Home Authors Posts by Nick Hahn

Nick Hahn

Collecting Browning’s First 20-Gauges

Both of the author’s 20-gauge Brownings have the round grip, a feature preferred by many shooters and collectors.
Both of the author’s 20-gauge Brownings have the round grip, a feature preferred by many shooters and collectors.

When a gun manufacturer introduces a new shotgun, it is almost a foregone conclusion that it will first be offered in 12 gauge. Only after the market has been tested for a while does the maker come out with other gauges. Browning is no different, but the wait was worth it for the company's first 20-gauge models.

The Hammering Humpback

The venerable old Browning humpbacked A-5 first came off the production line at the Fabrique Nationale factory in Belgium in 1903. The first shipment to the U.S. arrived in 1905, all in 12 gauge. Four years later, in 1909, the first 16 gauges came off the assembly line, but the 20 gauge didn’t see the light of day until 1958, more than a half century after the first 12 was made.

There are many reasons why it took Browning so long to come up with a 20-gauge A-5. For one thing, the 16 was a more popular bore size than the 20 during the first half of the 20th century. Another reason was that the 16-gauge A-5, which was lightened considerably in 1936 as the “Sweet Sixteen,” was a great seller for Browning. Anyone wanting a smaller gauge, lighter gun, bought the Sweet Sixteen.

Then, of course, World War II had an impact. It put a hold on many Browning projects when the Nazis occupied Belgium. But before the war, there just weren’t any other autoloading shotguns that could compete with Browning’s quality and reputation.

At the end of the war, Remington vastly modified and modernized their autoloader and in 1949 came out with the Model 11-48. The 11-48 was made in 12, 16 and 20 gauge. The 20 weighed less than Browning’s Sweet Sixteen, and it also cost less. Additionally, new imports from Italy – the Franchi 48AL and the Breda, two modernized versions of the Browning autoloader – appeared on the market in the 1950s. They were both lighter than the A-5 and available in 20. The Franchi in particular was exceptionally lightweight, and caught the attention many of upland gunners.

Many years ago I shot ducks with an old gentleman who called his Sweet Sixteen “Widgeon.” He said the 12 gauge I was shooting should be called “Mallard” because it was bigger, thicker. He said an A-5 20 would be a “Teal” because it was smaller and more slender.
Many years ago I shot ducks with an old gentleman who called his Sweet Sixteen “Widgeon.” He said the 12 gauge I was shooting should be called “Mallard” because it was bigger, thicker. He said an A-5 20 would be a “Teal” because it was smaller and more slender.

Not long after the end of World War II shotgun ammunition was improved considerably and the newer 20-gauge rounds became as effective as the old 16 gauge of the prewar era. The popularity of the 20 gauge soared while the 16, although still popular and number two in sales, began to sag a bit.

It was time for Browning to do something about the situation, so Val Browning, son of the great John M. Browning, redesigned the old A-5 and scaled it down for a 20 gauge. Val had done this before, back in 1936 when he redesigned and lightened the 16 gauge and came up with the highly successful Sweet Sixteen model.

The new “Twenty” was introduced in 1958 and became an immediate success. Although Browning advertised it as weighing less than 6¼ pounds, to reach that weight you had to get a gun with a short, plain barrel, and hope the wood was not very dense. It did weigh less than 6½ pounds with a ribless barrel, sometimes dipping down to 6¼, but rarely below that weight unless you went for a 24-inch barrel. Nevertheless, it was a great success and the Twenty remained unchanged, except for the shape of its grip in 1968, until it was discontinued in 1997.

The Sleek Superposed

The Browning Superposed over/under made its first appearance in America in 1928 as a 12-gauge gun. It was made only in 12 through all the pre-World War II years, although Val Browning had developed a scaled-down 20-gauge version and there may have been some very rare 20-gauge Superposeds in Europe before the war. However, it wasn’t until after the war, in 1949, that the first 20-gauge models arrived in America.

Initially they were available in just one grade, the so-called Grade I with minimal engraving. They were delightful little guns and immediately caught the fancy of upland gunners. Unlike the A-5 20 gauge, which remained the same throughout its life except for a change in grip shape and the change of manufacture to Japan in 1976, the Superposed 20 underwent some changes almost immediately.

First, the engraving pattern was increased only two years after its introduction. Then in 1955, the Lightning grade was introduced. The Lightning had been available in 12 gauge before the war, but production was stopped after the war. In 1955, both the 12 and the 20 were available in the Lightning grade.

The Lightning was a lightened version of the Superposed. In 12 gauge, there was sometimes as much as a pound difference in weight between the Standard and the Lightning. This was especially true of the prewar 12-gauge Lightnings, which were available without a rib and could weigh as little as 6¾ pounds. In 20 gauge the difference was not that great, although the Lightning 20s tended to be lighter by anywhere from ¼ to ½ pound than the Standard 20s.

The 20-gauge Superposed later appeared in an even lighter version called the Super Light, with not just slimmer wood but also metal shaved and thinner barrels. However, there were some so-called “Super Light” A-5s made by FN that were never imported by Browning. These were alloy-framed A-5s that weighed much less and were made in Belgium at the FN factory in the 1970s, just about the time Browning switched the manufacture of A-5s to Japan. But, they were only sold in Europe.

The 20-gauge Superposed made its first appearance in the 1950 issue of Gun Digest. For the first year or so, Browning tagged the 20-gauge model the “Blue Streak.” However, that name was unceremoniously dropped a short time later. Note the issue prices!
The 20-gauge Superposed made its first appearance in the 1950 issue of Gun Digest. For the first year or so, Browning tagged the 20-gauge model the “Blue Streak.” However, that name was unceremoniously dropped a short time later. Note the issue prices!

The first-year 20 Superposed was a very simple affair. The engraving pattern was sparse, but deeper cut and of very good quality. The wood, although not fancy, tended to be much better, showing some attractive grain, unlike the later “blonde” wood that showed up in the 1960s. For some reason many seem to think that this very plain, light colored wood is somehow superior, and actually seek out the guns with blonde wood.

The main difference appears to be in the finishing of both metal and wood. The early guns seem to show much more care in metal polishing and fitting. The wood was oil finished before the war but finished with lacquer after the war. It had a nice subdued finish, not the glossy finish found on later guns when polyurethane replaced the traditional lacquer finish. The checkering was also finer and of better quality, or so it seems.

Collecting Browning's 20s

Are these guns all that rare and collectible? Well, that depends.

Perhaps the Superposed 20 is more collectible since fewer were made and it is older than the A-5 20 by some 10 years. Normally, when you do find a Superposed 20 that was made in 1949, it is usually pretty worn or has had some changes made to it, most of the time it has been re-blued.

The same thing applies to the 20-gauge A-5, perhaps even more so, since A-5s were less expensive and were considered to be working guns and used heavily, sometimes carelessly. A die-hard Browning collector would consider them as collector’s pieces.

Belgian Brownings are still quite common on the used gun market. The Superposed, in the opinion of many, is still not overpriced like some of the other classic shotguns. This applies primarily to the Grade I 20 gauge, which can still be found for anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 in good to excellent condition. Unfortunately, the Superposed higher grades have skyrocketed in price. The Pigeon Grade (Grade II) usually sells for between $3,500 to $7,500 in good to excellent condition, and the Diana Grade, probably the most desirable of the higher-grade Brownings, can go for anywhere from around $6,000 up to $10,000, and even more for mint condition.

These prices, as already stated, are for 20-gauge models. Values are much higher for the 28 gauge and .410 bore. The 12-gauge guns are much lower priced and more common, and therefore may be considered even better bargains.

This article is an excerpt from Gun Digest 2015, 69th Annual Edition.

Gun Collecting: The Unique Breda Shotgun

For waterfowlers, the Breda was available in 10-gauge and in 12-gauge 3-inch magnum models. These guns weighed from 7½ pounds in 12-gauge, up to 8½ pounds in 10-gauge.
For waterfowlers, the Breda was available in 10-gauge and in 12-gauge 3-inch magnum models. These guns weighed from 7½ pounds in 12-gauge, up to 8½ pounds in 10-gauge.

The Breda autoloader, which appeared in the U.S. in the early 1950s, was an exceptionally well made, long-recoil operated, Browning-type shotgun. Its distinguishing features were that it could be completely disassembled without tools, and all parts were machined and polished.

The Breda was the only autoloading shotgun made that could be disassembled without the use of screwdrivers or other tools. All the parts are interlocking and do not require screws.
The Breda was the only autoloading shotgun made that could be disassembled without the use of screwdrivers or other tools. All the parts are interlocking and do not require screws.

In short, the Breda was one of the best-finished autoloaders on the market, when it appeared. Additionally, it was light; only Franchi could claim a lighter gun. The balance and the handling qualities were very good, and it was advertised as being a perfect autoloader for upland gunning.

Although the Breda utilized Browning’s old long-recoil system, it was definitely a modernized version.

It was made screw-less and also had interchangeable chokes—the original “extended” choke tubes. Breda’s choke-tube system was called Quick-Choke, and the tubes, uniquely, screwed onto the outside of the barrel.

Bredas may have been imported in small numbers early on, but it was first imported in large numbers by Continental Arms, in the 1950s. Later, it was handled by Dakin Gun Company and, finally, by Charles Daly, in the late 1960s.

This 1960s magazine ad was done by the Dakin Corporation, the Breda importer at the time.
This 1960s magazine ad was done by the Dakin Corporation, the Breda importer at the time.

Just what made the Breda autoloader so special? As stated, it was an improved and modernized version of the Browning.

Comparing the two, it can be seen that the disassembly of the Auto-5 requires screwdrivers of at least two sizes.

Then there was the angular receiver profile of the A-5, which isn’t the most attractive to some.

Too, even in its Light Twelve model, the Browning was not the lightest around. For the European market, FN made some A-5s with alloy receivers and called them “Superlights,” in an attempt to recapture part of the market it was losing to Franchi and Breda, but these guns were never imported into the U.S.

In contrast, the Breda could be completely disassembled without tools (all internal parts interlocked with each other), thus eliminating the need for screws.

The receiver was attractively sculpted, rounded, and streamlined, unlike the sharp angular silhouette of the Browning. Additionally, the Breda weighed less than the Browning, and the buttstock (at least on the 20-gauge model), could be adjusted for cast, pitch, and drop. Finally, it had interchangeable Quick-Chokes.

The Breda Quick-Choke system. The tubes are, from left to right: Cylinder, Modified, and Full. The tubes are screwed on without the use of any tools.
The Breda Quick-Choke system. The tubes are, from left to right: Cylinder, Modified, and Full. The tubes are screwed on without the use of any tools.

Despite these pluses, there were several things that kept Breda from becoming popular in the U.S. The first was its availability.

Although the model was imported over the years by several different companies, it was never widely distributed, and advertising was not as widespread or aggressive as it was for Browning and other popular brands.

A second problem was the price, which was higher than most comparable shotguns. In 1959, the Breda autoloader with a ventilated rib cost $189, while a Browning A-5 Light Twelve with a vent rib was $154. Today, that may not seem like much of a difference, but, in 1959, the $35 difference could get you enough ammunition to last a couple seasons, or even procure a second, inexpensive shotgun.

Although the price was eventually lowered to make it more competitive with other autoloaders, that change came too late. The damage had been done. The smart marketing strategy is to initially price an item low and capture the market first. Breda importers had failed to do that. It is unfortunate that the Breda never met success in the U.S. Elsewhere, especially in Europe, it is still considered to be a premier autoloader, even though it is no longer in production.

The high-grade Breda autoloaders and their pricing in the early 1960s.
The high-grade Breda autoloaders and their pricing in the early 1960s.

The Breda autoloader, like its progenitor, the Browning A-5, left its mark with other makers and can be considered a pioneer in several areas. The Benelli receiver owes much to the Breda. That company’s two-part receiver, like the one on the Super Black Eagle and Super Sport, first appeared on the Breda. The takedown of the Benelli trigger group, which is held in place by a single pin, rather than the two of most other guns, is also borrowed from Breda. (Breda’s trigger group is held in place by the “L”-shaped safety).

In an era when fairly open pistol grips, such as Browning’s round knob semi-pistol type, were popular, Breda chose to go the other way. Breda used a close, full pistol grip with a tight radius, something that now appears to be standard on the various Berettas, Benellis, and other modern autoloaders. Like the Breda, most makers also now offer autoloaders with buttstocks that are adjustable for cast and drop, and you would have a hard time finding one that does not have a choke tube system.

Some say the Breda is an example of an over-engineered gun; no one has attempted, in recent years, to make a gun mechanism with interlocking parts that can be disassembled without tools.

Whatever the case, in its day, it was, without a doubt, one of the finest autoloaders available. If you find one in the used gun rack, take a close look at it. You’d be hard pressed to find such fine workmanship on today’s autoloading shotguns, and it still makes an outstanding upland gun.

Hot: The Remington 870 MCS Tactical Shotgun

The Remington MCS Tactical Shotgun in a full-stock breaching gun configuration.
The Remington MCS Tactical Shotgun in a full-stock breaching gun configuration.

There is no other shotgun system quite like the Remington Model 870 MCS, and its design allows the company to sell the system to countries that have adopted other makes for their daily use tactical shotgun.

Although the 1990s were the break-out years for the various tactical versions of the 870, it wasn’t until we were firmly into the new century, in 2004, that a revolutionary new concept was applied to the 870 system and the Model 870 MCS was developed.

This is the MCS—Modular Combat System—for the Model 870. Three stocks, three barrels, two magazine tubes, accessory mounts, and Remington’s REM LOC quick-change stock system allow officers and military personnel to customize their shotgun to meet ever-changing circumstances in the field.
This is the MCS—Modular Combat System—for the Model 870. Three stocks, three barrels, two magazine tubes, accessory mounts, and Remington’s REM LOC quick-change stock system allow officers and military personnel to customize their shotgun to meet ever-changing circumstances in the field.

The Modular Combat Shotgun (MCS) was developed largely due to the ideas brought by an employee new to Remington at the time, and now the current Director of International Military/Law Enforcement Sales, a man named Michael Haugen. Haugen convinced Remington to develop a radically different system, one based on his experience as a Special Forces (Green Beret) soldier of more than 17 years.

There is no other shotgun system quite like Remington’s Model 870 MCS, and its design allows the company to sell the system to countries that have adopted other makes for their daily use tactical shotgun.

The 870 MCS system can be changed from a short, pistol-gripped 10-inch barreled “breaching” shotgun to a longer barreled version with a buttstock designed for other applications, or it can include screw-in chokes or a rail system for attaching laser devices and lighting systems. It is a very flexible, multifunctional system that no other maker produces.

Another system that is utilized by the military and police is called the ARS or Accessory Rail System. In this system, an even shorter version of the 870 breaching gun is attached via a rail to the lower portion of the M-16 rifle or the M-4 carbine.

Better suited to a potential shootout, this version of the 870 MCS features an extended magazine and a longer barrel.
Better suited to a potential shootout, this version of the 870 MCS features an extended magazine and a longer barrel.

However, this makes for an extremely heavy weapon, and while it is not the most popular way of using the 870 for military and police applications, it does have its place in an arsenal designed to address specific tactical situations.

The Remington Model 870 MCS is light years away from the original 870 R that was used in the 1960s and ’70s. But it is still an 870, the most desirable combat shotgun around.

This article is an excerpt from the Gun Digest Book of the Remington 870.

Perfect Autoloaders for Upland Game

Browning Double Auto “Twelvette.” One of the finest upland autoloaders ever made. Initially designed for the European market, the Double Auto could be had in the “Twentyweight” model, which weighed one-quarter to one-half pound less than the “Twelvette.”
Browning Double Auto “Twelvette.” One of the finest upland autoloaders ever made. Initially designed for the European market, the Double Auto could be had in the “Twentyweight” model, which weighed one-quarter to one-half pound less than the “Twelvette.”

If an average shotgunner were asked to conjure up in his mind’s eye a scene depicting an upland hunter, no doubt that hunter would be armed with either a side-by-side or an over/under shotgun. For the past half-century or so, we have been conditioned to think that an upland gunner should be armed with a two-barreled gun. Repeaters are permissible in the wetlands when shooting waterfowl, but for upland game, double guns are what we believe are best suited. But despite all the articles and advertising about double guns, if an accurate survey were conducted, the results would show that more upland game is shot with repeaters than with doubles.

It used to be that the vast majority of repeaters found in the field were pump guns. However, in the last couple of decades, the autoloader has gained considerably on the pump gun in popularity. Today it is possible to find an autoloader that is priced a few bucks less than some of the pump guns. Although the most popular and best-selling shotgun in North America is still the pump gun, the autoloader is not far behind, certainly ahead of the over-under and the side-by-side.

Interestingly, shortly after the introduction of the first successful autoloading shotguns in America, the Belgian Browning and the similar Remington Model 11, the autoloader outsold all other shotguns six to one in the northeast and about four to one in the rest of the country. However, with the appearance of increasing number of less-expensive pump guns, the pump gained on the autoloader, while the double continued to slide.

Remington Model 1100 12 gauge. Although a bit hefty at around 7-1/2 pounds, it was still very popular with upland gunners through the 1960s and 1970s. In the lighter 20 gauge at 6-1/2 pounds, it continues to be a popular upland gun.
Remington Model 1100 12 gauge. Although a bit hefty at around 7-1/2 pounds, it was still very popular with upland gunners through the 1960s and 1970s. In the lighter 20 gauge at 6-1/2 pounds, it continues to be a popular upland gun.

There is no denying that a good double gun is truly a delight in the field. In the uplands where hunters log more miles than shots, a light, fast handling shotgun is what is needed. A quality side-by-side or an over/under, especially one that is made in the smaller gauges, tends to be light, fast-handling, and easy to carry. But please note that the key is a quality double, which translates to more money! A cheap, poorly constructed double gun is just that: a cheap, poorly constructed gun. It is far better to get a quality autoloader than to settle for a cheap double. But “just any autoloader” will not necessarily be a better choice. Most autoloaders, especially those made in this country, are better suited for ducks than upland gunning.

A typical 12-gauge 7-1/2-pound muzzle-heavy autoloader does not make for an ideal upland gun. Probably more upland game has been shot in the last 40 years in America with a 12-gauge Remington Model 1100 than with any other autoloader. Prior to that, it was the Browning A-5 and Remington 11 and 11-48. However, they were used in the uplands more often than not, because they were the only shotguns available to the hunter, not because the gun was selected specifically for upland gunning. If any of these guns was selected for upland gunning, it was usually chambered in one of the smaller bore sizes.

Ideally, for upland gunning an autoloader (or any other gun for that matter!) should be fairly light and have a balance that tends to be light up front. The arbitrary weight limit should be no more than 7-1/4 pounds, preferably closer to 7 or under, regardless of gauge. This eliminates some autoloaders, but at the same time, still provides adequate choice to upland hunters. Among modern gas operated autoloaders, the Beretta comes to mind in its various models. Going back to the earlier Models 302 and 303 to current models, Berettas always tend to be light, averaging around 7 pounds with a 26-inch barrel in 12 gauge. They are not exactly barrel light, but they are light overall and handle very well in the uplands. The latest Beretta, A400 XPLOR, is about as light a 12 gauge autoloader you will find today. It is listed at 6.6 pounds!

Browning A-5 Sweet Sixteen, a popular upland autoloader from its first appearance in 1936 through the 1960s.
Browning A-5 Sweet Sixteen, a popular upland autoloader from its first appearance in 1936 through the 1960s.

Benelli, of course, leads the field in light autoloaders. Whether it is the Montefeltro, the M1 or M2, they are all not just light, but balance right with muzzle lightness. The Benelli Montefeltro, M1 and M2 weigh 7 pounds or less and the Ultra Light model weighs closer to 6 pounds. There are other makes that you might find, but the bottom line is to find one that is not just light, but is barrel light. Browning’s Maxus, although built for waterfowling with its 3-1/2 inch chamber and camouflage finish, can still be a very effective upland gun. It is surprisingly light and handles very well.

Among older autoloaders, there were quite a few that were very good if not superb for upland gunning. The old Browning Double Auto was originally designed for boxed pigeon shooting and balances like a double gun. The “Twentyweight” model weighs around 6-1/2 pounds and the “Twelvette” closer to 7 pounds. Both are superb upland guns. There is also the old Winchester Model 59 with its revolutionary fiberglass-wrapped barrel that weighed 6-1/2 pounds in 12 gauge. The Winchester was revolutionary not only because of its unusual barrel, but also because it was the first American made shotgun with screw-in choke tubes. The Franchi 48AL could weigh as little as 6-1/4 pounds in 12 gauge with a plain, short barrel. Perhaps the lightest of all was the futuristic Armalite AR-17 or the “Golden Gun” as it was called. The Armalite was made in 12 gauge only, and like the Browning Double Auto, it was a two-shooter and operated on the short recoil system.

The Armalite tipped the scale at a wispy 5-1/2 pounds in 12 gauge! There were other imported autoloaders that were pretty light in 12 gauge. In the 1950s and 60s there was the Breda, a unique, exceptionally well-made long recoil-operated autoloader. The Breda normally weighed around 7 pounds in 12 gauge but could be had in the Superlight model that weighed 6-3/4 pounds. So there has never been a shortage of light, properly balanced autoloaders for the uplands.

In 16 gauge, the Browning Sweet Sixteen in the old A-5 configuration – and its licensed Remington and Savage humpback knockoffs – is just about all that was and is available. However, it is possible to locate an old Remington 11-48 16 with a receiver that was “shaved” to better suit the smaller gauge. Savage did make a rather bulbous-looking Model 775, a lightened version of the odel 755 that weighed around 7 pounds, but it was an ugly gun and did not sell well. Whatever the case may be, in the older models it is best to avoid ventilated ribbed barrels for upland gunning. Not only does the ventilated rib contribute significantly to overall gun weight (about a quarter of a pound) but it adds weight in a crucial area, up front.

A Browning Sweet Sixteen with a plain 26-inch barrel averages 6-3/4 pounds and handles beautifully. With a ventilated rib, the weight can increase to over 7 pounds. A 7 pound gun should be a 12, not a 16, if it is to be used in the uplands.

A Browning Gold Evolve in 12 gauge weighs around 6-3/4 pounds and should make a good upland gun.
A Browning Gold Evolve in 12 gauge weighs around 6-3/4 pounds and should make a good upland gun.

The same thing can be said about the Remington 11-48. With a short plain barrel, the Remington could weigh as little as 6-1/2 pounds, while with a ventilated rib it tends to be closer to 7. The legendary Remington 1100 did come in 16, but as good as the 1100 is for a variety of shotgunning, it is not the best gun for the uplands in 12 or 16 gauges. Besides being somewhat heavy, it was always a bit nose-heavy, not the best thing for an upland gun. Yet, because it points so well, it has served as an upland gun for many a successful upland hunter.

In the 1980s Remington attempted to correct the nose-heavy tendency of the 1100 for the uplands and came out with their Special Field models with 21-inch barrels. But these guns, although lighter with their short barrels and shortened magazines, did not have a very good balance. Merely chopping the barrel shorter, as most manufacturers are prone to do, does not make an “upland” gun, it just makes it a shorter gun! Although there are upland gunners who swear by the Remington Special Field”models with their stubby barrels, they are not ideally suited and tend to have poor balance. The current Remington “contour” barrels are a much better solution, and the new Model 105 CTI made of lightweight materials makes for a dandy upland autoloader at around 7 pounds in 12 gauge.

The Winchester Model 59 was especially designed for the uplands at 6-1/2 pounds in 12 gauge but never really caught on with hunters. The gun was revolutionary in that it used a lightweight barrel that was a steel liner wrapped in fiberglass, and it was the first American-made gun to use screw-in choke tubes, later known as “Winchokes.”
The Winchester Model 59 was especially designed for the uplands at 6-1/2 pounds in 12 gauge but never really caught on with hunters. The gun was revolutionary in that it used a lightweight barrel that was a steel liner wrapped in fiberglass, and it was the first American-made gun to use screw-in choke tubes, later known as “Winchokes.”

In 20 gauge, the picture changes somewhat and even the nose-heavy Remington 1100 Lightweight 20 can make a good upland gun. Just about all the 20 gauge autoloaders are suitable for upland gunning provided that they are properly choked. Some are, of course, better suited for upland gunning than others. Perhaps the best way to separate the 20 gauges is by using three categories. The first category is “standard models” and includes those weighing between 6-1/2 and 7 pounds such as the Remington 1100 LT 20, Browning Gold, etc. These guns make good upland guns if they are choked properly.

The second category, the “lightweights” includes 20 gauge autoloaders such as the Berettas and Benellis, and even the old Browning A-5 “Twenty” (commonly referred to as “Light Twenty”) and the earlier-mentioned Breda. These are 20 gauges that all weigh somewhere between a few ounces under 6 pounds and 6-1/2 pounds. They are all balanced right for the uplands and their light overall weight makes them ideal for carrying over hill and dale.

The third category can be termed as “ultralight” autoloaders. Currently there are only two that qualify as ultralights. Although there are Benelli M-1s, M-2s and Montefeltros that dip under 6 pounds, to qualify as an ultralight the gun has to weigh closer to 5-1/2 pounds in 20 gauge.

The Benelli Ultra Light model in 20 gauge is claimed to weigh 5 pounds, 2 ounces. It is indeed a feathery, delightful autoloader, but not quite as light as claimed. Benelli achieved lighter weight by using a shorter magazine tube, shorter barrel, and a carbon fiber ventilated rib. But despite its shorter barrel, it balances very well because its receiver is longer by about an inch than the average autoloader’s, and the barrel is not seated as deeply, giving it another inch of length. Therefore, the Benelli with a 24-inch barrel is of same overall length as a Browning A-5 with a 26-inch barrel.

A sleeper in this group of ultralight autoloaders is the Franchi 48AL. The Franchi was always considered to be the lightest autoloader one could get. It used to be advertised as the world’s lightest autoloader and I suppose that is still true today.

Beretta AL391 Tekny’s Gold. Like all Berettas, it is fairly light at 7 pounds in 12 gauge.
Beretta AL391 Tekny’s Gold. Like all Berettas, it is fairly light at 7 pounds in 12 gauge.

The Benelli Ultra Light is indeed very light, but it is a few ounces heavier than the Franchi. The Franchi has excellent balance combined with feathery weight. A typical Franchi 48AL 20-gauge (the earlier model without screw-in chokes) with 26-inch ventilated rib barrel weighs 5 pounds, 4 ounces. With shorter barrel (Franchi made 24-inch barrels) it would weigh-in at the advertised 5 pounds 2 ounces. Today’s guns, because of the screw-in chokes, tend to weigh a few ounces more, although they are still feathery. The Benelli Ultra Light 20 gauge with 24-inch barrel averages around 5 pounds, 6 ounces, which is 4 ounces more than the advertised 5 pounds, 2 ounces. Perhaps Benelli’s advertising claims are a bit overly optimistic. Still, at less than 5-1/2 pounds, it is plenty light!

In 28 gauge, there is the Remington 1100 and the Franchi 48AL. The Remington tends to be heavier, but it still makes for an excellent upland gun, as does the discontinued Remington, 11-48 which is lighter than the 1100. The Franchi is one of the lightest 28 gauge autoloaders on the market today. It is built on the 20 gauge receiver and weighs about the same as the 20. It's a wonderful upland gun with an average weight of around 5-1/2 pounds. There’s also the now-defunct Charles Daly import, a gas-operated gun that appears to be pretty good, but the gun has not been around long enough to provide adequate assessment.

Smith & Wesson’s Model 1000 looks a lot like the Remington 1100 but is considerably lighter. At around 7 pounds in 12 gauge, it made for an excellent upland autoloader. The 20 gauge model weighed around 6-1/4 pounds. It is discontinued.
Smith & Wesson’s Model 1000 looks a lot like the Remington 1100 but is considerably lighter. At around 7 pounds in 12 gauge, it made for an excellent upland autoloader. The 20 gauge model weighed around 6-1/4 pounds. It is discontinued.

The latest addition in 28 gauge comes from Benelli. It is a scaled-receiver Legacy Model that weighs 5 pounds. There haven’t been enough of these Benellis in the field yet for them to have built a reputation. They seem to be great little autoloaders, but they are pricey. Benelli would have been better served putting out a Montefeltro or M2 model in 28 gauge rather than the more expensive, engraved Legacy model.

There are those who use the .410 on upland game. However, it should be confined to use on the smaller game birds such as quail and dove and not the larger birds. I know, many a game farm pheasant has been shot with a .410, but a game farm bird is a totally different animal from the tough wild ringneck. Also, shots should be kept to closer distances. For most gunners, 30 yards would be about the maximum distance that they should attempt to use the .410. There just aren’t enough shot pellets in the skinny little hull.

When it comes to the .410 autoloader, there is currently only the Remington 1100. It makes for a fine skeet gun as well as small bird shotgun, although it is a bit hefty at over 6-1/2 pounds. The older Model 11-48 is about a half a pound lighter but is extremely scarce on the used-gun market.

There are a number of inexpensive double guns on the market today that cost less than the pricier autoloaders. But as the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” The inexpensive doubles may very well be durable, but you can rest assured that they will more than likely be crudely finished or with a lot of glitz to cover up poor workmanship. Balance and handling qualities will not be something you will find in these cheaper doubles. It is far better to spend your money on a quality autoloader than on an inexpensive double gun.

This article appeared in the 2012 Edition of the Gun Digest book.

MUST READ ARTICLES