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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We are right at the front edge of summer, and whether you’ve already got your summer travel plans set or are looking for a new idea, I think you will like this episode.  This is now the third time that I have brought you a destination where you can break out your shotgun and shoot challenging targets on a beautiful course - but also fill the rest of your itinerary with endless enjoyable activities and exquisite dining, all while enjoying top-level accommodations.  In this episode, we’re heading back to the lush Allegheny Mountains, this time to southeastern West Virginia to explore a true American landmark: The Greenbrier Resort.

In this episode:

The Greenbrier Resort

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Delaney & Sons
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I am excited to be outside of my home studio for this episode.  A few weeks back, we heard all about the Southern Side by Side at Deep River Sporting Clays in Sanford, NC.  I am hoping that you made it a point to be there - if not, you are really missing out.  A Break in the Action tried something new at the Southern this year - we were all set up, and we had our own physical space.  Join me as we sit down with a dozen or so manufacturers, retailers, outfitters and friends to recap and get their thoughts on the 2025 Southern Side by Side Championship and Exhibition.

In this episode:

Delaney & Sons

John Dickson and Sons

Chetola Resort

Chris Batha

Dogs and Doubles

Atkin, Grant and Lang

Westley Richards

Kevin's Fine Outdoor Gear and Apparel

Fine Shooting Accessories

Foxtrot, Francis Lombardi

Our Sponsors:
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Delaney & Sons
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Guyette and Deeter
Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing

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A listener requested an episode about the origins of common shotshell gauges, and I thought it was a fantastic idea. However, did you know that there are also several lost gauges? In this episode, we will explore the shotshell gauges we are familiar with and discover others that have been lost to history.

Our Sponsors:
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Delaney & Sons
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Guyette and Deeter
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This next installment in our Shotgun Stories series features Reid Bryant.  Reid is the director of wingshooting services at Orvis and hosts the Orvis Hunting and Shooting podcast. He has contributed numerous articles to popular magazines such as Shooting Sportsman, Gray's Sporting Journal, and CoveyRise. Additionally, Reid has authored, edited, and contributed to several books.

Despite his celebrity status in the wing-shooting community, he remains one of the most humble and appreciative people you'll ever meet. It was truly a pleasure to include this conversation with Reid in our Shotgun Stories series.

In this episode:

ReidBryant.com

Orvis Guide to Upland Hunting


Our Sponsors:
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The Southern Side by Side Championship and Exhibition is undoubtedly a must-attend event for shotgun enthusiasts. Now entering its 26th year, this event has become not just a regional but a national success. In this episode, I am joined by Bill Kempffer and Ed Strickland. Bill was instrumental in bringing this event to life back in 2000, and Ed is committed to ensuring it remains the can't-miss gathering for side-by-side shooters and double gun enthusiasts.

In this episode:

The Southern Side by Side Championship and Exhibition

John Woolley Shooting, Inc.


Our Sponsors:
The Beretta Galleries
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Delaney & Sons
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It has been a dream of mine to shoot driven birds in the UK for years.  Last year, I checked that off the bucket list (twice actually)!  In this episode I recount my December visit to the wonderful Branches Park Estate in Suffolk, England and the full week of shotgun sights and experiences that I had with three traveling friends.

Joining the discussion is Jake Woolf (Kudu River Gundogs/GunsOnPegs podcast) and Peter Bailer (Branches Park Estate) - two new friends who introduced me to a whole new way to look at shooting in England. 

I hope you too dream of shooting in the UK and I want to encourage you to make that dream a reality someday. 

In this episode:

Kudu River Gundogs

Branches Park Estate

Beretta SL3

Longthorne Shotguns

Bettinsoli :)


Our Sponsors:
The Beretta Galleries
B&P Shotshells
Delaney & Sons
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Guyette and Deeter
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Beretta first released their over and under shotgun design in 1933 named in the catalog as Mod. S1 Fucile da Caccia Sovrapposta.  Sovrapposta is Italian for "overlapped" and refers to the barrel arrangement, think over/under or superposed.  The newly released S1 featured a true sidelock design with premium specifications. Beretta immediately went head-to-head with Browning, openly criticizing their Superposed shotgun as "very high, heavy, and ugly," a chiding that would be echoed by the Italian trade for the next 70 years.

In the 90 years since, Beretta has continued to refine and expand its over-and-under models. The S models evolved into the SO models, which remain some of the finest hand-built shotguns available today.  Each year, Beretta releases a "Gun of the Year" to showcase the pinnacle of the company's craftsmanship. Recently, I sat down with Travis Haglin, Beretta's Director of Premium Sales, to discuss the magnificent SO6 EELL Sparviere Marco Polo - this year's Gun of the Year and why special projects like this are important.

In this episode:

Beretta SO6 EELL Sparviere Marco Polo


Our Sponsors:
The Beretta Galleries
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Rich Cole joins me to announce a unique new shotgun project!

Rich Cole is a key figure in fine shotguns and precision gunsmithing. From his early days at Beretta to establishing himself as an authority in the field, Rich has devoted his life to repairing, building and customizing exceptional firearms. His journey reflects an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. 

Well over a year in the making - I'm excited introduce the Cole Special Beretta 687 Double Selective to you. It is a bird hunter's dream over and under.

In this episode:

Cole Special Beretta 687 DS


Our Sponsors:
The Beretta Galleries
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Delaney & Sons
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In this episode, we get to know popular YouTuber Jonny Carter of TGS Outdoors.  I've known Jonny for a few years now. I am an enormous fan of his content, where he shares information about shotguns and shooting in an approachable, informative, and interesting way.  Jonny is modest about his vast knowledge of shotguns and his shooting ability, friendly, and even self-deprecating.  Of course, he admires best quality shotguns, but he also finds things to appreciate about modest shotguns.  In this Shotgun Stories episode, we pull the curtain back a bit and hear how Jonny first became interested in shotguns and what led to the creation of his channel. We also ask him a few listener-submitted questions.

In this episode:

TGS Outdoors on YouTube


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