is positive and reliable.
Commonality of parts between calibres and the use of plastics wherever possible have kept production costs down even though there is still a wide variety of stock and barrel options available.
New rifles are supplied with a three round polymer magazine that fits flush with the body of the gun. Five shot versions are also readily available, although they will stand slightly proud.
The magazine itself has a simple single release catch that is safe and secure in operation, ejecting under firm control without being prone to doing so accidentally unlike some other designs.
The trigger unit itself is probably one of the best that you are likely to find fitted in a rifle straight out of production. It will have left the factory set at just under four pounds, perfect for most users, although it is adjustable if so desired.
The single-stage trigger break itself is crisp and clean, while the safety catch (a straightforward ‘on’ or ‘off’ type) is perfectly placed for the thumb above the pistol grip.
Replacement trigger units can be obtained through the aftersales market but to be honest few people feel any need to upgrade.
Most parts are interchangeable on a Tikka T3
Accuracy
Expect superb levels of accuracy even without fine-tuning and custom loads. The T3 Lite has always been supplied factory tested with a guarantee that it will shoot to at least one minute of angle – this translates as a one in three shot group at 100 yards, though in fact it can do far better than this with the right ammunition.
Sling swivels can be fitted
In 2016, the T3 was updated and relaunched as the T3x with a new modular synthetic stock with interchangeable pistol grips and an improved grip pattern, a redesigned ejection port and better rail attachments among other features. Essentially, though, the T3x is much the same rifle and most parts are interchangeable.
The mag fits flush with the underside
Available in a wide array of centrefire calibres to suit purposes from pest control to the pursuit of larger game, the Tikka T3 Lite can be found in a configuration to suit all tastes. Visit any range day and you are virtually guaranteed to find at least one on the firing point along with a satisfied owner. While I miss the looks and handling of my old thoroughbred fullstock, I would miss the accuracy and no-nonsense reliability of my T3 far more.
Lords of all they survey: rabbits stay alert to danger
After years of using my old BSA Standard No 2 air rifle I decided to rethink my rabbit shooting by using a .22 rimfire with an adequate scope.
A visit to the gunshop later I became the owner of a second-hand CZ BRNO rifle.
This was an elderly Model 2 E-S, with a shortened barrel to take a short moderator, its Schnabel fore-end and roach-backed stock betraying its years.
The wood was blond with reasonable configuration and while it was an old BRNO made perhaps in the 1960s or 1970s, before the once-united company split into two separate operations BRNO and CZ it was in excellent order.
The rifle felt comfortable, I liked its slightly worn appearance and these models retain a reputation for accuracy and longevity.
I was testing a scope – the Endurance 3-10 x 44 MAP 8 (Multiple Aim Point), engineered in high-grade black aluminium and with an in-depth reticle design. By zeroing at 75 yards, and with the reticle set at 8x magnification, a series of aim points have been calculated on the vertical cross-hair at 25-yard intervals out to 225 yards. This scope has been specifically designed for .22 rimfire subsonic ammunition. The clarity is excellent, even at dusk, and I appreciated the simple cross-hair reticle with its easily seen calibrations.
Brno Model 2
Zeroing and testing
With the scope mounted, the little rifle had to be zeroed and then tested. On a warm, humid evening my stalking friend Charles Fenn joined me, a target was set up at 25 yards, and after the expenditure of around half a box of Winchester subsonic 40-grain ammunition and numerous ¼in click adjustments to the turrets, the rifle was found to be shooting spot on.
Then we set out with tripod, rifle and my Labrador. Half-a-dozen rabbits, all sizes, scuttled for their hedgerow burrows as we entered the field behind the house, but none paused to allow a shot. However, crossing the field to the next hedge we spotted a brace of half-grown youngsters perhaps 30 yards away. I set up the tripod, rested the rifle and as I squeezed the trigger there was a slight phut, followed by a distinctive plop as the bullet struck home. The rabbit cartwheeled, the dog was sent and the first of several was in the bag.
The triggers on a BRNO Model 2
Out rabbiting with a CZ BRNO rifle
Off next to a local three-acre field where we have been plagued by scores of rabbits.
We quietly walked up to the field gate and even as we did so more than a dozen rabbits scuttled for the nearest hedge. However, a pair of rabbits, perhaps 50 yards away and well out in the open, offered a safe shot and background. I took aim from the sticks and missed! However, while the intended victim scuttled away, its companion sat up, puzzled and inquisitive. Charles took the shot and killed it cleanly.
At the end of half an hour, four had been shot, two missed.
Rabbiting with a CZ BRNO is satisfying and for a modest outlay of £175, real value for money. Meanwhile, the local rabbit population will be trimmed to manageable numbers.
Bruce Potts investigates the enduring appeal of the Tikka LSA 55
Tikka LSA 55
The origins of the Tikka LSA 55
Tikka began to manufacture firearms components in Finland in 1918 and in 1937 it produced its first hunting gun, the H 45 single-barrel shotgun, which featured an interchangeable rifle barrel. It was not until 1967 that the first Tikka bolt action rifle was made, the fabled LSA 55. In 1983 Tikka merged with Sako. Later the company merged with two other Finnish firms, Nokia and Valmet, and eventually became known as Sako-Valmet Ltd. From this point on Tikka rifles were produced at Riihimäki, the Sako works where the Tikka T3 is manufactured to this day.
Tikka LSA 55
Famously smooth operation
The bolt action on the LSA 55 is famous for having a smooth operation with less lateral wobble than other Mauser-type configurations.
The lock-up using opposed twin lugs is good and positive, and its fast lock time ensures accuracy.
Every part is well machined and fits flawlessly.
If you are buying one second-hand it is important to check that it still has its separate mortised recoil lug, which is essential to ensure the correct bedding of the action to stock.
Barrels
The original barrels were made in steel manufactured by Bofors of anti-aircraft gun fame with precise concentric bores and accurate rifling.
There was a Sporter version with the option of open sights and a Varmint heavy-barrelled model named the Continental.
The barrels where chambered for .17 Rem, .222, .22-250, 6mm Rem, .243 and .308 Win.
Larger calibres such as .30-06 or .300 Win Mag were available in the longer action version LSA 65.
The Tikka was praised for its free-floating barrel and integral scope rails. These contributed to consistent accuracy even in the most taxing climates, a characteristic for which the rifle became renowned.
Detachable rifle magazine
The rifles detachable magazine has a three-or five-round capacity and is made entirely from steel.
It is extremely hard-wearing, but replacements are hard to source.
The stock is beautifully proportioned with well-executed hand-cut chequering and a comfortable palm swell in the pistol grip.
No synthetic materials were used in the rifles manufacture.
It wasn’t until 1997 that Tikka produced its first allweather rifle with a stainless steel barrel and action, and a synthetic stock.
When the Tikka T3 Lite first appeared it took the market by storm. Finnish gunmaking company Sako had intended to…
Conclusion – buy if you can find one
The Tikka LSA 55 or longer action LSA 65 models can now only be bought second-hand, but they are still reliable and accurate rifles that if cared for will outlast their owners.
Before you go off shopping for a new gun, ask yourself the following.
What kind of shooting will you be doing?
What is your budget?
Is there a particular make of gun you’re keen on. Why is that?
How far are you prepared to travel to look at a gun?
Do you want to buy from a gun shop?
Do you want to buy from a private seller?
Don’t rush into it
Browse gun for sale listings to get a good idea of what kinds of guns are available to buy and how much they’re going for. This will tell you if your budget is sufficient for buying a gun of the type you want and need.
Do your research
Start off by reading gun reviews so that you get the full background of a particular model. Ask your shooting companions what they think and what they would choose if they were buying a gun. Browse through the guns in action on YouTube and on the manufacturers websites. You can’t be too much of an expert.
Don’t be shy about asking questions
Don’t hold back from asking the seller questions about the gun. If there is something you don’t understand about the condition or gun quality then ask. Say that you want to see photos.
Don’t buy a gun that looks tatty
If a gun looks overly scratched and worn then it probably hasn’t been looked after properly. Avoid it.
Don’t make unnecessary journeys to view the wrong guns
Make sure you know as much as possible about a gun before driving off to make a viewing. That way you avoid giving yourself a long, possibly expensive and pointless journey.
Don’t ignore your gut feeling
If you have any niggling doubts, it’s a good idea to reconsider the gun purchase. These slight doubts can be a sign that this isn’t the gun for you or there is maybe something untrustworthy about the seller. You don’t want to end up being ripped off or saddled with a gun that is wrong for you.
Don’t pay upfront for a gun without viewing it
This is crucial when you’re buying a gun from a website. Some dodgy sellers say they will organise delivery of the gun once you’ve paid – and then it never turns up.
Gun fitting: I am toying with the idea of buying a gun with a skeleton adjustable stock so that I…
Don’t buy a gun without trying it
Any reputable seller will let you ‘test drive’ the gun before you part with your hard-earned cash. You need to see how it feels and test out gun fit. Some vendors will try to pressure you by saying that you need to close the sale now before trying the gun as there are “plenty of other people interested who want to buy now”. Ignore the pressure – and don’t give a deposit either until you have seen the gun for yourself.
If you're on a budget and looking to buy a cheap shotgun make sure you read this first
What's the deal on tipping?
Just because you’re looking for shotguns under £500 doesn’t mean you won’t find something decent.
You will find plenty of good quality but cheap shotguns on the market nowadays.
There are plenty of options that will stick to a budget of £500, whether you’re looking for a second-hand shotgun to use in exacting conditions or a cheap, low-risk, entry-level firearm.
Although the shotguns listed below may have double triggers, lack ejectors and feature only the most basic of finishes, they still shoot well.
Guns are like cars
A second-hand shotgun is a bit like a car. A new car starts depreciating as soon as it’s driven out of the showroom and a new gun loses some of its value as soon as it’s taken out of the shop. This doesn’t happen so quickly with a second-hand gun.
Good gun dealers will issue a warranty on any gun sold
The simpler a shotgun is, the more reliable it will be, so a boxlock with double triggers and no ejectors would be ideal for taking out on rough-shooting sessions, rainy days and even onto the foreshore.
English non-ejector side-by-sides were hugely popular during the 1970s, and with many people of that vintage now reaching the end of their sporting careers, there are plenty available to buy.
The Hudson non-ejector – a handmade Birmingham boxlock – sold new for £120, the same price for which they can be bought second-hand today.
Have the confidence to buy a shotgun that’s no longer fashionable and you’ll benefit from being able to find a decent gun with a very affordable price tag.
Good gun dealers will issue a warranty on any gun sold. They are also responsible for selling firearms that are in a good state of repair only. This should give you confidence with the safety of cheaper guns.
Guns have to go through a very stringent proofing test before they can be sold in the UK.
What to look at on shotguns under £500
Check the barrels for any pits and dents
Examine the fit and tightness of the levers and the action.
On older cheap shotguns you should watch out for wearing on the cocking dogs, which can be seen by the barrels springing back slightly after the gun has been opened. This is not a major problem and they can be replaced easily by any good gunsmith. If you’re buying from a private seller and you see this problem, you should probably steer clear as it will cost about £100 to repair.
Finding a bargain
You will find over-and-under guns in the £500 budget range but they are unlikely to be high specification.
Don’t stress too much about the name on the gun: several little-known European manufacturers made excellent guns throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and continue to produce them today.
You should be able to pick up a good quality AYA boxlock, from the 1970s and 1980s for around £450. But you should also look into Ugartechea or a USSR-era Baikal.
What about English guns?
So your heart is set on an English gun? In that case a Birmingham-made Webley & Scott is not beyond the realms of possibility. But again, your first thought should be the condition and quality of the gun. If you can get over your initial concerns relating to the reliability and quality of cheap shotguns, it’s worth exploring this market because you may well unearth a treasure that’s within your budget.
Baikal is a Russian company with its roots in the USSR and takes its name from the world’s oldest and deepest lake, Lake Baikal, It still makes a range of firearms today, and has always had a name for reliability.
This shotgun is probably 40 years old and is an excellent example, being in very good condition.
It has obviously been well looked after because it is in a good state cosmetically, and the action is still good and tight.
The barrels are chromed, and the gun is a double trigger non-ejector, so along with the inherent strength of the action, which functions on inertia, there isn’t much to go wrong.
The metalwork is blacked and features very little engraving.
The wood is an oiled piece of surprisingly impressive quality.
On the downside this one feels slightly too heavy in the hands, being biased towards the 28-inch barrels.
It has two and three quarter inch chambers so will take most modern cartridges, and would be a great gun for wildfowling.
These guns were made in Chiavari, Italy, in the 1960s and 1970s and predominantly used for trap shooting, so tend to be tightly choked.
This gun has a single selective trigger and is an ejector, so represents a lot of gun for the money.
These two factors are the major causes of the price difference between this and the Baikal.
The action is blacked and features a rolled-on scroll engraving with game scenes on each of the plates of the boxlock action.
Pleasant guns but not surprisingly a little unrefined.
These guns tend to be rather weighty. On the other hand you could use them for driven bird shooting so perhaps the weight isn’t a bad thing as you could maintain a good swing.
One standout feature is the comfortable-to-handle rounded pistol grip, good for overhead birds.
The wood used for the stock and fore-end has an attractive grain but I found the chequering rather bold. I would recommend bringing out the grain with a fine wire wool and regular application of linseed oil.
This early Italian model would make a good first gun or a low-risk investment for those looking for something a little different.
Baikal shotguns are inexpensive BUT reliable A new over-and-under would be about £617 A new side-by-side would set you back…
Parker Hale Boxlock for £350
This Birmingham-based company made a name for itself after the war by producing a range of firearms accessories for the trade, such as rifle scopes and cleaning kits, before moving into firearm production itself. Parker Hale was famous for its barrels, and became well known for the large range of rifles it produced.
This boxlock is modelled on the Churchill XXV, with a short stock, 25-inch barrels and a tall, thin sighting rib.
It has double triggers, a nice, slim straight-hand grip and a push-rod fore-end.
The engraving is pleasant enough but does not cover every surface, which suits the bright coin finish.
Charles Smith Jones sings the praises of the Hatsan Escort Pump's reliability and effectiveness but risks the wrath of his ancestors who had more traditional tastes
The Hatsan Escort Pump
Every time I pick up a pump-action shotgun I still feel a slight vibration as my ancestors turn in their graves. Traditionalists, they would all have been horrified to see any descendant shooting with such a gun.
The gunrooms and safes I grew up around tended to contain selections of side-by-sides and little else. True, the over-and-under has gained respectability in the most formal of shooting fields in the time since I was a boy, and even the semi-automatic has become acceptable in certain disciplines, but a pump?
The fact is that it is a love-it-or-loathe-it gun if ever there was one, but they are solid, reliable working tools and can be tremendous fun to shoot. Over the past 20 years Turkish gunmaker Hatsan has worked with Edgar Brothers, a UK importer, to establish its brand within the British market.
Hatsan’s semi-automatic Escort, which we featured last April, is now established here as an affordable classic, but it also offers a pump-action alternative in several configurations – the Hatsan Escort Pump. While nowhere as popular as the semi-auto, it has similar attributes as a no-nonsense and affordable workhorse.
The receiver uses aircraft-grade alloy
Admirers
The more conventional model, marketed here as the Fieldhunter, has fairly standard lines for a gun of its type, while the more tactical MP version has a pistol grip and is marketed by Hatsan for “security and law enforcement” although, in the more basic configurations it is practical enough for field use. Optional extras range from door busters to flash suppressors — perhaps less of a requirement in the sporting market.
The action is strongly reminiscent of the venerable Remington 870, a tried and tested design with its own reputation for dependability and no shortage of admirers.
The receiver of both semi-auto and pump Escorts is made of aircraft-grade alloy, with a strength to match, while the barrel is chrome lined, finished in matt black or a stainless “Marine” version and fitted with a ventilated rib.
All guns are supplied as multichokes, which may be interior tubes or extended, depending on the model.
And most should be proofed for steel shot, although it pays to check earlier versions.
A manual cross-button safety catch is just forward of the trigger. Dovetail grooves above the receiver allow for the fitting of a red dot sight or other accessories, if desired.
Spare parts available
The gun itself is extremely simple to strip and reassemble and spare parts are readily available in the unlikely event that they are needed. The stock and fore-end are almost inevitably synthetic in plain black or a camouflage finish, pleasingly proportioned with moulded checking for comfortable use. Hatsan has also started to produce a model in Turkish walnut.
A nice touch is the simple system of spacers that allow the length of the butt to be altered to fit the user, as well as shims, which can further change the slope of the stock. The Escort pump comes with the options of a 2+1 magazine, enabling it to be held on a Shotgun Certificate, or a 4+1, requiring an FAC. An optional magazine extension tube increases capacity to 7+1.
A manual crossbolt safety is set forward of the trigger
It may not be to everyone’s taste, but this basic but effective pump-action has a lot to offer. It has a simple mechanism, which, not being reliant on blowback to cycle the action, can be far more tolerant of a wider variety of cartridge loads, while being potentially more reliable with less to go wrong. The action also copes with accumulations of debris far better than a more sensitive semi-auto, which demands more careful and regular attention.
Hatsan Escort Magnum Target Price: £330 In the 1960s, two trend-setting semi-autos were introduced – one from the USA and the other…
Not a gun for a formal day but …
The Hatsan Escort Pump is not a gun to turn up with for a formal day but for pottering the hedgerows, waiting for a fox or cradled on the front of a quad bike when checking pheasant feeders, it comes into its own as a rugged and reliable working tool. For pigeons, vermin or a fun clay session it also has a certain appeal, but do check the proof marking before using steel shot. Put simply, for the price you can’t go wrong.
We recently had a query from a reader, Tomasz Dojnikowski, who asked: ” Hi guys. I’m looking to buy my first shotgun but do not have a big budget. I’m looking at second-hand Baikal 12g 27E-1C. Are these any good as first shotguns? Not much experience with it. Been using an air rifle for some time.”
Rob EatonThey sure would be a good choice if you don’t mind simplicity. But go for an over-and-under with a single trigger as it’s far better and less complicated to learn. They also produce less recoil from cheaper cartridges than a side-by-side. But beware of the low comb on most Baikals if you are of an average or small build as it causes all sorts of problems. However it’s easy to fit a rubber saddle comb raiser to the gun with insulation tape. Again it won’t be so pretty but it will work very well indeed.
Carl TomblinExcellent guns….so reliable…have old sxs 37 yrs…shot few hundred thousand thro it..o/u bit short in stock for me…just make sure it fits tho or wasting your money
Dave Lune Valley PendleburyI still have mine which was given to me as my first gun and it was the first gun of the guy who gave it to me. Completely bombproof and still in use!
James RoeNothing to do with the gun all about the fit. I think side-by-sides are lovely to see but don’t offer the performance
Ronan Baggott Baikal are reliable and sturdy, I have one for 18 years and I have but some shots through it, between rough shooting and clays and it has never let me down once. An ideal starter gun in my opinion
Dennis HummDifficult to answer. I think you would need to know a lot more. What will you shoot? Does it fit etc. I’ve owned Baikals both sxs and o/u personally can’t fault them. I also used to use their cartridges but that’s another story
Carl TomblinDennis Humm ..after using their cartridges ..have you still got any fillings
Carl TomblinTo be honest….due to their price I think Baikal guns introduced a lot of people into shooting
Sean MeeSo long as it fits. It’s not fancy, but it is sturdy and will take a lot of abuse in heavy cover without worrying about scratches.
Alex DugganA sbs (side-by-side) Baikal is a fantastic low budget gun, don’t go for an o/u as you always look the part with a sbs
Peter CuthbertI’v had a s/s ((side-by-side) Baikal for nearly 50yrs ! Brilliant gun, slightly heavy ! I’ve had numerous shotguns over 70yrs ! I find the Baikal very hard hitting !!
Baikal shotguns are more reliable than their price would suggest. You can depend on them. If you’re on a modest…
Ryan MackAbout as reliable as a railway sleeper with the same refinement and elegance. A lot nicer guns to be had for the same money. Lesser known English boxlocks and Spanish guns, the AYA Yeoman to name but one.
The Breda Xanthos is not expensive but bears comparison with its more pricey competitors, says Charles Smith Jones
The unique design makes for fast recycling
Breda guns probably hit the real peak of their popularity about 30 years ago, but today they are still producing high-quality shotguns, which are much sought after.
Breda Xanthos Action
The semi-automatic Breda Xanthos is one such. Introduced in 2006, it remains in production but is no longer imported into the UK, so you are only likely to encounter this shotgun on the pre-owned racks.
The heart of the action is based on the long-recoil inertia system invented by John Moses Browning and refined by Breda designer Bruno Civolani. The result was a design triumph that Breda has used in succeeding gun models. It has also been employed in Benelli semi-autos, the latter having been previously part-owned by Breda before being bought out by Beretta.
It is a very reliable system, which, instead of relying on valves or gas, uses the energy of the fired cartridge. For this reason, Bredas have a special reputation for cycling lighter cartridges that other makes can often be fussier about.
Oiled walnut woodwork
Four grades
The Xanthos comes in four distinct grades – the Black, Grey, Classic and Damasco. The entry-level Black has a blued receiver, while that of the Grey is nickel, the Classic a more elegant sandblasted and silked finish, while the highest-grade Damasco is finished in ruthenium, an inert and wear-resistant metal in the platinum group. Decoration on the receiver varies from a simple gold inlaid script showing the maker’s name to rather more ornate patterning on more expensive models.
The oiled walnut woodwork varies similarly from an attractive basic grade to the more highly figured quality of the Damasco, with chequering on the woodwork restricted to the pistol grip and fore-end. Sharing the design of the Xanthos but having more of a utilitarian finish, the Breda Chiron has a polymer stock and is offered with a magazine capacity of 4+1, while the Xanthos has only ever been available in a 2+1 magazine.
The Xanthos will carry two extra shots
Mechanism
The mechanism is the same for all models, though. A solid steel receiver ensures strength while keeping overall weight down, although the long action of the inertia-recoil system allows the gun to use a heavier bolt. This has the effect of reducing recoil at the shoulder even with heavier magnum loads. As a result, the weight of the gun, at less than 6½lb, makes it comfortable to carry and use for long periods. The overall effect is functional yet surprisingly elegant.
A button on the left-hand side of the receiver acts as a magazine cut-off, while the bolt release is easily located behind the shell-lifting plate. Trigger release is set at around the 5½lb mark, which suits most people but can be adjusted.
The fore-end can be easily removed
Versatile
Like most manufacturers of semi-autos, Breda has always stressed the need to bed in a new gun by putting a number of cartridges through it, but this should not be necessary with a pre-owned gun. The 3in chamber and tolerance of a wide variety of loads, coupled with the multichoke option, makes this gun versatile enough. This is increased by the fact that being of relatively recent manufacture, any Xanthos you come across should be proofed for steel shot.
This month’s gun on test is a 12-bore with a pretty impressive name: Breda 3.5in Super Magnum in Kryptek Mandrake…
An attractive gun
The Breda Xanthos came supplied in a rigid blue or red case depending on the model. It also contained five flush-fitting chokes, ranging from full to cylinder, sling swivels for those who wanted to fit them, and a user’s handbook. Also supplied were shims that allowed the owner to adjust the drop of the stock allowing the fit to be personalised.
With its light weight and reliable field performance, this is an attractive gun that is comfortable to use and would be equally at home shooting clays, waiting for a duck or conducting some serious crow or pigeon control. It is superb value for money and is serious competition for other guns.
Looking for a useful secondhand over-and-under shotgun? We've picked out 20 in four prices ranges that are worth considering.
So you’re on the hunt for a reliable, good quality secondhand over under shotgun. Which is going to suit you best? Our experts recommend taking a look at the selection below.
Why would you choose an over under shotgun?
Many consider that an over-and-under delivers a better and more consistent performance. If you watch the Olympic clay shooting events you will notice that side-by-sides are totally absent. This is not a coincidence.
Even the most traditional of game shooters are looking at the heavier and more consistently effective over-unders, which used to be sneered at in the shooting field. Now they are considered ‘rock solid in a tight corner’ as one shooter told us.
A good secondhand over under shotgun will see you right both on the clay ground and when you’re after game. It’s a true all-rounder.
One of the top 10 guns built in the last half century. Cheap, reliable and with the tough Baikal reputation. On most over-and-unders the ejectors can be turned off, and firing the top barrel first is selected by pushing the single trigger forwards. There are several models to choose from, with prices down to £250
Forty years ago the majority of budget-priced guns on the UK market came from Spain. Then it was Italy’s turn, and now it is Turkey that is producing guns which are not only cheap, but also generally well made. One of the leading Turkish companies is Yildiz. Their output is around 45,000 guns a year, and in comparatively recent times a sporter has been added to the range. The price is certainly attractive, at around £875 (in 2017) for a new gun with an adjustable comb, so a good second-hand version should cost well less than £750.
The Sporter had been a terrific gun for newcomers with an eye on their budget for a number of years, and good handling was down to advice from a British sporting champion. Sadly the Spanish Lanber factory stopped producing shotguns in 2013. However, a supply of spares is available in the UK and so second-hand, this gun is still a force to be reckoned with. Good examples from £450 upwards. It is well- made and reliable. Don’t go for very old guns from the early 1980s, because they are mechanically different to later models. Remember that with all second-hand guns condition is more important than age.
The takeover of Franchi by Beretta transformed the reputation of this gun. Previously considered something of a dodgy buy at times, largely to the erratic availability of spares, it then became a well-engineered and reliable gun available at a good price. Prices around £560.
Sadly the Japanese-built 6500 went out of production in the 1980s. It was the last of the famous Winchester 101 series, and created specifically for the European market with lightweight barrels and renowned handling. It’s still recommended but spares are scarce and BWM Arms regret that they are unable to assist. There is a cult following, so beware of artificially high prices. £740 is fair.
Spares are scarce and sadly the Browning/Winchester importer can’t help.
If you can stretch to up to £1500
Your choice of an secondhand over under shotgun is a bit more extensive in that case. Here are some that our reviewers rate.
Who would buy a Sporter that wasn’t a multi-choke? The fact is that there are plenty of shooters who prefer the simplicity of a fixed choke. Potentially good balance because the muzzle ends of the barrel tubes are lighter and no agonising about which choke is right for which target are part of it. The MK60 been around in various forms since the mid 1990s and is a delightfully simple shotgun, built on the same principles as made famous by Browning, and built in the same factory as the current Browning 725. There are several versions and grades, with prices for a good Grade 1 well under £1,000.
It’s a remarkably simple and reliable gun and many of the higher- grade guns have very elegant woodwork. Mechanically, the gun is not much different to its predecessor, the MK6000.
Some quite recent guns are styled the MK Universal Sporting.
The original Silver Pigeon was the successor to the Beretta 687, and the mechanism is similar to that of the 686 – and all of the famous “600” series, for that matter. Like all break-action Berettas, it has a shallow action with barrels hinged on stub pine. There many versions of the gun in 12-bore, plus examples in 20 and 28-bore. Barrel options for Sporters are 28in, 30in and 32in. Good examples from £950 upwards.
Due to the high cost of building an affordable version of John Moses Browning’s immortal B25 in Europe, the cheaper Browning’s are built for Browning by Miroku in Japan. In 2003 Browning introduced the B525 which replaced the B425. At one time, there were 14 different versions of the gun, including an appealing section of field models. There are some excellent second-hand guns available for just under £1,000.
B.Rizzini guns are not to be confused with the cheap E. Rizzini guns imported during the 1980s, although they are built by a company founded by a member of the same Italian gun-making dynasty. The Premier Sporting model has a plain but elegant finish and is available with 28in, 30in, 32in and 34in barrels. It has hammers hinged at the trigger-plate and sears from the top strap, while a low-mounted bolt runs along the action floor. Good second-hand examples from around £1,400
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter then you’ll find the Browning Elite Game around 8oz lighter than most Sporters. It is basically a B525 Grade 3, built by Miroku in Japan. It is a multi- choke, utilising Browning Invector stainless steel tubes, with a 6mm game-style rib. Good examples sell from £1,250 upwards.
Going up to £3,000 for a secondhand over under shotgun
The Beretta 682 is one of the most successful sporters ever built. The first guns were built in the early 1980s and their handling was a bit unresponsive. The Beretta engineers took notice of the opinions of British shooters and the 682 was rapidly developed into a super gun with versions for all of the major competition disciplines. Sporters and trap guns are available with adjustable stocks at extra cost. Sporters are all multi-chokes. A good second-hand example such as a 682 Gold E will cost less than £2,000..
The Italians make guns that people want to buy. This is a typical Italian sideplated boxlock, with hammers driven by coil springs. Multi- choke barrels, with steel shot proof, have 2 3/4-inch (70mm) chambers and long forcing cones. There’s also a good selection of barrel lengths up to 34in. Second-hand prices from £1,950
You’ll find Gambas are relatively rare on the market, probably because people tend to hang onto them as they are strong and long-lasting. So worth investigating if you come across one. Some have probably been built with extra features to the order of individual customers. Multi-choke and fixed- choke trap versions are available. Prices at around £2,000
The gun has a drop-out trigger mechanism, while the hammers are hinged from the bottom and powered by V springs rather than coil springs. The gun no longer features on the importer’s website, having been replaced by the DT11. Second-hand prices around £2,300
The German-made Blaser is precision finished to the point where all parts are instantly interchangeable. Inside this gun’s boxlock action, sliding hammers powered by coil springs operate in the same plane as the firing pins. You’ll find competition and game versions in many grades, but the basic version is well-priced for a quality gun. Prices from £3,000.
A modern classic, offering excellent quality and workmanship. It also handles well. The B25 was the last shotgun to be designed by John Moses Browning, and the first guns went on sale in 1926. Guns are now made to individual order in the custom shop in Belgium. All are boxlocks and many of them are sideplated. The suffix in the gun’s description (for example B2G) refer to the standard of finish. Expect to pay well over £3,500 for a gun in reasonable condition.
In 1968 designer Daniele Perazzi built the MX8 Trap gun for the 1968 Mexico Olympics, regarded as one of his early triumphs in the company. This Perazzi does not have a drop-out trigger mechanism unlike many Perazzis, all of which are boxlocks. Expect to pay at least £4,500 for this secondhand over under shotgun.
Beretta’s sidelock SO series, designed by Tullio Marengoni, dates back to 1935, with competition guns for Trap and Skeet. The first Sporters came in the 1980s. There are many different specifications, most have beautiful engraving and are fixed-choke. £5000 plus
A current popular model is the 2002C — a boxlock with sideplates — though there are some fine sidelocks as well. Guns, which are built in Suhl, Germany, are similar in design to some top AYA models. £5,000 plus.
This is a beautifully built and balanced gun that will suit the most demanding competition. The K80 has been a favourite for around 30 years, but has been constantly refined and improved. Many standards of finish and engraving are available. The unusual hooded locking mechanism is similar to that on the discontinued Remington 3200.
The German masterpiece is famed for its long life, so a good secondhand example, which you can pick up for around half the RRP, will always be of interest to shooters who want one of the best competition guns available. And now Krieghoff UK has brought a new dimension to secondhand buying by marketing guns rebuilt by craftsmen.
The models are called K80 REM, which is short for “remanufactured” and they are available through the UK importer, Alan Rhone. Only the best secondhand guns are selected for the REM treatment, and those that are picked are completely stripped down – even slightly worn components are replaced.
For example, Alan Rhone has offered a K80 Sporter, which had been given the REM treatment for £5,995. And that’s with the same five-year parts and labour guarantee as offered with all REM guns.
Pricing information for buying a secondhand over under shotgun
If you’re looking at the secondhand market then condition is your first priority. It also is responsible for the broad ranges of prices that you’ll come across, that can vary broadly from gun to gun. You certainly need to shop around.
It’s also important to consider that the original new price of a secondhand over under shotgun may not be reflected in the secondhand value. Some guns hold their value better than others. The availability and prices of spares and repairs, continued existence of manufacturers, and importers, and even fashion, all have influence.
Here's how to buy a decent shotgun when you've got a grand to spend.
Finding a gun at the right price can be tough. We’ve listed 20 shotguns for under £1000 here that we think are well worth a look, both new and second-hand. It’s also worth reading our advice on buying a shotgun second-hand where you might pick up a real bargain. If you’re looking for a gun for both clays and game take a look at this review.
An oil-finished Turkish walnut stock and scroll engraved action makes this gun appear more valuable than the £499.99 RRP. It has a variety of chambers (12-bore, 20-bore, 28-bore and .410), five interchangeable chokes, ejectors, a single selective trigger and chrome-lined monobloc barrels.
The 1012 Sporter is an improvement of the previous 900-series guns, and one stage up from the company’s entry-level Turkish-built offerings. It is of simple construction, but still manages to look quite elegant with functional but plain woodwork and ventilated top and side ribs.
The 15in stock length has received a little criticism for being too long, but could be an advantage to a tall, long-armed shooter and a gunsmith can always shorten it. A professionally-shortened stock looks good, while one which has been lengthened can look odd and unbalanced.
The gun comes with a full set of flush-fitting multichoke tubes, and a properly-engineered key rather than a nasty flat thing punched out of steel strip.
Standard barrel length is 30 inches, which is generally rated as right for the Sporting discipline, and transfer of the single trigger to the second barrel is mechanical rather than recoil-driven. Price when new £999.
Normally I don’t like the idea of the famous names of historic British gunmakers put on foreign imports, but it has to be admitted that this gun is well-built, in addition to being good value for money, which is why it’s on my list of shotguns for under £1000.
C&H can trace its history back to 1770, and in the years since it has built huge numbers of traditional British side-by-sides, as well as rifles and pistols. Nowadays its “affordable”gun is the Windsor, available in game or sporter configuration.
The gun is a typical trigger-plate action boxlock, with hammers hinged on the plate and sears hanging from the top strap. Transfer of the trigger to the second barrel is by an inertia mechanism activated by recoil. Lock-up is by a low-mounted bolt engaging with a bite below the bottom barrel.
Barrels and the 3in chambers are chromed and bear the stamp of steel shot proof. The woodwork is a bit plain, but the engraving is nicely executed. RRP £975 at time of writing.
Most of the new breed of cheap-and-cheerful guns seem to be made in Turkey, so it is good to see a sub-£1,000 gun made in Italy, and doubly good to note that it is inertia rather than gas fed, just like a Benelli or the latest incarnation of Browning’s Auto 5. What’s more, the bolt head turns to lock.
The gun is quite elegant, with plain but serviceable woodwork and neatly-applied chequering, although one reviewer has described the golden pheasants on the black action as “chickens”. That said, there are more up-market versions with better woodwork. There are also synthetic-stock versions. RRP at time of writing £975.
Lanber O/U
Lanber O/U
Nine years ago, when we reviewed a second-hand Lanber, you could buy the best version of the gun for less than £800, and you could get a good second-hand example for £400. Nowadays, a good second-hand example fetches over £400, which seems to speak volumes for the way in which the gun is still regarded by British shooters.
Recent guns have oil-finished stocks, and stock lengths are usually around 14 ¼ inches, with drops of 1 ½ and 2 3/8 inches at comb and heel respectively. From around £300 second-hand.
The Beretta Silver Pigeon is a popular first choice
For less than £1,000 you are going to get a rather old Silver Pigeon, but don’t worry. The older Berettas have a super reputation for reliability and the importers, GMK, keep every spare you could want. Many guns will have had nothing more than new firing pins and springs fitted during a long life of firing thousands of cartridges.
The gun illustrated is a fixed-choke game model which we reviewed for the magazine as a second-hand gun back in 2008, but you will also find multichoke game guns and sporters of even earlier vintage on the second-hand racks. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you may find a good 687 – that’s the gun the Silver Pigeon took over from. Price from around £999 second-hand so it just makes the list of shotguns for under £1000.
This gun had to be on the list of shotguns for under £1000, because aces like George Digweed and Barry Simpson used it for many of their famous victories, and there were some great wins with trap and skeet versions, too. Over time the gun has seen only a few mechanical changes, but it’s the minor tweaks which have made all of the difference. Perhaps the most radical change was the narrowing, and therefore lightening, of the action body. But the fact remains that the 682 is still capable of putting in winning performances over 35 years after the basic design was conceived.
There are quite a few different versions. Perhaps the most popular is the 682 Gold, but older versions are still good buys. Expect to pay £950 and above for a second-hand gun.
Webley & Scott 900X
Webley & Scott 900X
This steel-shot proof over-and-under boxlock steel action shotgun has a hand-oiled walnut stock and is available in 12 and 20-bore. New from around £699.99.
The Yildiz Wildfowler Extreme is a great choice if you’re looking for a gun that will do everything
This gun is an elegant-looking 12-bore O/U with 3½in chambers and steel shot proof. It is extremely welcome in a scene dominated by strictly functional, camouflaged semi-autos and pump-actions, in spite of the fact some shooters may think it is a bit too posh to take on the marshes.
Mechanically, the gun is a pretty ordinary O/U, with a shallow action and barrels hinged on stub pins. What is unusual is the availability of a non-ejector model, which must save a lot of grovelling around in the mud to retrieve spent cartridge cases, and the fact that it comes with no less than seven choke tubes – five of which are of flush-fitting design, and the other two of extended half-choke design, intended for use with the heaviest steel-shot cartridges.
The A620 is a 20-bore semi-auto. The gun comes with two stocks – hence the “Combo” in its title. One is for adults, while a shorter version is for juniors.
Despite its relative youth, even among Turkish manufacturers, Armsan now rates among the top of the country’s gun producers. They make a good variety of semi-autos and pump actions, with wood and synthetic stocks and fore-ends and a variety of metal finishes. Bores go from 12 down to 28.
This gun has 3-inch chambers and steel-proofed barrels, and the gas-fed mechanism will deal with cartridges down to 21 grams. In other words, youngsters can begin with very lightly-recoiling cartridges. Barrel lengths of 26 and 28 inches are available, and the gun comes with a set of multichoke tubes.
The adult stock gives a length of pull of 14 ½ inches, while the junior stock length is 12 ½ inches. From around £350 second-hand.
This gun, low-priced as it is, will handle a 56g goose load, so it will be just right for anyone who wishes to equip themselves for coastal wildfowling without spending too much money. It also has a synthetic stock and fore-end, so there’s nothing to warp or crack if the gun gets wet and muddy – which wildfowling guns often do. The stock terminates in a 20mm recoil pad.
The gun has a 3in chamber, but it will handle shorter cartridges, so it’s suitable for pigeon or clay shooting as well as wildfowling. It has a conventional gas-fed system based on earlier, proven Beretta systems, which is claimed to work with loads down to 24 grams. In fact, ATA has been working closely with Beretta for nearly eight years.
The multichoke barrel is 28in long – generally thought of as just right for a semi-auto – with an 8mm parallel top rib. The gun comes with a set of flush-fitting multichoke tubes. Weight is 7lb 6oz, which is about right for guns in this class. Sportsman Gun Centre is selling them at the time of writing for £439.99.
This is an out-and-out wildfowling gun, with 12-bore 3½in chambers and steel proof. SXP stands for Super-X Pump, and reviewers rate the gun as functional, practical and cost-effective. That makes sense, because the average game of clay shooter may not risk his favourite gun in the rough-and-tumble of coastal wildfowling, yet needs something well-priced and with real clout for sport on the marshes.
In this respect, bores bigger than 12 seem to have faded from the scene in recent years, most likely because of American wildfowling legislation, yet the 3½in cartridge packs pretty much the same punch as a 10-bore.
The gun will also handle lighter loads – say 2¾in cartridges for pigeons and 3in magnums for high-flying ducks, and pump-actions don’t fail to cycle when light loads are used. The gun has a 28in barrel with a 6mm ventilated rib. New from £360.
ATA has worked closely with Beretta, and the similarity between its break-action guns and the 600-series Berettas is quite marked.
They have the same fork-shaped bolt, with the “prongs” emerging from the standing breech to engage with circular bites in the barrel shoulders. The spring-loaded electors seem similar and, just like the Berettas, the barrels hinge on stub pins. There are three versions: a bronze-action gun with relatively plain woodwork, a version with a laminated stock, and the top-specification model with an adjustable comb. All versions weigh around 7lb 10oz, and barrels are 30in with 10mm ribs. From £599 new.
When Browning was looking for a manufacturing base for its cheaper B25 look-alikes, it turned to Miroku of Japan. The alliance has worked very well over many years, and the break-action Mirokus and Brownings have developed in parallel. The Miroku MK70 is a very Browning-like gun, and has gained a reputation for good handling and reliability. At various times it has been made in grades 1 to 6, and the top grades have lovely wood and fine engraving. It’s a multichoke, but if you want a fixed-choke, then go for the MK60. Second-hand from £975 so it makes the list of shotguns for under £1000.
Another one to make the list of shotguns for under £1000. Franchi has always made good guns, but for many years its importing history into the UK could be described as “chequered”. Then Beretta took Franchi over, and this put the importing into the capable hands of GMK, and numbers of good guns, and the spares, started to flow in.
The Harrier has an extremely simple, robust mechanism, and has 3in chambers and barrels which have been subjected to steel shot proof. The ventilated top rib tapers from 10mm at the breech to 6mm at the muzzles. Five long multichoke tubes were supplied with new guns, together with the original ABS case. Around £845 second-hand.
Of the many variations on the 101 theme, two stand out. The 6500 fixed-choke sporter, made specifically for the European market, and one of the best medium-priced O/U field guns of all time, the 101 Super Grade Game. The gun has 2¾in chambers, and the 28in barrels do not have steel shot proof, so you can’t shoot magnum loads and, if you want to shoot ducks, or shoot anywhere where shot is likely to fall in water, you are limited to the mildest of steel loads.
Because of these limitations, the gun is not everybody’s cup of tea, but if you want great handling it is well worthy – but maybe not as a first or only gun. From £399 second-hand.
Despite its “Diamond” name tag, this is the entry level O/U in a whole family of guns, but none are expensive. Back in the 1980s, Bettinsoli was one of the first gunmakers to invest heavily in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools, and it is the key to the economical production of mechanical components of all kinds.
The Diamond Line is a typical Italian gun. It has 3in chambers and steel shot proof, and despite its low price it still manages to look quite elegant. Five multichoke tubes are provided with the gun and, if you do find a really well-conditioned second-hand example, these should be present, together with an ABS case. Around £825.
If you are to buy a second-hand B525 within our limit of shotguns for under £1000, it might be quite an old gun, and most likely well used. But that doesn’t matter too much, because the guns, even those built in the year of introduction (2003), are reliable in the long term and spares are easily available. In fact, although the current Miroku-built Browning is the B725, there are still plenty of new B525s on the market.
The B525 was the successor of the B425, and the design changes in the B525 were minimal. There was a slight re-design in the geometry of the hammers and sears to give crisper trigger pulls, and a smoothing of angles in the action frame to give rather more flowing lines. Engraving patterns were changed a little, too.
There were at least 27 different versions of the B525, without counting the different barrel lengths, so there should be something to suit everyone on the second-hand racks. Around £999 or more second-hand.
There are quite a few guns in Fabarm’s Elos family, including one aimed at women shooters. Some of the recent models have very elegant round actions. However, this Elos sporter, which I evaluated as a second-hand buy seven years ago, has a conventional action shape.
I’ve been keeping an eye on Fabarms since the early 1980s, when you could buy a new Fabarm Gamma for a bit over £600. It was a sound enough gun, and there are still a few around on the second-hand racks for up to about £400. However, the Elos came much later in the Fabarm story, and seems to be much better built.
There’s nothing remarkable about the typically Italian design, but it is quite elegant with lines spoiled by those sticky-out choke tubes which, to my eye, are always ugly. The gun weighs about 7¾lb, which is about right for a sporter which, at a pinch, can be used for any clay discipline except trap. RRP £1050.
It’s certain that, across the range, it can’t be beaten on price, and Hatsan seems to be the most prolific of the relatively new breed of Turkish gunmakers. If you visit Sportsman Gun Centre you will find a multiple listing of 25 different Hatsan semi-autos. It’s good to note that there are plenty of guns for left-handers. Most of the guns are suitable for clays, pigeon shooting, and general keepering duties and you’ll find a good choice of shotguns for under £1000.
The popular stock materials are well-represented with traditional wood, black synthetic and camouflage. There are also tactical shotguns intended for practical shotgun competitions and law enforcement duties. In addition, Hatsan makes O/Us, pump actions and air guns. £496 from the Sportsman Gun Centre.
Note: the price of shotguns for under £1000 was accurate at the time of writing but altering foreign exchange rates can cause rapid changes. Also, some gun shops offer discounts which can considerably undercut the prices quoted here.
The Mauser M03 rifle is a classic of its kind, says Charles Smith Jones
The M03 was offered in a variety of stock designs
The Mauser M03 was hailed as a classic when launched in 2003. It is a thoroughbred rifle with the sort of modern styling, assembly, materials and attention to detail that you might expect from the marque. Mauser announced in 2020 that it was discontinuing the M03 to focus on its M18, M12 and M98 models, but stressed that it would continue to supply spare parts for all of the M03 variants.
The M03 is available with either a walnut or synthetic stock
Mauser M03 – build
The M03 is built on a steel inner chassis, which forms the spine of the rifle, supporting a positive and smooth bolt run while providing a solid fixing point for the barrel. It has been produced in a wide range of configurations intended to suit most shooting situations, as well as a variety of stock designs and materials. Although initially offered only in a number of walnut grades, Mauser quickly recognised the demand for synthetic stocking materials, such as that used for the example pictured. Read is a wooden or synthetic stock best?
The bolt is based on the classic Mauser design
Established
The bolt is based on the classic Mauser design that forms the basis for those produced by so many other manufacturers and which has proven over time to be strong and reliable. Substantially constructed, it has six locking lugs set in a strong double three-lug formation. Lift is about 55 degrees, allowing plenty of space to avoid snagging against a telescopic sight. Bolt travel is, however, quite long to allow a single action size to accommodate a wide variety of cartridge lengths.
The safety lever is located not to the side of the bolt as in so many other systems, but is a lever on the rear bolt shroud.
Setting it to the right reveals a red dot and allows the rifle to fire. A clever safety feature is the ability to depress a button below the lever that decocks the bolt and locks it down. This means that the rifle can be carried with a round chambered but without the firing pin held under tension, to be cocked silently only when it is time to shoot.
As you might expect in a continental rifle, trigger release can be either at standard pressure or ‘set’. The normal setting is at about 3lb and the unit has a crisp, clean let-off that will suit most shooters. However, by pushing the trigger forward after the rifle has been cocked the trigger can be set to just a fraction of this.
The safety lever is situated on the rear bolt shroud
Adaptable
This is a switch barrel design that not only allows the rifle to be broken down when travelling, but also enables the owner to adapt it to suit the occasion – one day it might be employed for fox control in .222 Remington, the next with a heavy .375 H&H for dangerous game in Africa, with most popular calibres in-between. The operation is simple enough: removing two Torx bolts under the fore-end allows it to be carried out in minutes, and the bolt head also unclips easily to fit another if necessary to accommodate a different cartridge head size. The magazine is a standard size but you will need one with appropriate internal spacers to accommodate your specific cartridge.
Most rifles came supplied with iron sights. You can remove and replace a telescopic sight easily using Mauser’s proprietary mounts, if you are so inclined, another feature that might appeal to the travelling hunter. They may not be cheap, but they are strong and reliable, with two spring-loaded locking levers on the left side of the assembly permitting the scope and mounts to be unclipped.
Fit quality is high and you can confidently expect there to be no effect on zero, though some of us might appreciate the reassurance of checking with a collimator or a quick shot or two before hunting.
Good looks and impressive handling make this rifle something of a design classic and there are many who maintain, with some justification, that it is one of the best and most accurate of the switch-barrel rifles on the market. Although even a used rifle may appear expensive when compared to others of a similar age on the racks, it is without doubt a cut above its competitors and, having used it once, it is unlikely that the buyer will feel any need to replace it in the future.
Trigger release can be at standard pressure or ‘set’
Tech specs
Country of origin Germany
In production 2003 to 2020
Action Bolt
Stock options Wood or synthetic
Barrel length 23½in as standard, though others available
Magazine Detachable, four or five rounds, depending on calibre
Charles Smith-Jones looks at the Bettinsoli Evolution which, for the price, will be a natural selection for many shooters
Barrels are selected by means of a manual safety catch
The Bettinsoli Evolution represents a lot of gun at a mid-range price. Although it no longer features in the Bettinsoli catalogues, a few new guns still appear to be offered on the UK market, although most examples encountered now will be pre-owned. It comes in two versions, the Evolution Black (as illustrated) or the Silver. The Black has, as the name suggests, a black action with game scenes engraved in gold on either side. There is further engraving along with the company name on the underside and the bottom of the trigger-guard. The Silver features similar engraving, also in gold, but onto white metal. Neither can be described as particularly ornate but both have a certain understated and unpretentious appeal.
Bettinsoli Evolution – woodwork
The same applies to the woodwork, which is of an attractive, basic grade European walnut in keeping with the overall price. Nevertheless, the overall package is certainly not cheap looking. Well-executed chequering at the hold points on the fore-end and the wrist of the stock complete the look and complement an undeniably Italian finish. The semi-pistol grip fills the hand well and a version with an adjustable cheek pad is also available, which enables the shooter to tailor fit the gun to suit, although most will find that the standard stocks fit well enough. Those with longer arms, however, may still find the stock a little short for them, though this is easily corrected by extending the recoil pad slightly.
The black action features game scenes engraved in gold
The ventilated top and mid ribs immediately suggest that it is intended as a Sporter, although the Evolution would be comfortable in many other situations as well. It is supplied with five flush-fitting internal chokes across the usual range, which ensure that it has the versatility for most occasions.
The monobloc barrels have chrome-lined bores and are proofed for use with steel shot. A feature of many Bettinsoli shotguns is a long forcing cone that extends down the barrel and into the bore itself, with the intention of producing minimum shot deformation to both reduce recoil and produce the best possible patterns.
The single selective and adjustable trigger is gold plated on both the Black and Silver versions. The factory trigger-pull setting may feel a little heavy at something approaching 5½lb but, in reality, this is not really an issue under normal shooting conditions.
Attractive, basic grade European wood, the semi pistol grip handles well
Barrels are selected with the safety catch that, as is normal for a clay gun, is not automatic. This seems to be the case with most Bettinsoli guns, even those intended for game shooting, which might come as a surprise to Guns who expect the enhanced security of an automatic safety catch. If this is preferred, Bettinsoli supplies a bar that can be fitted by any competent gunsmith to convert most its guns to an automatic safety.
Bettinsoli has refined its firing mechanisms over the years to produce a fast and reliable system, while its hammers and sears offer an alternative cocking position that intervenes should the first be damaged, a real safety advantage. Other handy features are the interchangeable hinge pins, which can be easily replaced should this ever become necessary. Bettinsoli guns are, consequently, extremely durable and wear resistant, and can be expected to age well.
Well executed chequering on the fore-end hold points
As you might expect of any shotgun with an Italian pedigree, even one in the more affordable of price ranges, the Evolution looks good and is a pleasure to shoot. Although the aesthetics might not be to everyone’s taste this gun is well-made with pleasing lines and a reassuringly solid feel, and it handles naturally with that indefinable ‘pointability’ factor that encourages instinctive shooting. Comparable with other shotguns of twice the price, it would represent a great choice for anyone looking for an entry-level gun or who might be working to a careful budget.
Long forcing cones extend down the barrel into the bore
Tech specs
Configuration Over-and-under
Action Boxlock
Choke Multichoke
Chamber 3in
Barrel length 30in
Ejector/non-ejector Ejector
Safety catch Manual
Weight (12-bore) 7lb 9oz
Available in calibres 12- and 20-bore, and .410
Cost new RRP £1,075
Cost used From around £600
Bettinsoli Evolution Black
For a family company that is quite small compared with other Italian gunmakers, Bettinsoli has a surprisingly large output. Despite this, it has never been as popular as perhaps it should have been here in the UK. Its high production levels can be attributed to a move towards computerised manufacturing techniques that started during the 1980s and enabled precision manufacturing without over-dependence on expensive hand finishing. Bettinsoli may never be ranked among the major players but the firm still enjoys a reputation for well-made, dependable and attractive shotguns at a cost that will suit the shooter who does not want to reach too deeply into their pockets.
Charles Smith-Jones says there is good reason why the Beretta 682 has stood the test of time
Second-hand Beretta 682
Second-hand Beretta 682 is a treat for clays
It’s a sobering thought that the Beretta 682 has been around for 40 years. It is a regular feature on the clay lines and has won more competitions than any other Beretta gun. In fact, probably more than any other marque. Renowned shooters such as George Digweed and Barry Simpson have used it to achieve many of their victories.
The 682 changed little since its launch, although there was a redesign in 1994. While earlier models were built on a wider frame, the new ones benefited from narrower receivers, improved chokes and lighter barrels and came in a 3in chambering.
In many cases they shared the same or at least interchangeable parts. The slimmed down action is similar to that of the later 686 and 687 models and is a significant improvement. A slight refinement to the guide rods for the coil main springs also eliminated some minor reliability issues.
The European walnut stock was produced in a number of grades
Grades
So let’s take a close look at what you’ll find on a second-hand Beretta 682. Based on a chequered European walnut stock and fore-end, the 682 was produced in a number of grades for Trap, Sporting and Skeet, and there were many variants, with adjustable stocks or in left-hand versions.
In many ways it is a gun built for function rather than beauty, but its lines are certainly pleasing enough. The action is either silver or black, depending on model and age, while the engraving is almost invariably restrained and seldom elaborate.
There were versions for Trap, Sporting and Skeet
The hammer forged barrels are internally chromed in all cases and finish in either flush-fitting or extended choke tubes in Sporter versions; Trap and Skeet tend to have fixed chokes. The 682 has not, however, ever been produced in a field version.
Although a few of the earlier Gold models employed a purely mechanical design, most 682s trigger the transfer to the second barrel by a recoil driven inertia valve. The action itself is typical of those produced by Beretta with a high mounted fork-shaped bolt that engages with holes in the barrel monobloc. In all cases the trigger is single-selective and on many models is adjustable. As you might expect for a competition gun, the safety catch is manual with a barrel selector built into the thumbpiece.
This is not a light gun and although competition guns tend not to be, the extra weight is noticeable to the extent that it may not suit shooters of a lighter build.
Although the early production models were considered to be heavier and less responsive, the redesigned ones tend to have excellent balance and handle beautifully.
The action is either silver or black, depending on age
The extra weight does greatly assist in point and swing and makes a significant difference when it comes to soaking up recoil, an important consideration for anyone shooting 100-bird competitions.
On the later models recoil is also further reduced by Beretta’s Optima barrel boring system (with its matching Optimachoke multichoke tubes) which also improves patterning, especially when combined with the long forcing cones and extended multichoke tubes.
Since the early 90s the 682 has had lighter barrels
Caution
The used gun market usually offers a good selection of second-hand Beretta 682 shotguns, and the Sporter models appear to have been more popular in the UK. As for all pre-owned competition shotguns, though, a word of caution is in order.
Such guns may have fired many tens of thousands of cartridges and as a result could have loosened up, so it is always worth examining them carefully for wear and tear before committing to buy. Spares are readily available, however, and parts such as hinge pins that might be more subject to wear are easily replaced if necessary.
Whatever, don’t be put off if an example comes your way as the 682 is a robust and well-constructed gun which, provided it has been properly cared for, will have a great deal of life left in it and still give many years of good service.
You can’t deny this shotgun’s excellent pedigree and achievements. The 682 stands high among the greats of Beretta’s distinguished catalogue and many say it is one of the Italian manufacturer’s best creations. If the handling and slightly heavier build compared with some other makes suit you, then it’s definitely worth taking a closer look.
Second-hand Beretta 682 – tech specs
Configuration: Over-and-under
Action: Boxlock
Choke: Multichoke or fixed
Chamber 3in (some very early models may be 2¾in)
Barrel length 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34in
Ejector/non-ejector:Ejector
Safety catch: Manual
Weight (12-bore) Around 7lb 15oz on average
Available in calibres 12, 20, 28 and .410 bore
Cost new N/A
Cost used: Expect to pay between £1,000 and £1,500 for a well- maintained later model, but beware low-priced bargains that may have been subjected to exceptionally heavy use
Charles Smith-Jones says if you want a beautifully engineered, attractive and highly accurate rifle, then the Sako M75 should be in your sights
The Sako M75 was manufactured in a variety of finishes
Tech specs for the Sako M75
Country of origin: Finland
In production 1996-2007
Action: Bolt
Stock options:Walnut, laminated or synthetic
Barrel length 22-26in
Magazine: Detachable, capacity 4+1, 5+1 or 6+1, depending on calibre
Left hand version: Yes
Weight (bare) 6lb 10oz (Synthetic/ Stainless in .308 Win)
Available in calibres Produced in 22 calibres from .222 Rem up to .416 Rem Mag
Cost new: N/A
Cost used: The Sako M75 tends to hold its value well. Expect to pay anything from around £700 but often rather more; much depends on model, calibre and condition. Short action versions may start at less
Sako has long held a reputation for producing high quality rifles since it was formed in 1921. Its origins were in producing military firearms, but it eventually moved on to the creation of other hunting and competition models.
Development of the Sako M75
The development of ‘a dream rifle for devoted riflemen’ began in 1993, and the Sako M75 was eventually introduced three years later, with the name chosen in order to mark the 75th anniversary of the Finnish company.
Although similar to earlier Sako models, the new Sako M75 had a different construction, including a manual ejector and three symmetrical locking lugs. It was marked by its detachable magazine, as previous Sako models (with the exception of the L46) featured internal ones. Production continued until 2007 when the M75 was replaced by the M85 in the Sako catalogue. (Read our list of best shooting smocks .)
The trigger can be adjusted no matter the model
Variations
The M75 was manufactured in a wide variety of configurations to meet the needs and aspirations of shooters, and included wood or synthetic stocking materials as well as a choice between stainless or traditional blued barrels. Left-handed versions were available.
The mainstream was the Hunter, while the Deluxe was top of the range with its high-grade walnut stock, hand cut checkering, and silver-inlaid pistol grip cap. A Safari model in .375 H&H Magnum catered for the most discerning big game hunters, and the Finnlight model with its fluted barrel offered reduced weight and portability for those who travelled light on longer treks or in mountainous terrain.
The receiver was produced in six lengths for different cartridge groups, denoted in Roman numerals on model numbers apart from the SM (Short Magnum). I denoted Short cartridges and V the Magnums.
Popular stalking calibres are contained in III (Medium) and IV (Long) lengths.
The free-floating barrel is hammer forged and the entire bolt, including the handle, is milled from a single piece of cast steel and employs a push feed mechanism.
One of the two approaches to driving the cartridge into the rifle’s chamber, the push feed does not grip the cartridge base until it is fully seated; only then can the cartridge be extracted.
In the alternative system, the controlled feed, the extractor claw grips the cartridge base before it is removed from the magazine so it does not need to be fully chambered to be extracted. Both have their merits but many prefer the relative simplicity of the push feed and the trend with more modern rifles is towards this system.
The receiver comes in varying lengths for various cartridges
Adjustable
The trigger is adjustable on all models between 2 and 4lb, and Sako offered a single set trigger as an optional extra. Also optional were iron sights, as it was recognised that most shooters would fit telescopic sights.
The detachable magazine is double-stacked and reloading can be completed through the ejection port. There is a wide range of aftermarket parts, such as the McMillan Alpine stock fitted to the customised rifle, which has protective and corrosion resistant Cerakote ceramic coatings to the barrel, action, bolt handle and trigger-guard. These rifles are capable of superb accuracy, and with the right ammunition it is reasonable to expect clover leaf groups so long as the shooter does their part. It has long been Sako’s practice to test fire each rifle before it leaves the factory to ensure exacting levels of accuracy.
Additionally, the M75 has achieved something of a reputation for being relatively unfussy about varying commercial loads, a capability that not all rifles can boast. Feeding and extraction is smooth and highly reliable.
If you come across one of the many Sako 75 variants that appeals to you, don’t be put off by the price tag.
These rifles hold their value well so a bargain-bin opportunity will probably be a rare find, but you are still purchasing a beautifully engineered, attractive and highly accurate gun.
Many wonder why Sako discontinued the M75 in the first place and consider it superior to its successor. Others who decided to trade theirs in for a newer make or model have been known to regret it.
The Marlin Golden Model 39A rifle has, in one guise or another, been hitting the mark for more than a century, says Charles Smith-Jones
Marlin Golden Model 39A
In 1893 the renowned American sharpshooter Annie Oakley put 25 shots through the same ragged hole at a range of 11 metres using .22 Short cartridges. On the same day she shot a jagged one-hole group through the centre of an ace of hearts playing card, shooting offhand with no support. The rifle she used for both feats was a Marlin Model 1891, the forerunner of the Golden Model 39A, which she would probably find remarkably familiar today.
When Marlin introduced its Model 1891 in that year, it was the first underlever rifle chambered for .22LR. Subsequent versions saw the side gate through which it was loaded give way to a front-loading tubular magazine because of problems experienced feeding the smaller round. The design also quickly moved from an octagonal to a rounded barrel. The Model 39 then appeared in 1921 and the Model 39A in 1939.
The rifle is supplied with an adjustable folding rear sight
Marlin Golden Model 39A
Since then, there have been a number of variations, but these have been mostly cosmetic and it is fair to say that the same rifle, under one name or another, can be considered as having been in production under much the same specifications for more than a century. This represents the longest continuous production run of any commercial firearm. Well over two million Model 39s had been produced by the time Ruger acquired the Marlin brand in 2020 and production ceased, although there are hopes that it will resume.
The Marlin Golden Model 39A was introduced in 1983, the first of the series to have a cross-hammer safety. It was also marked out by its signature golden trigger, a hooded ramp front sight and the provision of sling swivels. It went on to become one of the biggest-selling lever-action rimfires in US history.
Featuring Marlin’s proprietary Micro-Groove rifling in a 1 in 16in right-hand twist, it built on the already enviable reputation of its predecessors to become regarded as one of the most accurate .22 rifles ever made. There was also a carbine Mountie version that proved highly popular among American shooters.
It is one of only a few .22 rifles with a takedown capability, allowing it to be separated into two halves for transport or cleaning. The operation involves removing the oversized screw on the right-hand side of the receiver and is easily completed under field conditions using a coin.
Though certainly convenient, some critics object to the feature, claiming that it disrupts the otherwise clean lines of the rifle. The breech needs to be closed before takedown can proceed and this might become an issue if the rifle experiences a malfunction preventing the breech from closing.
The clean lines of the Golden Model 39A
Smooth
The Marlin Golden Model 39A was supplied with an adjustable folding rear sight and a hooded bead front sight, but mounting a scope is a simple enough matter if that is preferred. The open sights are precise enough to cope with the shorter ranges normally associated with rimfire pest control. It is very unlikely that anyone would want to fit a sound moderator to this style of rifle, but even without one and using subsonic ammunition, it is still surprisingly quiet, even more so using .22 Short. Feeding is very smooth and consistent, and speed will depend purely on how fast you can operate the underlever.
The brass-lined tube magazine houses variable numbers of the alternative .22 rimfire rounds that the action can accommodate. There is a visible indicator on the left-hand side of the receiver to show whether the magazine is charged. If the orange tip of the magazine follower shows, the magazine is empty (although, of course, the chamber may not be).
The Golden Model 39A may not fall into the same low-cost category as many of the used .22 rimfires some dealers find difficult to sell and so price accordingly, but this one is rather more special. It is a rugged, reliable, quick-shooting and highly accurate rifle. Many shooters will choose not to fit a telescopic sight, preferring the light weight and handiness of an uncluttered gun. It will serve equally well for pest control and plinking — and there is the bonus of enjoying a piece of Americana.
The golden trigger is the signature mark of the Marlin Golden 39A
Marlin Golden Model 39A Tech Specs
Country of origin US
In production 1983 to 2021
Action Lever
Stock options American black walnut
Barrel length 24in (Mountie version 20in)
Magazine Tubular, capacity 18 (.22LR), 20 (.22 Long) or 25 (.22 Short) (Mountie version 15, 16 and 20 respectively)
Left-hand version No
Weight (bare) 6lb 8oz (Mountie version 6lb)
Available in calibres .22LR/.22 Long/.22 Short only
Cost new Probably in the region of £1,000 (if production resumes)
Cost used From around £400, depending on age and condition
Robert Morgan looks at an airgun that broke the mould and is destined to become a collector's item
The build quality is superb and the design unique
I’m going to talk about a modern gun the Whiscombe JW50 and one that is sure to be a collectable investment for the future. I would wager with anyone that this air rifle will only increase in value as the years go by.
The Whiscombe JW50
So what makes me so certain of the Whiscombe’s investment quality? First, the inventor, John Whiscombe, was nothing short of an engineering genius. The concept for this air rifle first appeared in the 1980s when John had the (some might say) crazy idea of taking two BSA Airsporter air rifles and joining them so that the internal spring-operated pistons fired towards each other. This meant that the subsequent compressed air was squeezed through a vertical transfer port into the barrel and expelled the pellet. Sounds easy on paper, but the real genius was the mechanism John invented to cock it. Initially, a single under-lever drew back both pistons linked via a cogged cam. This required considerable cocking effort and so was modified to draw back one piston at a time with each cock of the lever.
The twin-piston air rifle is completely recoilless and extremely powerful
The twin-piston design also had a couple more beneficial effects. First, it made the rifle completely recoilless. Also, the rifle was extremely powerful, regularly exceeding double the UK legal limit. Further tinkering found that removing the wall between the two pistons increased efficiency tenfold (the split-second cushion of air created between the piston heads at firing preventing them smashing to pieces). And shortening the air-chambers, pistons and springs made the rifle come within UK power limits with easy cocking effort and tack-driving accuracy. When all these ideas were put into one rifle, the Whiscombe JW50 was born. Easily capable of 10m match groupings at 30m, it soon became the rifle everyone wanted.
Whiscombe Model JW50, serial no. 40
Perfection
The pre-charged revolution was still in its infancy, but even today a Whiscombe will easily hold its own against the best of them. (Read more on PCP air rifles here.) Later design changes introduced fixed-barrel versions and different piston strokes (the ‘50’ of JW50 refers to the piston stroke). Choices of stock style and left and right-hand versions were all added to the line-up. Were there drawbacks? The early models were weighty pieces and, even though the weight was reduced in later models, all versions required two cocks of the lever. And then there was the cost. John Whiscombe insisted on perfection and perfection does not come cheap. A JW50 cost £685 in 1995 when a Weihrauch HW80 could be had for less than £200. Production time was also lengthy, resulting in a long waiting list. At its height, production only reached about 10 units a month and often quite a few less.
Sadly, John Whiscombe died at the end of 2019 and I believe there are no plans to continue production. All this adds up to an investment collector’s dream in that fewer than 450 rifles were produced in John’s lifetime, a figure that falls short of potential demand. Way more people had heard of the Whiscombe than had ever owned one.
Costing £685 new in 1995, JW50s can now fetch four-figure sums
Its build quality was superb and its design unique. It is these sort of factors that make an item collectable. In the auction room, we are already seeing this, with Whiscombes of all types regularly achieving tidy four-figure sums. If you are ever given the chance to buy one, smash the piggy bank, max out the credit card and buy it, as you will not regret it in the long-term.
Charles Smith-Jones says that you are unlikely to find a more elegant and durable gun for the price of the Beretta 687 Sporting
Beretta 687 Sporting. Considering this is a mass-produced factory gun, the wood to metal finish is excellent
Beretta has been a prolific firearms manufacturer since the 16th century and although it also produces guns for the military and law-enforcement markets, it is Sporting guns that today account for the greater part of its output.
It is possible to spend a great deal of money on one of its hand-finished guns, although Beretta mass produces more affordable ones of high quality as well. Over the past few decades in particular it has produced many shotguns in an almost bewildering selection of model numbers and names. These have included the renowned Silver, Gold and Diamond Pigeons, names which have been repeated many times against the various numerical models.
The 680 series of over-and-under shotguns is one of the better known. The Model 682 first introduced in the early 1980s soon gave way to the Model 686, with its low profile, improved boxlock action, single selective trigger and selective automatic ejectors. Guns came with a choice of either fixed or multichokes. Stocks were in various grades of walnut and, although receiver finishes differed, the barrels were blued in all cases.
This 687 Sporter has a Schnabel tip fore-end
Beretta 687 Sporting
Some models had sideplates fitted to simulate a sidelock action. The Model 687 was much the same as the 686 but had more decorative sideplates along with varying grades of engraving and game-scene motifs. Essentially, all of the 680 series shotguns are built on the same platform with its proven and reliable action, have essentially the same mechanism, and their parts are largely interchangeable. While you can pay a lot more for one of the higher-end versions, in effect the extra cost is for an enhanced cosmetic finish.
The Beretta 687 Sporting model featured is one of the earlier Silver Pigeons from the mid-1990s. In my days teaching future gamekeepers and countryside managers, I would almost inevitably include one among the assortment of shotguns provided for practical sessions on the college clay shooting site. It was one of those guns that fitted a wide variety of body shapes and sizes, and it usually seemed something of a challenge to shoot badly with it.
Despite the far heavier use than a privately owned clay gun might expect to receive, malfunctions were never a problem. It came as no surprise that it was probably the most popular selection among students when their turn to shoot came, and I found myself having to leave it in the armoury at times just to encourage them to use something different.
At first glance, it seems an attractive if unassuming gun, but closer inspection reveals a rather elegant example of modern engineering that is designed to be low profile and natural-pointing. It succeeds in both respects. As a production gun, it cost less to manufacture than others that involved more hand finishing, and this was reflected in the price of a new one. It might be difficult to find many differences in performance compared to something with a far heftier price tag.
All 680 series shotguns are built on the same platform
All-rounder
Like all 680 series Berettas, the monobloc barrels are hammer forged from chromoly steel. The single trigger is recoil operated and there is a safety-mounted barrel selector in the familiar Beretta style. The walnut stock, although not high grade, is still well-figured and pleasingly chequered, both for looks and secure handling. Engraving of the white metal receiver is a tasteful mixture of scrollwork and game scenes. Considering this is a mass-produced factory gun, the wood to metal finish is excellent.
As a Sporter, the Beretta 687 Sporting would make a great all-rounder for clay shooting and would not feel out of place in the pigeon hide either. A great advantage of Berettas is that most gunsmiths are fully familiar with the marque and spares. Even for older models, spares are seldom a problem to source.
With the usual caveat that any pre-owned Sporter may have had many thousands of cartridges through it, and that regular maintenance and servicing is essential in such a gun, Beretta has a deserved reputation for durable and robust shotguns. It is very difficult to go wrong if deciding on a Beretta product and, despite its age, this particular one will have many years of service ahead of it. Although it is possible to spend more on other Beretta 680 series guns, the fact remains that you are unlikely to find yourself hitting more clays.
A choice of fixed or multichokes were available
Beretta 687 Sporting tech specs
Configuration Over-and-under
Action Boxlock
Choke Fixed or multichoke
Chamber 2¾–3½in
Barrel length 26–30in
Ejector/non-ejector Selective ejector
Safety catch
Manual
Weight 7lb 8oz (12-bore) 30in barrels)
Available in calibres 12, 20 and 28-bore
Cost new N/A
Cost used From around £600, depending on age and condition. A fine example may be priced considerably higher
Thinking about buying a gun second-hand? Run through these checks to see if it's really a bargain or a worn out piece of junk.
The best way to make a first foray into gunsmithing is to start by working on an old, low-value gun
It’s always worthwhile to take the time to check an old gun thoroughly. You want to make sure that it is safe and if you’re buying it second-hand, you want to make sure that it doesn’t need a lot of expensive repairs. (Read our piece on gun stock shine – how to restore it and repair scratches.)
How to check an old gun for wear
When break-loading shotguns are closed, the barrels should fit tightly to the action. After extensive use, they may become loose, so that old classic you have your eye on may need a lot of work.
The principles are the same with side-by-sides and over-unders.
1. To test for looseness, remove the fore-end, hold the gun on the grip and the action between the thumb and forefinger and shake it from side to side.
2. Examine the lumps for signs of damage or repair. This gun shows an old repair with a dovetail of steel fitted into the hook.
3. The breech ends of the barrels should be clean and free from damage. Dust staining (see above) is not important, but look for dents and burrs.
4. The face of the standing breech should be clean and not corroded around the striker holes. Check for any burrs or dents around the top and sides of the breech.
This piece was originally published in 2010 and has been updated.
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