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

Our Sponsors:
The Beretta Galleries
B&P Shotshells
Delaney & Sons
Negrini Cases
Guyette and Deeter
Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing

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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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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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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

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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.

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