A Break in the Action

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


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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


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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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John Buchan’s 1925 adventure novel, John MacNab is the story of three friends who have lost the zest for life.  They hatch a plan to, under the collective pen name of 'John Macnab', write three landowning neighbors informing them of their intention to kill a stag or catch a salmon on their land without permission between two specified dates (keep in mind poaching in England at this time was a very serious offense). If ‘John MacNab’ fails he will pay the landowner £100, and if he succeeds, he will deliver the animal in person to the landowner and pay £50 to charity.

This great story is a classic and if you haven't yet, I suggest you read it.  Its popularity created something known as the "MacNab Challenge" where the goal is to stalk a red stag, bag a brace of grouse, and catch a salmon on the fly - all in the course of one Scottish Highland day.  Many attempt it each year and a few are successful.  My guests today recount their experiences completing the MacNab Challenge and describe the planning and logistics that can improve one's chances at success. 

In this episode:
Delaney and Sons Outfitters


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We are further exploring best guns in this episode and today we highlight Holland and Holland, where craftsmanship, heritage, and passion come together to create some of the finest shotguns and rifles in the world. In this episode, we’ll explore the remarkable rise of the gunmaker, from its humble beginnings in 1835 to its status as a luxury brand synonymous with quality and prestige. I’ll delve into the company’s innovative designs, renowned clientele, and how it continues leading in today’s shooting sports landscape.
Gregg Elliott joins me to discuss why the H&H Royal model is regarded as the benchmark of a best gun. 

In this episode:
Holland and Holland

Gregg Elliott, Dogs and Doubles
Jake Woolf, Kudu River Gundogs


Submit your questions for our upcoming 'Ask Me Anything' episode with Jonny Carter.  Email your question to [email protected]

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Anthony, one of the world's best competitive shooters, and Will, one of the most famous hunters in the US share their secrets to finding more success in the field. 
Straight Shooting for Hunters is a comprehensive reference for hunters of all skill levels.  From practical advice to true stories from the field, this book is a must for every hunter's bookshelf.

In this episode:
Straight Shooting for Hunters

M & M Hunting and Sporting Clays


Submit your questions for our upcoming 'Ask Me Anything' episode with Jonny Carter.  Email your question to [email protected]

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By far what I love and look forward to the most when dove season comes in is the time in the field that I spend with my dad, my daughters, my wife, and good friends.  We hunt near and often.  It’s an informal affair and each hunter can be as serious or as social as they choose.  It is also a perfect opportunity to introduce someone to wing shooting.  A few weeks ago, I got the chance to travel south to shoot doves with my daughter, Lydia.  She and I have shot doves together for almost 15 years.  This trip had us staying at the wonderful Hollywood Farms in Jeffersonville, Georgia and I wanted to bring on owner Chuck Duggan to tell you about his wonderful property, beautiful lodging, and of course, fantastic wingshooting opportunities.

Lydia will provide a shooting review of the Rizzini Venus, one of the current shotgun options that is designed from the ground up for the lady shooter.

In this episode:
Hollywood Farms, Georgia
Rizzini Venus

Submit your questions for our upcoming 'Ask Me Anything' episode with Jonny Carter.  Email your question to [email protected]

Our Sponsors:
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How do we define a BEST shotgun maker?  Obviously, they need to be capable of producing best guns but the definition doesn’t stop there…  They need to only produce best guns.  Their lineup of models shouldn't include entry level or mid-tier models, these aren’t in the DNA of a BEST gun maker.  Without concern for how long it will take or how much it will cost, they are committed to only producing the very best - period.

Without doubt or debate, there are just three in the world today - and each is in London.  Purdey, Holland & Holland and Boss.  In this episode we will look at the history and design achievements of the James Purdey and Sons company.

In this episode:
James Purdey and Sons

Make sure you are entered to win our annual giveaway - a beautiful Saddleback Leather Company shotgun slip case!  Entering is easy, just make sure you are following us on INSTAGRAM and 'like' the Saddleback Giveaway post.  More ways to enter are listed in the post caption.  We will be drawing the winner randomly at the end of September - Good Luck!

Submit your questions for our upcoming 'Ask Me Anything' episode with Jonny Carter.  Email your question to [email protected]

Our Sponsors:
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There is a place in the Allegheny Mountains outside of Pittsburgh that began as a private grouse hunting and fishing retreat but over the past 35+ years has transformed into a world-class resort.  Nemacolin Resort has a list of activities and amenities too long to list here - but of special note, it is home to the Nemacolin Rod and Range Club.  My youngest daughter, Liza joined me for a weekend of shooting fun as we took part in their 'Dine and Blast' event.

In this episode:
Nemacolin
Rod and Range Club


Make sure you are entered to win our annual giveaway - a beautiful Saddleback Leather Company shotgun slip case!  Entering is easy, just make sure you are following us on INSTAGRAM and 'like' the Saddleback Giveaway post.  More ways to enter are listed in the post caption.  We will be drawing the winner randomly at the end of September - Good Luck! 

Submit your questions for our upcoming 'Ask Me Anything' episode with Jonny Carter.  Email your question to [email protected]

Our Sponsors:
B&P Shotshells
Negrini Cases
Dubarry of Ireland
Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing

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This next installment of Shotgun Stories is a very special one.  I knew Larry Potterfield was a 'gun guy' but was delighted to discover how deep his appreciation for shotguns and wing-shooting was.   In this episode we learn about the early shotguns in Larry's life, some of the shotguns he shoots with currently, and what shotgun he has in his sights.
Larry launched Midway USA almost 50 years ago.  Today, the company is a giant but still prioritizes and values each customer.  Larry and his family are doing more for shooting sports and for introducing youth to shooting sports than any entity I can name. 

In this episode:
Midway USA
Midway USA Foundation

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