A Break in the Action

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

Does tweed still have a place in modern shooting and hunting?  We get into the history of tweed, its adoption into field wear, and whether it is still a practical choice today.

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

Support the show

We are talking pairs, trios and even quartets today as it refers to shotguns. My guests Adam Morton and Ashley Shaw discuss their site, matchedpairs.com.  If you have ever handled or owned a gun proudly displaying a gold inlayed number indicating it was built as one of a set of two, three or possibly even four perfectly matched guns - you have inevitably wondered what happened to its siblings.  Adam and Ash discuss their website and how it is working to reunite separated pairs.  

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

Support the show

Buyers guide for the best double-barreled shotguns that can be bought for less than $1,000.   In this episode, I will tell about the mistakes that I made buying my first double and give my suggestions for those looking for high quality and reliable pre-owned over & under or side by side shotguns.

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

Support the show

Jonny Carter hosts the TGS Outdoors channel on Youtube.  A few weeks ago he uploaded a video simply titled ‘British guns are better than American guns’ and with that - Pandora’s Box was opened!  Today I am joined by the now infamous Jonny Carter and Gregg Elliott of Dogs and Doubles to discuss some of the pointsl that the Youtube video may have left off specifically - how do the best shotguns that America has ever produced stack up to the London best guns?

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

Support the show