Benelli Compact M2 Field Shotgun in 12 & 20 Gauge

Benelli USA

ACCOKEEK, MD --(Ammoland.com)- Benelli’s venerable “workhorse,” the rugged and reliable M2 Field is now offered in a Compact model available in both 12 and 20-gauges, specifically designed for small-statured and young shooters.

The M2 Compact features a short stock complete with ComforTech and a gel butt pad ergonomically designed to fit the shoulder.

The M2 Compact also comes with a set of shims for adjusting the buttstock’s drop and cast. Benelli’s M2 Compact 12-gauge comes in a 26-inch barrel and the 20-gauge model comes with a 24-inch barrel.

Compact guns, when properly designed integrate form and function in order to provide the perfect gun for small-statured and young shooters.

These scaled-down guns are important because they play a key role in establishing how a smaller-framed shooter or beginner safely and effectively handles guns. In many cases, compact guns provide the first hands-on shooting experience for a learning shooter, and as such, that experience will influence their future participation in the shooting sports. The main feature of a compact gun, and which, determines its proper fit for a shooter is a shorter buttstock.

This is what provides the shorter length-of-pull (LOP), enabling small shooters to enjoy and participate in all types of shooting sports, from hunting to clay target games. When the time is appropriate, a full-size buttstock can be fitted to the M2 Compact.

“Typically a youth’s gun is considered to have just a short stock in a sub-gauge, but the M2 Compact available in both 20 and 12-gauge will serve small statured shooters in every type of shooting or hunting endeavor,” said Stephen McKelvain, Benelli USA’s VP of Marketing. “Our customers asked and we responded with a gun that will serve beginner shooters as well as those that just need a gun to fit better.”

M2 Compact 12-Gauge: COMMON SPECIFICATIONS:

• Magazine Capacity: 3+1 Crio
• Chokes:  C,IC,M,IM,F
• Sights:  Red bar front sight
• Length of Pull: 13⅛”
• Drop at Heel: 2⅛”
• Drop at Comb: 1½” (Includes shim kit to adjust drop and cast).
• Overall length: 46.25” Weight:  7 lbs.
• Minimum Recommended Load: Use 3-dram, 1-⅛-oz. loads in all Benelli 12-ga. semi-auto shotguns.
• MSRP: $1359

M2 Compact 20-Gauge: COMMON SPECIFICATIONS:

• Magazine Capacity: 3+1 Crio
• Chokes:  C,IC,M,IM,F
• Sights:  Red bar front sight
• Length of Pull:  13⅛”
• Drop at Heel: 2⅛”
• Drop at Comb: 1½” (Includes shim kit to adjust drop and cast).
• Overall length: 44”
• Weight:  5.8 lbs
• Minimum Recommended Load:  Use 2-½-dram, ⅞-oz. loads in all Benelli 20-ga. semi-auto shotguns.
• MSRP: $1409

For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com

Two Franchi Shotguns Honored with NRA’s Golden Bullseye Awards

Franchi

ACCOKEEK, MD --(Ammoland.com)- Two of Franchi’s new model shotguns have been honored with this year’s NRA’s Golden Bullseye Award.

The Fanchi Affinity has received “Shotgun of the Year” from American Rifleman and Franchi’s Instinct has received “Shotgun of the Year” from American Hunter.

Each year, the NRA publications’ staff members spend significant time testing and reviewing the latest guns, glass and gear in order to select those products that prove to be the best in their respective categories—rifle, shotgun, handgun, optic and accessory—and award them the NRA Publications Division’s highest honor: the Golden Bullseye Award.

“The Golden Bullseye Award has become a much-coveted symbol of excellence, innovation and quality in firearms, accessories and related equipment,” said Joe H. Graham, Executive Director of NRA Publications. “This year’s winning slate offers consumers the very best the shooting and hunting industry has to offer. We congratulate the winners and look forward to recognizing them at the NRA Annual Meetings in Houston.”

Franchi’s Instinct over/under and Affinity semiauto shotguns were introduced last year during a re-branding campaign that involved a complete redesign of the current 12 and 20 gauge guns with the exception of the venerable 48 AL available in 20 and 28 gauge.

“To be honored with the NRA’s Golden Bullseye Award is gratifying to all of us at Benelli USA,” said Stephen McKelvain, Benelli USA’s VP of Marketing & Communications. “But receiving two in the same year for a single brand is the highest honor for Franchi and one, for which, we are very proud.”

For the latest news and product information visit www.franchiusa.com

Benelli Vinci Speed-Bolt

Benelli USA

ACCOKEEK, MD --(Ammoland.com)- The Benelli designers have taken the tried and true features of that rugged, bird- and target-busting Vinci and incorporated them into a new version called the Vinci “Speed-Bolt.”

Combining these features provide the Vinci Speed-Bolt with all the attributes that tactical shooters seek—superior balance, lightweight, reduced recoil and minimal muzzle climb.

This is what Benelli calls Practical Speed Performance or “PSP,” which is the real performance timeline of “speed,” and includes quickness of mount, immediate target acquisition, fast fire, instant recovery and rapid, reliable follow-up shots.

At the heart of the Vinci Speed-Bolt is the In-Line Inertia Driven System, utilizing Benelli’s new Speed-Bolt – a bolt inset with tungsten, designed for faster cycling and handling loads as light as one ounce—and that means less recoil and muzzle climb.  Experienced tactical competition shooters appreciate and value less recoil and muzzle climb in terms of getting on target quicker after the first shot. The next shot can be taken quickly and efficiently, which is critical for scoring winning times.

Another innovation is the QuadraFit buttstock, which is the closest thing to a custom-fitted stock straight from the factory available in the market. It allows easy adjustment of drop, cast, comb height, and length of pull. It also incorporates ComforTech Plus, which effectively cushions recoil for quicker shooting. The Vinci Speed-Bolt utilizes a vent rib, favored by competition shooters and hunters alike. The Vinci Speed-Bolt also features a corrugated V-Grip surface for a positive grip on the gun. The Vinci Speed-Bolt’s barrel and choke tubes have been cryogenically frozen to a temperature of -300 degrees Fahrenheit. This Criosystem treatment relieves the stresses caused when the barrels are hammer forged and smoothes the bore to a more even-grained slicker surface. As a result, the bore surface offers less resistance to the shot column for more even patterns, which puts more pellets on target and a quicker limit in your bag. Like the original Vinci, the superbly balanced Vinci Speed-Bolt^® embodies all the features that make this semi-auto the most reliable, softest kicking, fastest shooting, lightweight tactical shotgun in the world.

“The tungsten inset featured in the Speed-Bolt of this new Vinci gives a definite advantage to the competitive shooter,” said Stephen McKelvain, Benelli USA’s VP of Marketing. “With the ability to recovery quicker and hit multiple targets faster, shaving even a fraction of a second can give the winning edge that every competitor desires.”

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS:

• Magazine Capacity: 3+1 Crio
• Chokes:  C, IC,M, IM, F
• Sights:  Red bar front sight and metal bead mid-sight.
• Length of Pull:  14-⅜”
• Drop at Heel: 2″
• Drop at Comb: 1-⅜” (Includes shim kit to adjust drop and cast).
• Overall length: 45.75” Weight:  6.7 lbs
• Receiver: Drilled and tapped for scope mounting.
• Minimum Recommended Load: 3-dram, 1-oz. loads.
• MSRP: $1599

For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com

Stoeger Longfowler Series 12 Gauge Double-Barrel Shotguns

Stoeger Firearms

ACCOKEEK, MD --(Ammoland.com)- Stoeger is pleased to introduce the Longfowler Series of 12-gauge double-barrel shotguns, available in both side-by-side (SxS) and over/under (O/U) models.

Designed with waterfowlers and long shots in mind, the Longfowler Series features 30-inch barrels and walnut stocks and forends that sport a weather-resistant stained oil-finish—the perfect complement to the matt-blued barrels and receiver. These guns are not only attractive, but also ready for rugged conditions.

Providing the performance advantage hunters expect from a gun that must face the challenge of fast-flying ducks and geese, the Longfowlers have the right balance and weight for a smooth, steady swing and reliable operation. This is what enables you to reach out to tag ducks and geese at the edge of the decoys with confidence.

The Longfowler SxS has the appearance of a classic “duck gun,” embodying all the features of a traditional “fowling piece.”

For those hunters who prefer the look and feel of a stack-barrel shotgun, Stoeger offers the Longfowler O/U, featuring the sight picture of a ventilated rib and the positive grip offered by a slimmer forend. The Longfowler Series barrels come with extended choke tubes for quick and easy changing, whether sitting in a blind or standing in flooded timber.

In either SxS or O/U configurations, the Longfowler Series provides a no-nonsense dependable waterfowler’s gun that is balanced right for shots when it counts and will produce results without breaking the bank. These are shotguns you’ll be proud to own and shoot.

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS: Trigger: Single Chokes: Ext IC & M Type of Sights: Brass bead Length of Pull: 14.5” Drop at Comb: 1.5” Drop at Heel: 2.5” Extractor MSRP: $449

For the latest news and product information visit www.stoegerindustries.com

G4S One Day Tactical Shotgun Course

G4S International Training

SHACKLEFORDS, VA - -(Ammoland.com)- G4S International Training, Inc. (G4S ITI), a training company of G4S GS, and providers of benchmark security training programs to the U.S. Government, U.S. Military and corporate America, is pleased to announce its newest course to its roster:  the One Day Tactical Shotgun Course.

It will be held on Friday, March 15th, 2013 and Monday, May 13th, 2013. This course was developed for students to enhance their ability to operate a shotgun.

The course will take a look at fundamentals, types of loads, chokes, proper use of cover / concealment and weapon manipulation. Students will be given the foundation for marksmanship skills required for target engagements in a home defense or tactical environment. Students who complete the course will have a better understanding of home defense application, tactical employment of the shotgun and ways to continue to improve one’s skills.

The following topics will be taught in the course:

• Firearms brief
  • Nomenclature, Loads, Chokes
• Range operations and safety brief
• Fundamentals
• Patterning (Bird, Buckshot, Slugs)
• Pump vs. Auto
• Loading, reloading and unloading procedures
• Managing and clearing malfunctions
• Carry position: high vs. low ready
• Positional shooting
• Proper use of cover / concealment
• Multiple shots and multiple targets

250 rounds of bird shot (#7 or higher), 25 rounds of Buckshot and 25 rounds of Slug are required per person. Classroom instruction will convene at 8:00 a.m. and will end at 5:00 p.m. with practical exercises. There will be a one hour break for lunch. This course includes eight hours of instruction and a certificate upon completion.

Individual equipment required includes: pump or auto loading shotgun, optical sight (optional), weapon cleaning kit (with oil), eye and ear protection (clear and shaded lens are recommended), elbow and knee pads (optional), snacks, gloves and a hat (baseball style), rain or inclement weather gear and sunscreen (non-greasy or water resistant). We recommend you wear comfortable shoes (no toeless), long pants and a long sleeve shirt (weather dependent) that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Most items can be rented at an additional cost. Please contact us Toll Free at 1-800-604-4484 for inquiries. Cost per student for the course is $150 (U.S. Government employees) and $166 (civilians). This course is for 10 (minimum) to 12 (maximum) students.

To register for the One Day Tactical Shotgun Course, please visit here: http://www.g4siti.com/registration.php

If you have any questions about the course, please contact Tim Peck, Open Enrollment Coordinator, at tim.peck@g4siti.com.

For more information, visit www.g4siti.com.

Shot guns save lives, plain and simple. If you don’t have one you are missing a key tool in your home defense arsenal.

Home Defense Shotguns

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)-  No matter where you live in the USA in 2013 you have seen home invasions on the rise. For this reason and since the President’s push for disarmament of the U. S. gun owner, I have had student after student ask me what is the best shot gun for home defense or self defense?

Shotguns make excellent guns for at home protection as they are easy to maneuver and simple to operate. Pump and auto loading shotguns with a barrel length of 18 to 22 inches is the optimum choice for home defense. They are completely reliable and stupid simple for most everyone but the most fanatical progressive to operate.

So I came up with my best four picks for the Top Four Home Defense Shotguns for reliable home protection.

My Top Five Home Defense Shotguns Short List Goes Like this:

Remington Model 870 Express Tactical Magpul Shotgun

Remington 870 Pump Shot Gun:
The 870 is a classic home defense gun from back in the day and is still an easy goto weapon for anyone. In fact any of the 870 models will work just fine. I happen to like the Remington Model 870 Express Tactical Magpul Shotgun.

Remington Model 870 Express Tactical Magpul Shotgun: http://tiny.cc/k611rw

From Remington: No task is too demanding and no challenge is too intense with our rugged, ultra-dependable and ever-expanding selection of tactical shotguns. Our lineup keeps growing to serve the needs of law enforcement, the military, competitive shooters and people defending their homes and loved ones.

When you’re in the most demanding environments and every second counts, Remington’s tactical shotguns give you the confidence and firepower to get the job done.

KEY FEATURES:

• Tried and true 870 receiver milled from solid steel
• 18.5″ barrel with extended tactical choke tube
• Receiver and barrel features tough, weather resistant Cerakote coating
• One piece magazine tube
• Fully adjustable XS Ghost Ring Sight rain with removable white bead front sight
• SGA Magpul stock
• Spacer system for length of pull adjustment
• Cheek risers for use with optics/raised sights
• MOE fore-end with improved grip ergonomics
• SuperCell pad reduces felt recoil by over 50%

Mossberg 590A1 TactLight Forend Shotgun

Mossberg’s 590 A1 Shotguns Series
Much like remington 870 series the 590 A1 has multiple models that we get the job of home defense done but I prefer the Mossberg 590A1 Tactical Light Forend Shotgun for the built in flashlight, an essential tool in your home defense kit.

From Mossberg: The forend houses an L3/Insight Technology light, (which you can buy separately and upgrade current shotgun) delivering 125 peak lumens, ambidextrous side touch pad operation with Temporary On, Fixed On, Strobe beam settings. Shock-resistant.

KEY FEATURES:

• 3″ Chambered Models in 12 Gauge
• Heavy-Walled Barrels, Metal Trigger Guard and Safety Buttons Built to Mil-Spec Demands
• 18.5 or 20″ Barrels, 6 or 9-Shot Capacities
• Tri-Rail Forend and Tactical Light Forend Models
• Free Gun Lock/10-Year Limited Warranty Included
• Gauge 12
• Chamber Size 3″
• Capacity 6
• Barrel 18.5″
• Sights Bead
• Chokes Cylinder Bore
• Overall Length 39.5″
• Length Of Pull 13.875″
• Barrel Finish Parkerized
• Stock Synthetic (Black)
• Weight 7.5 lb

Arsenal’s SGL12 Semi-Auto Saiga 12-Gauge Shotgun

Saiga 12-gauge Shotguns
Based on the ultra reliable gas operated action of the classic Ak47 rifle, the Saiga SGL Shotguns are a rock steady choice for home defense.

SGL12-07, Russian 12-gauge shotgun that incorporates a mil-spec original Russian buttstock, the new generation SAW type Russian pistol grip, and all the reliability that you expect from this Saiga shotgun with detachable magazine. Unlike aftermarket conversion shotguns, this factory manufactured unit does not have any unnecessary riveted holes on the sides of the receiver and does not compromise the integrity and value of your shotgun. Like our other SGL12 Shotguns, it has the same fit and finish as our SGL21 and 31 series rifles. Components include 922r compliant parts, mil-spec Buttstock, and trigger group. This variant features the new generation SAW type Russian pistol grip for a real comfortable grip with all the reliability that you expect from this Saiga shotgun with a detachable magazine. Unlike aftermarket conversion shotguns, this factory manufactured unit does not have any unnecessary riveted holes on the sides of the receiver and does not compromise the integrity and value of your shotgun.

K-Var is proud to sell FIME’s own 12 gauge Saiga shotgun. This Saiga 12 was manufactured at the Izhmash Factory in Russia and Imported through FIME Group, LLC in Las Vegas. This Saiga 12 is the perfect balance between price and added features for an extremely reliable semi-automatic shotgun.

Designed as an all purpose shotgun, this Saiga will deliver the unprecedented performance needed. Chambered in the versatile and functional 12-gauge round, this semi-auto shotgun has all the standard features seen on the original Saiga that allows it to operate in the harshest environments with virtually any type of ammunition. This rifle comes with a chrome lined barrel which allows the use of many different types of ammunition to include steel. FIME’s Saiga 12 Is capable of cycling both 2 ¾“ and 3” magnum shells.

As with all Saiga 12′s, this shotgun is not designed to use low pressure shells.

Saiga 12 gauges come standard with the bolt hold open feature. This allows for a quicker change time between magazines (ideal for hunters and home defense alike). With all of the available accessories on the market for these Saiga 12’s the possibilities are endless.

This shotgun was manufactured utilizing the Kalashnikov gas system. This gas system reduces the felt recoil dramatically and will be a guaranteed hit with every squeeze of the trigger. It will be capable of shooting in either a single shot operation, allowing use of all the gases in order to increase the velocity of the round or in the standard semi-auto mode.

As with all rifles and shotguns that K-Var offers these will be backed by FIME Group’s standard warranty, hunters, sportsmen, and persons interested in self defense can’t go wrong with this Saiga.

Summary: Saiga 12 Gauge shotgun, LE Variation, chrome lined smoothbore 19” barrel – This Saiga 12 was manufactured at the World Famous Izhmash Factory in Russia and Imported through FIME Group LLC in Las Vegas, Nevada. This semi auto shotgun is featured original and added features configuration from Saiga. Will shoot both 2 3/4 “and 3” magnum. Bolt-Lock option and One-Shot or Semi-Auto Adjustable Gas tube, Black Stock Set, Warsaw Pact length Buttstock, New generation SAW type Russian pistol grip.

Made using only new mil spec. parts.

SGL12 is shipped with one 5-round Russian magazine, cleaning kit, cleaning brush, oil bottle & a Saiga adjustment tool.

KEY FEATURES:

• Caliber: 12-gauge
• Total Length: 978 mm (38 1/2 in.)
• Barrel Length: 483 mm (19 in.)
• Weight without Magazine: 3.11 kg (6.85 lbs.)

Hawk 12 GA. Pump Defense Shotgun

Hawk 12 GA. Pump Defense Shotgun
The Hawk Model 982 is patterned after America’s favorite 12 GA pump, (see if you can guess which one from the choices above) and features a machined solid steel receiver, an 18 1/2″ barrel with 3 inch chamber and an adjustable ghost ring sight. This traditional pump action model is fitted with polymer stocks with recoil pad and has a black matte finish.

KEY FEATURES:

• SERIES: DEFENSE
• MODEL: HAWK 982
• GAUGE: 12 GA 3″ CHAMBER
• ACTION: PUMP
• BARREL: 18 1/2″
• CAPACITY: 5 ROUNDS
• CHOKE: FIXED IMP. CYL
• SIGHTS: GHOST RING
• STOCK: POLYMER
• FEATURES: MACHINED STEEL FRAME / MATTE FINISH
• MSRP: $284.99

The truth is almost all shotguns will work well for home defense but if you have a choice any one of the four above will do the job with room to spare and more than that they are all fun to shoot and will work well for Three Gun Competition as well as the occasional clay shoot.

Do you have another gun that is your favorite or you think is a better choice. Drop me a note in the comments below.

Thinking you want a Semi-Auto for your concealed carry weapon? Read our article of the Top 5 Concealed Carry Handguns .

Colorado Democrats Moving to Ban Hunting Firearms

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington DC - -(Ammoland.com)-Colorado Democrats have put forth a bill that not only targets “assault weapons” but some of the most popular shotguns for hunting as well.

According to Colorado state senator Greg Brophy (R), the ban Democrats want to place in front of Gov. John Hickenlooper would necessarily include shotguns with magazines which are easily extendable to hold more than 8 rounds.

The Democrats arbitrarily set eight rounds as the magic number–any more would be illegal.

If the bill passes the state senate and Gov. Hickenlooper signs it into law, Brophy said it could essentially mean that Coloradans “might not be able to purchase a pump shotgun or a semi-automatic shotgun again.”

About:
AWR Hawkins writes for all the BIG sites, for Pajamas Media, for RedCounty.com, for Townhall.com and now AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

His southern drawl is frequently heard discussing his take on current events on radio shows like America’s Morning News, the G. Gordon Liddy Show, the Ken Pittman Show, and the NRA’s Cam & Company, among others. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal (summer 2010), and he holds a PhD in military history from Texas Tech University.

If you have questions or comments, email him at awr@awrhawkins.com. You can find him on facebook at www.facebook.com/awr.hawkins.

Gun for Hire Radio

Gun for Hire Radio

Belleville, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- This week on Episode 93 of Gun For Hire Radio…

Well, it looks like the anti-gun crowd has been right all along. Guns really DO kill people!

In sleepy town of Independence Oregon, a shotgun allegedly used an AR-15 rifle to kill a fleeing home invader. (No. Seriously. You can’t make this kinda stuff up)

And we’ve got the full story. Hey, come to think of it, maybe Crazy Joe Biden is onto something when he says shotguns are the way to go for home defense.

Also this week… an update on the New Jersey gun battle, more learnin’ from master trainer Colandro, plus more wacky listener email.

http://www.gunforhireradio.com/podcasts/GFH_Episode_93.mp3

About:
Gun For Hire Radio-the Voice of 1-Million New Jersey Gun Owners, is the Number-One rated talk show in the Nation. News, commentary, entertainment and education you won’t hear anywhere else. Listen, learn and laugh you’re ass off. Visit: www.gunforhireradio.com

Standard Hunting Shotguns have a higher capacity then so called “hi-capacity” magazines.
By Dan Roberts

Traditional Lead Shot Shells

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Much has been made over the last several years of the evilness and lack of “need” for any person to have a so called “hi-capacity” magazine.

The overblown and dishonest rhetoric has only reached a fever pitch in the aftermath of the Aurora Colorado and Newtown Connecticut “glory“shootings.

Before I get into the meat of the issue, lets explode another myth fabricated by various Second Amendment hating groups and politicians, one more in a litany of outright lies like Josh Sugarrman’s made up term “assault weapon” that is perpetuated by the same people.

Myth: “Hi-Capacity Magazines” were banned by the now expired 1994 to 2004 Federal Assault Weapons Ban.

Fact: The only effect of the ’94 to ’04 law was a prohibition on the new manufacture of magazines with a capacity higher then 15 rounds. Any and all magazines manufactured before the date the law took effect were grandfathered in, and perfectly legal to sell, buy, possess and own.

Myth: 20 or 30 round magazines are “Hi-Capacity”

Fact: 20 and or 30 round magazines are nearly ubiquitous as standard equipment or accessories with the vast majority of semi-automatic rifles. The capacity amount is a design feature that is incorporated from the very first concept, to the engineering diagrams and through to production.

For analogy purposes. If you buy a performance car from a dealer, and it was originally designed, built and equipped with a 400 horsepower engine, then that is its “standard” and anything over and above that would be considered “hi” under any normal use of the English Language.

Interesting side note. After the Aurora Colorado Mass Shooting last Summer, there were widespread reports that the shooter had a “hi-capacity drum magazine” in the AR-15 rifle, it was this report, without a shred of corroboration from anyone outside official law enforcement sources that really jump-started the current push against magazine capacity.

There’s one big problem though. There has, to my knowledge, only a single photograph of the rifle in question released. It clearly shows what is in fact an AR style rifle, laying on the sidewalk directly outside the emergency exit door of the theater, the door that the shooter rigged from inside, so he could enter it from outside to execute his evil plan. The rifle is surrounded by crime scene “markers” and other related typical paraphernalia of an active crime scene investigation. But what is clearly visible in the photo is there is a standard capacity 30 round box magazine inserted into the magazine well. No drum magazine is visible in the frame, and in fact, there has yet to be any evidence what-so-ever, at least none that has been made public, that proves the shooter did in fact have a “drum magazine” or used it in commission of his horrific attack

So I called the Public Information Officer for the Aurora PD to inquire about this seeming discrepancy. The only answer they would provide as way of explanation was that the Chief of Police had shown a photo of one at one of the daily press conferences. Note: I said “showed a photo of one (a drum magazine)”, not the drum magazine allegedly used in the attack.

Now, onto the meat of this article.

So lets look at that shall we?
Your standard, non scary looking hunting or “sporting” shotgun generally has a magazine capacity of 3 to 5 shells, plus one in the chamber. Since 12 gauge shotguns are far and away the most popular shotgun, we will use that example.

A double aught buckshot shell holds 9, roughly .32 caliber projectiles, while other less powerful shells, such as “bird shot” can hold as many as 30, albeit smaller individual projectiles. That being said, while bird shot is clearly no where near as devastating as OO buckshot, if its powerful enough to bring down a goose, duck, pheasant, grouse or other game bird at ranges of 50 ft, I still wouldn’t want to be shot with it !

Each time the trigger is pulled, 9 to as many as 30 individual pellets, or for our argument  “rounds” are fired out the barrel at one time, with little if any control over where they go beyond general point of aim and whether or not the shotgun is equipped with a choke to control the spread.

Now a little basic grade school level math, while considering the projectiles contained in each shotgun shell as individual rounds, which is what they are after all, as any one of them can be lethal. The fact that multiple projectiles are packaged together in one shell doesn’t negate that.

Taking the numbers above, we find the result is, your standard 12 gauge shotgun has a capacity of anywhere from 36 to as many as 120 individual “rounds” contained in its internal magazine and chamber and depending on shell selection, orders of magnitude more then ANY 20 or 30 round, standard capacity magazine for any semi automatic rifle available to the general public, it also means a standard shotgun rapidly eclipses the “rate of fire“, meaning how many rounds can be sent down range, of any so called “assault weapon“.

But Bumblin Biden and his acolytes insist this is somehow “safer” then single, well aimed shots, fired one at a time, from an “assault weapon“.

So as you wrap your mind around that one, my Grandpa would just be shaking his head at the insanity of the debates we are having over a simple god given right to keep and bear arms. Can you say “Shall Not Be Infringed”.

About Dan Roberts
Dan Roberts is a grassroots supporter of gun rights that has chosen AmmoLand Shooting Sports News as the perfect outlet for his frank, ‘Jersey Attitude’ filled articles on Guns and Gun Owner Rights.As a resident of the oppressive state of New Jersey he is well placed to be able to discuss the abuses of government against our inalienable rights to keep and bear arms as he writes from deep behind NJ’s Anti-Gun iron curtain. Read more from Dan Roberts.You can also find him on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dan.roberts.18

Student of the Gun

LUVERNE, AL --(Ammoland.com)- You can miss with a shotgun.

Yes, despite what has been portrayed by the sitting V.P. and your favorite Hollywood action film, it is indeed possible to miss your target with a shotgun.

A 12 gauge shotgun can be a devastatingly effective personal defense tool, but you need to understand it’s capabilities.

Paul walks us through a couple of simple tests to determine what 12 gauge ammunition will work for you and what kind of performance to expect from it.

Reading Assignment: Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal: http://tiny.cc/2ociuw

Paul Markel c 2012

Follow Paul Markel at Student of the Gun.com .

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

Weatherby 20-Gauge PA Pump Shotgun

Weatherby.com

Paso Robles, CA - -(Ammoland.com)- The versatile PA-08 Synthetic is built to be a reliable, easy-to-use workhorse for various bird hunting applications, from doves to turkeys. TR (Threat Response) shotguns are designed for home and personal defense.

“Our new 20-gauge pumps offer dependable performance with less felt recoil than 12-gauge models,” said company President Ed Weatherby. “They are lightweight and easy to operate—a great shotgun choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike.”

Available with either a 26- or 28-inch barrel, the PA-08 Synthetic features a black lightweight injection-molded stock. All metalwork is matte black to reduce glare. The barrel is chrome lined to withstand years of high-volume shooting, while lengthened forcing cones help reduce felt recoil. A vented top rib dissipates heat and helps facilitate target acquisition, as does the brass bead front sight. Three application-specific choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified and Full) are included with each gun.

The 20-gauge PA-08 Synthetic weighs 6.5-7 pounds depending on barrel length. Magazine capacity is 5+1 (2 ¾-inch shells) or 4+1 (3-inch shells). Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $399.

PA-08 TR features include the easy-to-use pump design and dual action bar system that have proven their dependability with the PA-08 sporting version. This shotgun also has matte black metalwork and a black lightweight injection-molded synthetic stock. The fixed cylinder bore barrel is 18.5 inches long and chrome lined. A bladed white dot front sight is readily visible when aiming, even in low-light conditions.

Weight of the 20-gauge PA-08 TR model is six pounds; overall length measures 39 inches with a 14-inch length of pull. Magazine capacity is 5+1 (2 3/4-inch shells). Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $399.

Key features of the PA-459 TR include a short 13.5-inch length of pull and an ergonomic pistol grip-style buttstock with rubber-textured grip areas for snag-free shouldering. All metalwork has a matte black finish; the 18.5-inch chrome-lined barrel is fitted with an extended removable ported cylinder choke tube for application-specific patterning. The LPA-style ghost ring rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation.

The 20-gauge PA-459 TR weighs 5.75 pounds and measures 39 inches in overall length. Magazine capacity is 5+1 (2 ¾-inch shells) or 4+1 (3-inch shells). Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $499.

For more information, contact a local Weatherby dealer, call the company at (805) 227-2600 or visit www.weatherby.com.

Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc.’s line features the popular Vanguard® and legendary Mark V® rifles (production and custom), Threat Response shotguns and rifles, semi-auto and pump shotguns, premium ammunition and security/shooting accessories. The company is based in Paso Robles, Calif., and invites all hunters and shooters to visit and join its free online community at www.weatherbynation.com.

Lightfield’s StarLite Less Leathal Shot Gun Ammo

Tahoe Films

Kalispell, MT --(Ammoland.com)- Earlier this month I was hanging out with Lightfield’s Brian Smith checking out their line of less lethal shotgun slug products.

This stuff is really cool. Brian stays you can use it to deter everything from criminals to bears to the neighbors dog!

“The StarLite is a close-range less lethal impact projectile intended for direct fire at targets between 1 and 10 yards. The user should only target large muscle groups and soft tissue from the abdomen and below. Always avoid targeting the head, neck, thorax, spine, kidney area and groin as serious injury or death may occur.”

“The patented design of the ‘Star’ projectile intentionally embodies properties that virtually eliminate the undesirable tendencies of the typical drag stabilized, sock style bean-bag. The Star design utilizes less weight and higher velocity than other single projectile loads. The Star’s larger overall diameter and flexible composition compliments its other properties to allow for a safer deposition of Kinetic Energy. The overall design of the Star greatly reduces the likelihood of penetration, broken bones or deep internal injury.”

Lightfield less lethal products are accurate, effective, affordable and designed to address range-specific application. Check them out at http://litfld.com

You can shop for Lightfield’s ammo products here: http://tinyurl.com/bre28uj

About Tom Opre & Tahoe Films, Ltd.;
Opre is a filmmaker, adventurer and professional hunter. He hosts the outdoor adventure, television series Eye of the Hunter airing at 9PM EST Sundays on NBC Sports. Since 1990, Opre has been producing and directing film and video advertising productions for companies including; Aimpoint, Otis Technology, Mathews Archery, Ski Doo, Sea Doo, Chevrolet, Ford Motorsports, Polaris, Federal, Arctic Cat and Warn. He also produces the Xtremey Award nominated snowmobile and 4×4 ATV film series Extreme Velocity: Sled Heads and Extreme Velocity: Mountains & Mud.

Tom serves as an officer and board member for the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA).

Eye of the Hunter is supported by Aimpoint, Otis Technology, Ruger, Brownells and Titan Fuel Tanks.  Visit: www.tahoefilms.com Visit: www.tahoefilms.com

TriStar Viper G2 Left-Handed Semi-Automatic Shotguns

Tristar Sporting Arms

North Kansas City, Mo. - -(Ammoland.com)- In 2013, the TriStar Arms Viper G2 semi-automatic line will include left-handed models in both a synthetic stock and camouflage stock.

The new Viper G2 for left-handed shooters will offer the same great features the standard right-handed models have always offered with fiber optic front sights, a chrome-lined chamber and barrel, vented ribs and a manual E-Z Load magazine cut-off.

“The Viper G2 has proven to be dependable when hunting game birds and shooting sporting clays since the product was first launched in 2009,” said Gus Bader, owner of TriStar Arms.  “For any hunter or target shooter who is interested in a firearm with multiple functions, superior construction and is a fraction of the cost of other guns with the same features, the Viper G2 is it.”

Both the camouflage and synthetic models have 3″ chambers to take 2 3/4″ or 3″ shells and every gun comes with three standard choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified and Full).

All TriStar shotguns are backed by a five-year warranty offered under the TriStar Sporting Arms license. The warranty does not extend to obvious abuse or misuse of the firearm or if the firearm is used for any purpose other than hunting, competition or sporting situations.

TriStar is a primary importer of quality shotguns and handguns, and offers a great selection of firearms for hunters and recreational shooters.

For more information about TriStar Arms and its products, visit www.tristararms.com.

Franchi Intensity ShotGun

Franchi

ACCOKEEK, MD - Franchi’s Intensity is a brand new 3 ½-inch 12-gauge powerhouse featuring the versatile Inertia Driven system.

The new Intensity shotguns embody the feel of smaller gauge guns, which is possible because the recoil spring encircles the magazine tube located forward of the receiver.

This is what keeps recoil in line with the shooter and helps reduce muzzle flip.

The Intensity design incorporates a slender pistol grip, slim fore end, and the kind of precise symmetry that promotes a look and feel that few other shotguns attain or can claim. The Intensity’s slim attractive profile is accomplished by slimming down the dimensions of the durable polymer stock that is impervious to all elements of weather, as well as gun solvents and lubricants.

The Intensity receiver is made of a lightweight, durable aluminum alloy that’s strengthened with steel inserts that ensure a solid steel-to-steel lock-up. The Intensity weighs in at 7.2 pounds, giving this light and lively auto-loader a responsiveness that allows for quick swings and fast follow-up shots. The length-of-pull (LOP) is adjustable with 3 different lengths of recoil pads, affording the option of 14⅜- 14¼- and 15-inch LOP. Drop and cast is adjusted by virtue of a shim kit system. Recoil is tamed with a newly designed recoil pad that is unique in both form and function. This innovative recoil pad ensures that maximum recoil is absorbed before it reaches the shoulder. This sleek semiauto digests everything from 3½-inch Magnums down to 1⅛-ounce target loads.

The Intensity comes with either a 26- or 28-inch barrel and sports a stepped, ventilated-rib, red fiber optic front sight and a set of three extended choke tubes. The Intensity has perfect balance for making quick shots at fast-flying waterfowl, and when your gun handles like it’s second nature, you have the confidence to make shots that put birds in the bag. Shoulder the Intensity to feel how it becomes a natural extension of your arm—you instantly know what “right” feels like. Franchi has total confidence in their shotgun products and stands firmly behind every Intensity with a seven-year warranty.

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS: Gauge: 12-Gauge Barrel Length: 26” & 28” Chokes: IC, M, F Sights: Red fiber optic bar Finish: Black synthetic, Realtree® Max-4™ & Realtree® APG™ Stock Material: Synthetic Average Weight: 7.2 lbs. Overall Length: 47.75” Length of Pull: 14.25” Drop at heel: Adjustable from 2” to 2.5” inches in 4 increments Drop at Comb: 1.5” (Adjustable with shim kit) MSRP: $1099-$1199

For the latest news and product information visit www.franchiusa.com

More fun than you can stand.

Chiappa’s 1887 Lever Action Shotgun

MKS Supply

Dayton, OH - MKS Supply–Chiappa’s 1887 lever action shotgun is a faithful copy of the 1887 Winchester. The original Browning designed Winchester 1887 was the first repeating shotgun.

This fast functioning lever action shotgun holds 5-rounds in the tubular magazine and fully loaded it holds one round in the receiver and one in the chamber for a total of 7-rounds making it at that time the first high-capacity shotgun. The Chiappa 1887 is chambered for modern high-pressure 23/4 -inch rounds.

Chiappa’s 1887 is fitted with select walnut wood stock, either a case colored receiver and a polished blue barrel and magazine or fully (receiver, barrel and magazine) bushed nickel finish. Internal components are individually machined (no castings) by Chiappa and hand-assembled in their state of the art factory in Italy.

The Chiappa 1887s have 22- and 28-inch barrels and come with three different chokes. Additionally the Chiappa made shotgun has an internal safety that prevents accidental firing until the breech block is completely closed; the original 1887s did not have this feature.

The 20-inch field gun will work well for SASS competition, hunting and self-defense; it is a compact quick to use lever action repeating 12gauge and the 28-inch version makes for an excellent and unique looking field gun. To convert for reduced capacity hunting regulations the owner can remove the magazine cap and insert a round limiting device (not supplied).

Specifications:

• Chambering: 23/4-inch 12 gauge
• Magazine Capacity: 5-rounds in tubular magazine
• Action: Lever
• Overall length: 22-inch barrel 39″, 28-inch 45″
• Barrel length: 22 and 28-inch
• Weight: 22-inch barrel 9-pounds; 28-inch 9 pounds 4 ounces (approx.)
• Stock: Walnut
• Finish: Case colored receiver and polished blue bb.l and magazine or brushed nickel
• Chokes (included): Full, modified, and improved
• MSRP 22-inch barrel: Polished blue$1,333, brushed nickel $1,490
• MSRP 28-inch barrel: Polished blue  $1,357, brushed nickel $1,533

Chiappa’s 1887 Lever Action Shotgun

For consumer information:

MKS Supply, Inc.
937-454-0363
www.mkschiappa.com

Beretta A400 Action 20ga. Shotgun

Beretta

ACCOKEEK, MD --(Ammoland.com)- Beretta USA was honored during the recent 142^nd Annual NRA Meetings and Exhibits in Houston, TX when presented with the “Editor’s Choice Award” by Outdoor Life for the new A400 Action 20ga.

Outdoor Life editors summed up the features of the A400 Action 20 ga. best when citing their reasons behind the award, “this 20-gauge from Beretta, the first sub-gauge in the A400 series, is brimming with amenities and useful features.

The kick-off system is one of the better recoil-reducing designs on the market, and by adding it to this shotgun Beretta has made an outstanding semi-auto for high-volume bird shooting.  ….We liked the looks of the gun too. The finish on the receiver is distinctive without being tacky, and the grain-enhancing finish on the wood gives it a classy look. It also shouldered, swung, and shot like a dream. For all these reasons, the A400 XPLOR Action is our Editor’s Choice shotgun for 2013.”

“This recognition, especially considering the quality and depth of the competition, is very gratifying,” says Ryan Muety, Vice President of Brand and Channel Marketing. “Beretta continues to invest significant time and resources to ensure that our shotguns meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. It was only natural that we chose to expand the exceptionally popular A400 Xplor line to include a sub-gauge appropriate to the upland market where the A400 Action excels.

Muety went on to add that, “as a 500-year-old company, our history, heritage and lifestyle are sacred to the Beretta brand and to be recognized for it by one’s peers makes it resonate all the more.”

Outdoor Life honors the industry’s best with their yearly “Gun Test” which are determined through a rigorous three-step process that includes inspection of the internal components and machining, range performance, and overall design and feature set.

Beretta, established in 1526, is the oldest industrial dynasty in the world tracing its roots through 16 generations of continuous family ownership. Firearms bearing the Beretta name have been sold for almost 500 years. Beretta USA Corp. was founded in 1977 and supplies the standard sidearm to the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Beretta manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of firearms, accessories and apparel. Beretta also owns and operates six retail Beretta Gallery stores worldwide. For additional information, visit www.berettausa.com.

Browning A5 3 1/2″ 12 Gauge Shotgun Realtree Max 4 Camo

Browning Firearms

Morgan, UT --(Ammoland.com)- For 2013, Browning introduces the A5 shotgun with a 3½” chamber.

This marks the first ever recoil-operated 3½” Browning shotgun.

Five A5 models will be chambered in the new 3½”, 12 Gauge: A5 in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades, A5 in Realtree Max-4, A5 in Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity, A5 Stalker and A5 Hunter.

The recoil-operated Kinematic Drive system allows the A5 to cycle a wide range of loads.

The A5 features the Vector-Pro lengthened forcing cone and the new Invector-DS choke tube system to deliver tight, consistent shot patterns. To reduce felt recoil, the A5 comes with an Inflex II recoil pad.

A5 3½” models are available with barrel lengths of 26″, 28″ and 30″. Composite-stock models feature Dura-Touch Armor Coating that gives shooters a better grip in wet hunting conditions. The A5 Hunter features a gloss finish walnut stock.

Suggested Retail Prices:

• A5, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades - $1,699.99
• A5, Realtree Max-4 - $1,699.99
• A5, Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity - $1,699.99
• A5 Stalker - $1,599.99
• A5 Hunter - $1,699.99

For more information on Browning products, please visit the website at www.browning.com.

Blaser F3 Game Shotgun

Blaser USA

San Antonio, TX - -(Ammoland.com)-  Since the 2003 European introduction, the Blaser F3 Game shotgun has captured the fascination of hunters across the continent.

With dove season fast approaching Blaser USA is pleased to announce the launch the F3 Game version for the North American market.

“With the tremendous success of the F3 Competition line we are extremely excited to add the Game version to our product portfolio. This addition gives us the opportunity to bring the shotgun that has won National clay titles to the field,” states Blaser CEO Christian Socher.

“The total weight, balance and weight distribution are key attributes that add to the shotgun’s superior pointability. This coupled with pinpoint accuracy will make you a success either on the clays range or wing shooting,” adds John Parsons, Blaser Shotgun Manager.

The F3 Game is available in 12 or 20 gauge, with barrel lengths of 28” or 29”. The overall weight is approximately 7 lbs. The elegant Prince of Wales style grip with English forearm will make you the envy of any hunting party.

Starting at a MSRP of $6,695, the F3 Game comes with wood grade 4 and is available in the premium models Luxus, Grand Luxe, Baronesse and the new Baron with long velvet black side plates and Wood grade 7.

Blaser
Blaser is one of the leading manufacturers of hunting rifles and shotguns in Europe. Every Blaser product is tailored to the needs of the serious, active hunter. Hence the product range is extremely versatile. It includes bolt action rifles, break action rifles, combinations guns and shotguns. The most popular hunting rifles are the straight pull bolt action rifles, such as the R8. The R8 epitomizes the Blaser pillars of success: accuracy, safety, huntability, reliability and versatility. For additional information visit Blaser USA at www.Blaser-USA.com.

 Quality: ****

Reliability:****

Price/Value:***

Referability:****

Average Score 3.75 out of 5 

Must Have Outdoors

Elsberry, MO --(Ammoland.com)-  This isn’t your Grandpa’s A5. When Browning rolled out a redesign of the famous A5 it stirred up lots of nostalgia. The A5 is one of the most famous John Browning designs and when Browning came out with a new version of the gun they added modern updates while still staying true to some of the qualities that A5 owners love so much. Some people may not like that the new A5 has some different features, but I think Browning has done a nice job of updating the gun.

Let’s start out with how the new A5 works. The original A5 is a long recoil operated gun.  When fired the A5’s barrel and bolt recoiled together. This design has been used for generations and has more than proven itself in the field.

The new A5 is also a recoil operated firearm but uses the new Kinematic Drive System. When the A5 is fired an internal spring accumulates recoil energy bounces back unlocking the bolt and cycling the action. This new systems handles a variety of shell loads so no mater what game you are after the gun will cycle the shells.  You can see the gun in action in this video.

The Kinematic Drive System design allows for the A5 to have a much narrower forearm that is easy to handle and maneuver. With the new A5 you will probably feel a little more recoil, but I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. The A5 is faster than I expected when cycling shells and like I mentioned, handles a wide range of loads including the 3 ½ version.

Browning A5 Shotgun

Browning kept the humpback design on the new A5. Besides keeping the same look, the humpback on the gun extends your sight plane to allow for faster target acquisition. If you aren’t used to shooting an A5 it will seem a little awkward at first but doesn’t take long to get used to.

The receiver is made out of aircraft aluminum, making it lightweight and strong. The gun itself feels lightweight, handles well, and depending on what model you get weighs around 7lbs give or take a few ounces. The A5 is very well balanced even with longer or shorter barrels.

For a better shot pattern the A5 features backbored barrels and the Vector Pro lengthened forcing cones.  These features help reduce shot deformity resulting in a better, more consistent pattern.

Browning new Invector-DS choke tubes are featured in the A5. The new choke tube design has a brass alloy band at the end of the choke tube. This keeps gasses and other materials from getting in between the choke tube and the barrel, aloowing the choke tubes to be easier to remove after extended shooting. The entire choke tube redesign was for better performance and more consistent shot pattern. The longer choke tubes have a more gradual taper to help keep the shot column in place. The A5 comes with a Full Modified and Improved Cylinder choke tube.

The A5 does have a bolt latch button that keeps the bolt open when the gun is empty. To operate you push the large button in front of the trigger guard pull the bolt back and it will stay open. When the bolt is closed and chamber is empty, the bolt unlatch button also can be used to take a round from the magazine and moves it on the carrier for loading.

To help reduce felt recoil, the A5 has an Inflex II Recoil pad. The recoil pad is a nice size and for me doesn’t snag on clothing and is very easy to shoulder. The Inflex II Recoil Pad is also designed to move the gun down and away from the shooters face.

The A5 also has the Turnkey Magazine Plug like the Maxus has.  This feature allows you to easily remove the magazine plug using a car or house key. I really like this feature because I usually send the magazine spring flying when I take the plug out of my Winchester SX3.

Speed loading is an original Browning feature that has been passed down to the new A5. This feature allows the first shell loaded into the magazine to feed directly into the chamber. This feature also allows you to completely unload the A5 without having to run each shell through the chamber.  You can see this work in this video.

As an owner of my Grandpa’s A5 I have to say I like the new version. It handles nice, shoots a variety of loads and has the nostalgic feel with modern updates.

Quality: It’s a Browning so it has the same quality and reliable features that has made the company so popular.

Reliability:  Browning has a 5 year or 100,000 shot guarantee on this gun. Talk about having faith in your product!

Price/Value: Depending on the model the A5 is on the higher end of what I call hunting shotguns.  With the different models and camo patterns available Browning has the right A5 for your hunting needs.

Referability: If you are looking for a recoil operated shotgun, look no further.

Weatherby WBY-X PA-459 Shotgun

The Truth About Guns

USA - -(Ammoland.com)- Buckets of ink and ba-jillions of electrons have been spilled in the last year or so navel gazing over the subject of who owns guns here in these United States.

Listen to the bleatings of the Gun Control Industrial Complex (if you dare) and you’d be forgiven for concluding that there are really only 167 guys with bottomless gun safes (and wallets) who buy up just about all of the firearms GLOCK, S&W, Ruger, FNH, Springfield, Taurus et al. are busily cranking out.

See? Guns aren’t popular any more. It’s just that those last few bitterly clingy, easily frightened old fat white guys keep buying ‘em. There’s just one problem with that bit of doctrinaire disinformation . . .

Just about every scrap of anecdotal and empirical evidence available to anyone who really wants to look for it contradicts the more-guns-fewer-gun-owners twaddle. Besides willful blindness all that eyewash they’re peddling fails to take into account one of the biggest growth factors in gun ownership;

The effect video games have had on what’s come to be called Gun Culture 2.0.

Weatherby WBY-X PA-459 Shotgun

And gun makers and their marketing mavens haven’t missed it. Being the rational actors they are, some of them – Weatherby being one – have noticed the allure anything that goes boom has for gamers. Thus the new WBY-X line of snazzified rifles and shotguns.

All you have to do to grok the difference is bring up the WBY-X web site. It looks more like the bastard spawn of American Eagle Outfitters and Eddie Bauer than your typical firearms manufacturer portal. They even include a link to their latest totally dope Facebook post right there below the pics of the relatively fashionably dressed teens and twenty-somethings posing with their guns.

You don’t need Hawking-level analytical powers to see that in creating the WBY-X line extension, Weatherby’s aiming (metaphorically speaking, of course) at a younger, possibly even hipper demographic. People who may not have been brought up hunting by gramps and dear old dad, but instead learned what they know about ballistics from watching Zombieland and playing Medal of Honor Warfighter.

You don’t need Hawking-level analytical powers to see that in creating the WBY-X line extension, Weatherby’s aiming (metaphorically speaking, of course) at a younger, possibly even hipper demographic. People who may not have been brought up hunting by gramps and dear old dad, but instead learned what they know about ballistics from watching Zombieland and playing Medal of Honor Warfighter.

Keep that in mind and the skulls-in-the-mist paint scheme that adorns their Turkish-made PA-459 “Black Reaper” shotty will make a little more sense to you traditionalists who might look at the gun and utter a disapproving “harrumph” at that non-traditional paint job. This thing’s just what you’ll want to reach for when something goes bump in the night, especially if it looks like it just shambled off the set of The Walking Dead.

The WBY-X PA-459 is, ultimately, just a gussied-up version of their Weatherby PA-459 TR with some sprayed-on spookitude. They offer it in 12 and 20 gauges and we got the big boy to test run. For an MSRP of $549, in addition to all those scaaaary skullz, the scattergun features an aluminum receiver that’s chambered for 3-inch shells on top of which is mounted an adjustable rear ghost ring to compliment the blade-style front sight with a HiViz-ish fiber tube that glows like the last guy out of Chernobyl.

There’s that top-mounted rail that’s right for mounting another optic if that’s what you’re into. Weatherby also included sling swivels fore and aft. To complete the whole effect, the PA-459 (PA for pump action, 459 for the California penal code number for burglary – seriously) comes with a ported cylinder bore choke tube that adds about an inch and a half to the barrel length. It looks kinda bad-ass, but I’m not sure I’d try breaching any doors with it or anything.

While the 459 is very much a home defense gun, if you get bored fending off marauders and offing the un-dead, you can swap out that one supplied choke with any other WinChoke-threaded tube. That will let you use the Black Reaper for other pursuits like blowing the heads of Tommy Turkey or blasting holes in Bambi. You could even break some orange clay disks at your neighborhood trap and skeet range (though those sights are less than ideal for that), as long as that tactically-correct rubberized Feinstein grip doesn’t give the old-timers who haunt the place a case of the vapors.

To give the 459 a decent go, I ran it with a variety of loads including rifled slugs, 00 buck, Winchester’s devastating PDX1 12 Defenders, ( http://tinyurl.com/lsborlk ) as well as some of my own home-brewed #8 trap loads.

How did it do? Come on. This is, after all, a pump gun so nothing I did made the PA-459 so much as flinch. The same can’t be said of the guy pulling the trigger after sending a few dozen slugs, showers of buckshot and those hybrid Defenders downrange. The 459 is pleasantly light to hold, weighing in at only about seven pounds. The equal and opposite reaction that touches off, however, means your shoulder won’t thank you for launching anything heavier than birdshot from such a svelte smoothbore.

Weatherby WBY-X PA-459 Shotgun

In a vain effort to try to trip it up, I loaded her magazine with a mixture of shells. I combined lighter 2¾-inch target loads with 3-inch buckshot and slugs and cracked them off as fast as I could. No dice; the gun still cycled ‘em like a champ.

Once I regained consciousness, I tried it out at 25 and 50 yards with the aforementioned sluggos. Ouch. Still, other than shooting too low out of the box (don’t fret, that rear sight’s adjustable) those honkin’ hunks of plumbum hit where I aimed…and kept right on going. I didn’t put a scope on it…

Read the rest of TTAG’s Weatherby WBY-X PA-459 Shotgun Review at The Truth About Guns Blog: http://tiny.cc/lk593w

About Weatherby :
For more information, contact a local Weatherby dealer, call the company at (805) 227-2600 or visit www.weatherby.com. Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc.’s line features the popular Vanguard® and legendary Mark V rifles (production and custom), Threat Response shotguns and rifles, semi-auto and pump shotguns, premium ammunition and security/shooting accessories. The company is based in Paso Robles, Calif., and invites all hunters and shooters to visit and join its free online community at www.weatherbynation.com.

About The Truth About Guns :
Robert Farago founded The Truth About Guns in February of 2010 to explore the ethics, morality, business, politics, culture, technology, practice, strategy, dangers and fun of guns. The TTAG team’s been at it ever since. We’ve built the site on word-of-mouth, strong writing, and a no-holds-barred attitude. Visit:www.thetruthaboutguns.com