Dr. Frankenstein’s monster was stitched together components that formed a man.  What if we could do the same and cobble together the components of a shotgun?  Would the end result be greater than the sum of its individual parts - or would the sight of it scare children and civilized shotgun enthusiasts?

Now, we all know that with regards to shotguns, it has always been the case that with deep enough pockets, you could go to any manufacturer and have them build you a bespoke gun with any feature they offer…. that isn't what we are doing today.  Today, I am joined by my friend Jonny Carter from TGS Outdoors. We are going to cherry-pick components, features, options, and embellishments from any and ALL manufacturers and from all eras to each build up a Frankenstein’s monster shotgun.  This fictitious shotgun could end up being an absolute dream gun, or it could just be something odd and interesting that we would love to see built.  Jonny has handled, shot, and taken apart shotguns from most manufacturers, both modern and vintage. I couldn’t think of anyone better.  So as you are always instructed to do in the intro - pour yourself a drink, sit back, and relax while we each create an enthusiast's dream shotgun, or possibly a steel and wood monstrosity.

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)

Support the show

Have you ever wondered why we don’t see more variety in the type of wood found on shotgun stocks?  With over 200 species of hardwoods alone - why is walnut so prevalent?  In this two-part episode, we will first hear from Dan Ziegler, owner of Luxus Walnut.  Dan breaks down why walnut is the predominant choice for shotgun (and rifle) stocks, and what terms like figure, feather, marble-cake, and burl mean. 

My second guest is Art Isaacson who for 40 years has owned and operated Art's Gun Shop, a full-service Browning repair facility.  Art has seen, handled, and repaired thousands of stocks affected by the Browning 'salt wood' fiasco in the 1960s.  Art explains what it was, how to identify a gun with a 'salt wood' stock, and what repair options are available.

I wrap up with a quick comment on the new release of Upland Game Classic 2.5" shotshells from B&P.  Finally, more options for your vintage shotgun with 2.5" chambers.

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)

Support the show

Something a little different in this new episode.  While building content, I often have interviews and topics that don’t need a full 30-40 minute dedicated episode.  I have decided to take these ‘shorts’ and pool them together plus offer you an update on what is in the works with the A Break in the Action podcast.

• Gamebird taxidermy with Meadow Kouffeld 
• Review of the Zoli Pernice, 20g O/U
• Mouthful of Feathers, Upland in America with Tom Reed

A Hunter’s Prayer

For the cunning of the fox
and the obsession of the hound;
The majesty of the whitetail deer
and the frost upon the ground.

For humbling shots at dove and teal
and their acrobatics on the wing;
The exhilaration of bringing trout to hand
and the satisfaction that it brings.

For the patience spent with stalking glass
o’er thistled hills for stag;
The hard-earned hare, the cock, the squirrel…
a simple man's mixed bag.

For the explosion of colors in the spring
and winter’s steely greys;
The rusts of autumn, harvest golds
and summer’s steamy haze.

For calming evenings spent by campfire
and the intoxicating walks that fill our days;
There are no greater gifts than these -
Almighty Father, we give You praise.

Ryan Doughty, 2010

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)

Support the show

Quail hunting in the US is filled with tradition. A symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations that has a special way of connecting today’s hunters with those of the past.  How does shotgun selection fit into the discussion on quail hunting?   I have invited a few familiar names to join this panel discussion.  Reid Bryant, Durrell Smith, and Charlie Jordan – each has a significant presence and voice in the upland community and regularly pursues quail.  In this episode, we will discuss the type of shotgun, gauge, and configuration that they feel is best suited for hunting quail.

On Instagram:
Reid Bryant
Durrell Smith
Charlie Jordan

More from this episode:
Purdey of London - Configurator (use with caution!)

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)

Support the show

For the single shotgun or single gauge hunter - is the 28g. or the 20g. the superior choice?  Shotgun and shotshell manufacturers and shotgun columnists have been boasting some pretty impressive claims about the 28g.  Are they realistic or is this just a way to encourage you to look over the new 28g shotguns they are selling?  I am joined today by Gregg Elliott and Phil Bourjaily.  Each a shotgun expert in his own right.  We are going to try to cut through what is fiction and get to the facts about the 28g as a legitimate, do-almost-everything choice.

On Instagram:
Phil Bourjaily
Gregg Elliott

More from this episode:
Rizzini BR110

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)

Support the show

Whether mentioned by name or inferred, this podcast often refers to "The Golden Age of Shotgunning".  This period generally encompasses the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, with its peak occurring between the later 1800s to the 1920s. During this time, significant advancements were made in shotgun design and manufacturing capabilities, and efficiencies.  The basic design of the shotguns you shoot today was perfected during this time.  These advancements contributed to a surge in interest in shotgun sports, hunting, and shooting for recreational purposes. Both English and US gunmakers satisfied market demand with more basic field models up to jaw-dropping graded and bespoke offerings.  

Sadly we were born more than a century late to fully enjoy all that the Golden Age of Shotgunning offered, but - fortunately, shotguns are built to last.  Finding, owning, and shooting a well-taken care-of example doesn’t take much effort.  There is something very special about handling a shotgun that has outlasted several generations.  Where shooting a vintage double is something that I would encourage you to investigate - It's even better when you can surround yourself with other shotguns and shooters who have come to appreciate what you are now experiencing.

The Vintage Gunners offers such a place.  An opportunity to get together with other shooters that share a passion for fine craftsmanship from the golden age of shotgunning and a bit of the culture of days passed.   Today we discuss The Vintage Gunners and the upcoming Vintage Gunners Cup.

The Vintagers

2023 Vintage Gunners Cup

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)

Support the show

The Westley Richards company managed to do what very few gunmakers outside of London were able to do - catch and keep the eye of the privileged, money is no object shooting elite during the Golden Age of Shotgunning.  What is the history of this gunmaker and why were their developments game changing and still relevant to most if not all of the shotguns that you own today?  We are discussing the iconic Westley Richards company on this episode of A Break in the Action.

Westley Richards Agency, US

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)

Support the show

In the late 1990's, I had only just discovered shotguns, wing-shooting, and clay targets.  Not growing up around guns or hunting I was anxious to dive deep into this new hobby.  There were a few periodicals that I got excited about but there wasn’t anything for me that I looked forward to more than new episodes of The Shotgun Journal.  Hosts, Bruce Scott and Marty Fischer traveled domestically and abroad with shotguns in tow and brought viewers along with them.  Each episode was equal parts shotgun talk, techniques, etiquette, and adventure.  A huge inspiration for this podcast project actually came from my love of this TV show.

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)

Support the show

Grouse hunting isn’t easy.  It can require covering a lot of ground while pushing through thick cover.  When a hunter finds that he or she is lucky enough to be presented with a shot it is often through a tangle of limbs and leaves.  So what then makes a good choice for a grouse-hunting shotgun?  I am joined by four serious grouse hunters, Meadow Kouffeld, Nick Larson, Gregg Elliott and Rich Wong.  You follow their social sites, read their articles and listen to their podcasts - now hear from each what makes for the best shotgun option in the grouse woods.

On Instagram:
Meadow Kouffeld
Nick Larson
Gregg Elliott
Rich Wong

More from this episode:
Benelli 828U Upland

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)

Support the show

Let me introduce you to The Omni Homestead Resort, a luxurious and idyllic retreat that has been charming guests for over two centuries. The moment you arrive, you're struck by the stunning beauty of the surroundings - rolling hills, verdant gardens, and pristine forests that stretch as far as the eye can see.  The resort itself is a masterpiece of architecture, with its traditional red brick exterior covering the extensive wings and grand tower. . As you step inside, you are greeted by warm, welcoming staff and a stunning interior design that blends modern luxury with historic charm.  Our trip had us arriving on a Saturday afternoon and departing on Monday late morning.  That gave us one full day to really get acquainted with the Shooting Club.  In this episode I would like to introduce a concept that your golfing friends have long been aware of - the ‘stay and play’ getaway.  I am hoping that you enjoy shooting with your significant other or friends.  Why not plan a quick getaway with them to relax and recharge? If you live in the eastern half of the US - The Homestead Resort with its endless recreation opportunities, specifically the Shooting Club - needs to be on your radar.

We are also going to be discussing and offering a shooting review of the Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing G1 shotgun.  In the few weeks that I have spent with the G1 I have shot sporting clays, 5-stand and skeet.  I think this shotgun handles very similar to a K-80 - its profile actually resembles one at first glance.  I really liked it for sporting clays and 5-stand.  It’s weight really helped it to point reliably and track targets.  That same weight wasn’t my friend on the skeet field.  Others who I have offered it to, to handle and shoot have generally received it quite well.  We’ll get into more details on how it handled, how it shot and who I think this shotgun is a good choice for in this episode.

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)

Support the show