Shotguns

To paraphrase a line from the book John M. Browning, American Gunmaker, the story of Browning's genius is the story of the evolution of modern firearms. John M. Browning was issued 128 patents on at least 80 models in nearly every caliber from .22 Short up to the 37mm cannon shell. Those patents covered automatic, semi-automatic, lever, and pump actions.

Because the targets are flatter and thicker than standard clays in order to withstand rolling on the ground without shattering, the clays often require a little harder hit before shooters can prove they are masters of "rascally rabbits."

All Mossberg autoloaders available are gas operated. Each bleeds a set amount of gas from the ignition of the shotshell, down through a port in the barrel to function the action. The oldest of these guns, the Model 5500, requires the shooter to change barrels when switching from non-Magnum to Magnum loads. Two updated 5500s—the new Model 6000 and the Maverick 60—will continue to do so. A totally new Mossberg, the Model 9200, allows free interchange of ammunition without changing barrels.

This new Savage over/under is made in Brescia, Italy. This northern area of the country is known for the manufacture of fine quality shotguns, and this one is no exception. Produced to meet Savage's exacting specifications, the weight distribution of the Milano is perfect. Its 12-, 20-, 28-, and .410-gauge actions are precisely scaled to their gauge, and each one wears a handsome Turkish walnut stock finished off with satin lacquer. Among its standard features…

At the 2013 NRA Annual Meetings, Stoeger introduced 20-gauge models to the Longfowler Series of double-barrel shotguns, available in both side-by-side (SxS) and over/under (O/U) models. The Longfowler Series features 30-inch barrels and walnut stocks and forends that sport a weather-resistant stained oil-finish.

Franchi’s new Affinity Sporting is an Inertia Driven 12-gauge semiautomatic shotgun featuring a brushed nickel anodized receiver and 30-inch barrel. The Affinity Sporting weighs in at a little over 7 pounds. The Affinity Sporting’s 30-inch barrel sports a stepped, ventilated-rib, red fiber optic front sight and a set of three extended choke tubes.

According to reports I’ve received, the 105 CTi is still a work in progress. By that, I don’t mean that any major overhaul is being considered—only that Remington may still be doing a little tweaking here and there that won’t dramatically alter the design. That tweaking is to be expected on a design that differs so markedly from other Remington gas-operated shotguns. For one thing, 105 CTi ejects spent hulls downward from the titanium receiver rather than sideways. Another not-so-noticeable difference is an object identified as a “rate controller,” hidden within the stock. The closest thing to this part on the familiar Model 1100 or 1187 would be the action spring. The rate controller serves as a seat for the tail of the bolt-slide assembly, and does everything an action spring does. Plus, I’m told, it soaks up some recoil. In addition, felt recoil is reduced by the combination of a new optimized gas system, an over-bored barrel, a lengthened forcing cone, and a new convex recoil pad. Taken together, this makes 105 CTi the lightest, softest-shooting 12 gauge that Remington has ever produced.

Beginning in 2013, Browning will introduce a new High Grade Program. Each year, two exquisite firearms will be added to the line. These limited editions will include additional engraving, gold accents, high-grade wood and other features that separate them from standard models. Two Citori 725 models are kicking off the program for 2013. They include a Grade III and Grade V, both in 12 gauge with 26' or 28' barrel lengths.

Take a moment before hauling that trash to the dumpster—you may find something useful, such as .22 barrels.

Weatherby now offers a 20-gauge version of three PA pump shotgun models: PA-08 Synthetic, PA-08 TR, and PA-459 TR.

Browning is adding a new 725 Feather 12 ga. model to the Citori line-up. The Citori 725 Feather combines a lightweight alloy receiver with a durable steel breech face and hinge pin for added strength. With a 28-inch barrel, the 725 Feather weighs just 6 pounds 9 ounces.

Samuel Colt's legacy is alive and well. On March 14, 550 workers from the two Colt operating companies, successors of the Colt Armory that once made iconic Colt Peacemaker revolvers, boarded buses that brought them to the Legislative Office Building, part of the state Capitol complex in Hartford.