The Firearm Blog

Beretta have been very tight lipped about the new Beretta Xplor shotgun. A well placed source provided me with some new information on the shotgun:

• The receiver is green in color. The photo I posted previously is the real deal.

• Despite being chambered for 3.5" shells, the receiver is small and light - comparable to a shotgun designed for 3" shells. As far as I know it is the lightest shotgun of its class.

• The smaller action, combined with the new gas system, helps with the fast cycling of the action. Firing four rounds before the first ejected shell hits the ground can easily be done.

• The gas system works well in keeping the action clean.

This photo is legit although bolt will be black in color (and, of course, will have a charging handle attached)

Also coming from Weatherby in 2010 is the new PA-459 pump-action shotgun.

The first thing that struck me when I saw the above photo was how "Benelli" it looked. It looks like a Benelli Nova with a Benelli M4 style fixed stock. I really like the Benelli-style and hope we will not be seeing another lawsuit in the near future.

Style aside, functionally it is much the same as the Mossburg 500 SPX that was launched at the beginning of the year at a similar price-point. Weatherby will be marketing it as a self-defense shotgun, although it would make a decent slug hunting gun with the ghost sight removed and a red-dot or low-powered scope added.

I think this is a very nice looking gun that I am willing to bet will be a very good seller.

[ I am pleased to present this guest post written by Bill Rushmore. Bill blogs over at The Quarterdeck Log]

When you think of a single shot inexpensive shotgun geared towards the beginner chances are that Beretta is not a manufacture that comes to mind. But at one time that was indeed the case when Beretta made such a gun. I like to brag that when I was a teenager in the late 80's I bought a Beretta Shotgun with money I made during a summer job. But the truth is that my Dad sold me his first shotgun he bought as a teenager during the early 60's. My Dad sold it to me for the token price of $35 US which is the price he paid for it.

This nifty little single shot from Beretta has been called the Model FS-1, Model 412, Companion, and in Italian it is known as “Monocanna Ripieghevole” or “single barrel folding shotgun.” The unique part of these single shots is that they break up to the point where it folds in half. In finding parts for this gun I had trouble because is not appear to be all that common, at least in the US, even though Beretta manufactured these single shots from the 1920's until 1992. They made it in 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, and .410. Even though it was marketed towards the beginner hunter it was manufactured in plain basic models up to fancier ones with hand engraving, walnut stocks, and even gold plating.

The model I own is a nice little 12 gauge. It is a fixed full choke that gives very tight patterns. It is the base model yet still has checkering on the stock and fore grip and some fancy engraving of the Roman goddess of victory. How many many beginner single shots have anything like this?

The shotgun is very light and according to specs it weighs 5 ½ pounds. That's very light for a 12 gauge. That is great for a hunting gun when you have to carry the thing around all day but not so good for reducing recoil. The prime factor in how much recoil you feel is weight. The lighter the gun the more recoil you get. That's the one big draw back of this otherwise fine gun, especially if you consider beginners. To give you some perspective this gun feels lighter than my New England Arms Pardner 410!

I must admit I have a fondness to the break single shot shot guns (and rifles for that matter). Too often they are seen as just a beginners gun but I really appreciate the simpleness and the sporting nature of making your one shot count on the hunt. I think Leonardo da Vinci said, it best “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

Janes reports that Russian firm KBP are now producing a tactical version of their MTs 225 revolver shotgun:

The MTs-255 tactical shotgun is a 5-shot weapon and is designed around the revolver principle. The cartridge cylinder swings out to the left for loading/unloading. It can be fired either double-action (a long pull of the trigger both cocks and fires the weapon) or the hammer can be manually cocked for single-action firing. A heavy duty, single-strut metal side-folding stock is fitted, which pivots around a conventional style revolver pistol-grip and lies alongside the right side of the gun when in the folded position. Sights are described as 'open', but a length of Picatinny-type sight rail is fitted to the top of the receiver for the mounting of other sighting devices. The butt-plate, pistol-grip and fore-end are all constructed of high-impact polymer for durability and corrosion resistance.

The original MTs 225 was introduced as a hunting gun back in 2000. It has an interesting design. The benefit over semi-autos would be its double action revolver reliability.

12 guage

.410

Photos from Tozman @ Shotgun World Forum.

Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co. have designed a new high end sidelock over and under shotgun.

The A-10 American is a very low profile, shallow frame full sidelock over and under (not a box lock gun with side plates) for those who demand the very best. This is the highest form of the gunmaker’s art. Some benefits of a hand detatchable sidelock gun are perfect trigger pulls, intercepting safety sears, an easily removable action for cleaning and service, and a large surface area for the outstanding engraving.

The detachable sideplate.

Pricing for the Deluxe model starts at $9000, although there currently are discounts available.

Hat Tip: Mikes Blog (Zel Custom)

Disappointingly the dinosaur gun we were all hoping for is not a dinosaur gun after all. Beretta have not yet published anything yet, but from what I have read, their new autoloader shotgun, Xplor UNICO A400, it is a refinement of the Beretta Xtrema 2 and 391.

Beretta Xplor - It is Green!

Over the weekend I was searching for photos of the new shotgun, and even emailed my contact at Beretta USA, but all I could find was some pretty boring images taken by Beretta showing it being shot from a distance. For some reason Beretta made all the journalists who attended the launch to agree not to publish any photos before November. I believe the photo above is legit. An Italian online store published it, only to take it down soon after (presumably after realizing they were not allowed to publish it). I have blurred out their name so that they do not get into any trouble.

Onto the shotgun itself ...

The shotgun will come chambered in a 3" version and 3.5" super-magnum version. It optionally features the new kick-off^3 (that is kick-off-cubed, for those of you who do not use spreadsheets) recoil reduction system stock. Two hydraulic dampers in the stock (the return spring is forward of the receiver, not in the stock) and another damper, maybe mercury or a spring mechanism, in the forend.

Jim Shepherd reports:

> With our barrels plugged for only three shots, I didn't get to try the four-shot speed, but I did empty my three shots at a rate I didn't think possible-and aimed, not simply fired. That's apparently due the test gun's using Beretta's new "Kick-Off" recoil reduction system. Along with a new Micro Core recoil pad, dual hydraulic dampers in the butt and a third to reduce recoil peak from the bit of the bolt against the receiver, it absolutely reduced the impact of a long day's shooting.

Maybe the first recoil damper is inserted into the magazine, which would explain why they were not allowed more than three rounds loaded into the magazine? I don't really know, I am guessing.

It uses a new gas system called the Beretta BLink. The name is a reference to its speed. Weighing in at 6.6 lbs, it is very light and slightly lighter than the Benelli Vinic.

James Marchington, of Sporting Shooter magazine (UK), published a scan of the specifications ...

I will update the blog when more information becomes available.

The PR image I mentioned before.

Some time ago I posted a video of Michael shooting one of his Saiga-12 shotguns. He got in touch with me and explained that since then he has become a passionate Saiga-12 nut and now sells custom Saiga-12's.

Michael, who work as a designer / jeweler / metal smith, bought his first Saiga-12 when ammunition was becoming scare and he wanted a shotgun so that he could use the relatively cheap and available 12 gauge ammunition. One thing led to another and customizing these guns became a passion of his.

Modifications include ...

• Enhanced action with honed, mirror finished bolt, bolt carrier, carrier rails, and feed ramp.

• Four or five vent, polished and ported enhanced gas system with mirror finished, builder modified gas plug.

Those Jeweling skills come in handy. Beautiful!

• Custom modified, sculpted and vented fore end with integrated Command Arms 2" picatinny rail.

• Modified Tapco G2 trigger control group with honed and sculpted mirror finished contact surfaces on hammer.

• Tapco Galil style folding stock tapped and mounted with extra heavy duty torque bolts.

• Tapco M249 style Saw grip with builder designed custom heavy duty receiver mount.

• Flawless cycling with all types of 2 3/4" and 3" 12 gauge ammo.

• Durable, high heat ceramic enamel finish.

Concept for a SBS (Short Barreled Shotgun)

He does not have a website but he can be emailed at mm_rogers [] yahoo [] com (replace [] with correct character) or contacted on the phone (505-263-8822).

Inspired by the Double Barrel Pump Action we saw on Les Jones's blog, HerrKenny decided to make his own, more professional looking, "Moe Szyslak Special".

The odd shape makes the photo look screwed. It is not.

Centered Bead. "Persuasion" chokes (sharp edged).

Duel Extended Magazines - 16 shot capacity.

The underside.

I am very impressed by the workmenship that went into this gun and I am sure there would be many out there who would pay good money for it.

Moe Szyslak sporting his iconic double barreled pump gun

Thanks to Jake for helping me find out about this gun.

SayUncle found a British company that makes suppressors for shotguns, including double barrel guns!

I once saw a suppressed semi-auto 12 gauge shotgun on display at a gun store. I remember being very impressed by the size of the can.

In my opinion this new stock and forend from ATI (Advanced Technology International) is a stroke of genius! There is a lot to be said for having a collapsable stock as it makes transport easier and allows younger member of the family to comfortably shoot a gun that otherwise would have too long a length of pull.

Fully extended (top). Collapsed (Bottom)

The market has been saturated with M4 style adjustable stocks, which is fine if you want a tactical looks, but a pistol grip is not as ergonomic for shotgun shooting as a traditional stock. Even for tactical / self defense use I have heard many experts argue against putting a pistol grip on a shotgun.

The stock is made from DuPont Reinforced Polymer. It is 4-position and extends from 12-3/8" to 14-3/8". It fits 12 and 20 gauge Remington 870, Maverick 88, Winchester 1200/1300 and Mossberg 500/590 shotguns.

I was offered one of these stocks for review, but I am not able to review products at present, although I think I will be buying one of these stocks in the future.

Jennifer's father is an avid rifle, shotgun and bow hunter so she made this appropriately themed cake for his 60th birthday.

The brown blobs : deer droppings Tasty.

Num num.

Happy Birthday Jen's dad!

Many thanks to Rolf for sending me the photo.

On display at the DSEi 2009 defense expo was this cut down Benelli Super Nova pump action shotgun. Apparently it is popular with South American Law Enforcement.

In this short and stock-less configuration it is more like a pistol than it is a shotgun.

The information and photo were kindly provided by Lusaka who took the time to hunt for, and photograph, new and interesting arms on display at the expo. Thanks Lusaka, your efforts are appreciated. More cool guns from the show will be posted tomorrow.

Arsenal Inc are now selling a heavily modified AK-74-styled version of the Saiga .410 gauge shotgun.

Arsenal SGL41


Standard Saiga .410

Many of the components have been removed and replaced with AK-74 parts. These include:

* hand guards
* gas block and gas tube
* front and rear sights
* buttstock
* pistol grip
* muzzle brake
* Bayonet lug

Some of these modification require changes to the receiver itself. IZHMASH, who manufacture the Saiga and the official AK rifles, went out of their way to ensure that a pistol grip could not be easily fitted (so it could be exported as a sporting arm). Arsenal have also added their own two stage trigger group.

The retail price is $889. This is a premium over the standard Saiga, but you are getting a lot more.

Pictured with folding stock and picatinny rail.

A few days ago Remington announced their line of 12 Gauge HD Ultimate Home Defense Shotshells. What intrigues me is that these shells are not loaded with buckshot, but with bird shot.

The HD Ultimate Home Defense comes in two loads. The one load contains BB bird shot and the other has a mixture of #2 and #4 sized birdshot. The shot is made from the Remington HD (High density) tungsten alloy.

Both contain 1.25 ounces of shot (547 grain) which is launched at a velocity of 1250 fps. That works out to be 1898 ft/lbs of energy.

Just a few months ago Federal launched a line of self-defense .410 Shotshell, also loaded with bird shot. There was a long discussion on The Firearm Blog about the suitability of these shells for self defense. The consensus was, to borrow an old maxim, that birdshot is for the birds!

The fact that a two major ammunition manufacturers are selling bird shot for self defense makes me wonder if they know something we do not?

The HD ammo is loaded with very hard, but dense, tungsten alloy shot which would give it greater penetration than lead. On the other hand, 00 (”double-ought”) buck shot is .33″ in diameter, much larger than BB birdshot (0.18″) and more than twice the diameter of #2 (0.15″) and #4 shot (.13″). It is almost universally accepted than bigger == better for self defense.

For the sake of those who purchase it, I hope it performs well. Remington and Federal could certainly ease our fears by releasing their test data for public scrutiny.

If any of your want to test the ammo and do a write up for The Firearm Blog, get in touch with me.

UPDATE: I forgot to list the price. Both loads cost $34.99 for a box of 10 rounds.