There’s a tendency—especially among hunters—to feel a little uncomfortable about the guns we own but don’t use, as if a shotgun that isn’t carried in the field is somehow failing its purpose. Or worse, that we’re failing it.

I like to think that January has a way of softening that self-accusation.  Because when the season is over, and the pressure to choose is gone, you realize something important: not every gun is meant to earn its place through miles walked or birds taken. Some earn it by staying exactly where they are.

Some shotguns live in the safe because they’re tied to a person rather than a pursuit. A father’s gun. A grandfather’s gun. A piece that carries more memory than practicality. You don’t leave those behind because they don’t work—you leave them behind because they already have... they’ve done their job.

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We can probably all agree that most of what we love about wingshooting doesn’t actually happen when the birds are in the air… it comes in the preparation, in the walking, and in the listening pauses.  In the quiet moments between flushes—when the gun is open, the dog is working, and there’s time to notice where you are and who you’re with.  It happens when the day is finished and, with a tired dog by your side, you reflect.

I'm titling this series, Between Flushes, and I plan to add a few episodes to it each year.  The format will be a bit different…  less edited and more raw.  That is intentional; there’s no rush and nothing to brag about - no scorecard. Rather, just stories, perspective, and a chance to listen in on a conversation between two hunters.

In this episode:

Follow Chris on Instagram @montanasharpie17

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Shotguns usually have the limelight on A Break in the Action, but today’s episode is dedicated to the unsung heroes of the hunter, and not just what you carry into the field, but also the well-made pieces that fit into the rest of your life. The kind of items that earn their place over time: a knife that feels just right in the hand, boots that have stepped off almost as many miles as your dog, hand crafted leather accessories that you won’t find in the big box store, a briar pipe that’s become part of your hunting ritual... how about even the kind of travel luggage that makes packing for the next trip as satisfying as departing for it.

In this episode, I’ll share with you a handful of my personal favorites and why I look forward to using them.  Each has earned a permanent place in my kit because they’re well-designed, durable, sometimes beautiful, and most importantly, they perform every single time they’re called on.

In this episode:

Crispi Upland Pro

LeChameau Chasseur

Courteney Sealous

Purdey Leather Twin Strap Boots

Buck 110

Benchmade 940 Osbourn

Fontenille Pataud Laguiole

Join or Die Knives - Blueridge Bird & Trout

Blake Jones Designs Leather Game Bag

Peterson of Dublin Briar Pipes

Westward Bag Co. Bison Duffle

Nalpak Tuffpak Case

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If you look back through the history of the double-barreled shotgun, nearly every significant step forward — every design change that eventually became a standard — started out as something that at first might have looked or sounded a little odd.  When the first hammerless actions appeared, traditionalists thought they were unsafe. When over/unders began to replace side-by-sides on the gun line and the competition circuit, some swore it was the end of elegance. Even things we take for granted today — like sub gauges, interchangeable choke tubes, or single triggers — once struck people as gimmicks destined to fade away.

But the truly significant developments? They might start as new-fangled or trendy, but then prove themselves. They endure not because they’re fashionable, but because they actually make the gun better — stronger, safer, more efficient, more durable, more beautiful, or more effective in the field.

And that’s today's topic — Jonny Carter and I will be discussing a few dozen items, separating the genuine advancements from the gimmicks, and thoughtful design from marketing buzz. We’re going to go through some shotgun options and share our opinion on whether they are a Hit or a Miss.

In this episode:
TGS Kitchen
Holt's #1554 Edwinson Green & Son triple barrel

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Today, we are discussing grouse hunting —specifically in the Upper Midwest—where a century of wingshooting tradition runs deep.  If you drew a map around America's prime grouse cover, it would definitely include a huge swath stretching from northern Wisconsin across northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula and into the timber country of Minnesota… Finding a good general area to hunt is pretty easy, but how do you dial in on the best spots to spend your time?

 Joined my Ben Brettingen of OnX and a professional grouse hunting guide - we'll learn how to maximize your chances for success when pursuing the KING of all gamebirds - the ruffed grouse.

In this episode:
OnX
Meemos Farm

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My guest today is Wes Lang, President of Caesar Guerini.  I am excited to bring you this fascinating story of Wes’s background, some of his philosophy, and ultimately what led to the creation of such an impactful and popular brand.

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Hank is a great ambassador for wild food and his books serve as a good reminder that from field care to flavor, cooking wild game can be just as thoughtful, meaningful, and rewarding as the pursuit itself.  If you haven't already, check out all of his great books.  A perfect gift to yourself or your hunting buddies.

Find Hank's books here:

www.honest-food.net

Amazon.com

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You may have heard me mention Guyette and Deeter as a sponsor throughout the year. Today, I am joined by Jon Deeter and Josh Loewensteiner to guide us through the auction buying and selling process. We’ll learn how they settle on lots that will be included, the inspection and description process, and the guaranteed accuracy they offer.  By the way, this is a particularly timely episode, as Guyette and Deeter will be holding their second Fine Sporting Arms auction of the year on September 11 and 12.

In this episode:

Guyette and Deeter Fine Sporting Arms Auction, Sept 11 + 12

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Will Primos is an icon in the outdoors industry, but as you’ll hear, it didn’t come without a massive amount of hard work, focus, and a solid work ethic.  Will did more than build a brand - he educated, outfitted, and entertained.  Today, Will is enjoying the fruits of his labor - but he hasn’t stopped giving back.  His mind is on conservation and awareness today—and with the same high level of focus.    

I got to spend the weekend with Will where we shot together and sat down to hear how shotguns have influenced his life.  I hope you enjoy this next installment in our Shotgun Stories series - Mr. Will Primos.

In this episode:

The Truth About Conservation

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Whether you’re new to bird hunting or have been chasing birds for decades, there’s no denying the timeless appeal of a side-by-side shotgun.  This episode covers six of what I believe are the most interesting, mid-priced, modern side-by-side shotguns available today.  Our lineup includes guns from Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing (CSMC), Fausti, Rizzini, Chapuis, FABARM, and Beretta.  My goal is simply to introduce you to these guns, highlight what makes each special, and hopefully give you some valuable details to consider if you’re in the market for a side-by-side.

In this episode:

Fausti Dea SLX

CSMC RBL

Chapuis Chasseur Artisan

Beretta 486 Parallelo

Rizzini BR552

Fabarm Autumn

Nordic Clays TrapMaster

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