Shotgun Life | The Best in Wing and Clays Shooting

Briefs

A series of brief articles cataloging the sport and gear for wing and clays shooting.

Looking Back at Montgomery Ward Shotguns

Sunday, July 14, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: montogmerywardshotguns, westernfieldshotguns

As an iconic department store, Montgomery Ward played a defining role in the proliferation of shotguns in the United States. Montgomery Ward, founded in 1872 by Aaron Montgomery Ward, was a pioneering American department store whose product line-up included a variety of shotguns during its time. Known for its mail-order catalogs, Montgomery Ward catered to rural customers, offering them convenience and a wide selection of products that included firearms. Montgomery Ward shotguns weren’t manufactured in-house; instead, they were made by various manufacturers, then branded and sold under the Montgomery Ward name. Brands such as Iver Johnson, Savage, Stevens, and Fox were associated with Montgomery Ward.

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A Manufrance for the Field May Be Your Next Collectible

Friday, July 12, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: frenchshotguns, manufranceshotguns, roundactionshotguns, roundbodyshotguns

Manufrance, or Manufacture Française d’Armes et Cycles de Saint-Étienne, traces its roots back to 1885, becoming France’s first mail-order company. Its founders, Étienne Mimard and Pierre Blachon, started their venture with a vision to provide high-quality firearms and cycles to the French public. The company quickly made a name for itself with its innovative designs and superior craftsmanship, particularly with their shotguns.

The range of Manufrance’s shotguns, including their legendary Robust and Ideal models, became iconic in the hunting circles of France and beyond. Cold-forged barrels, meticulous attention to detail, and unmatched reliability underpinned the success and popularity of these shotguns. Each shotgun was a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Manufrance, earning them a revered place in the annals of gunsmithing history. Manufrance was known for their lovely round-action shotguns.

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The Little-Known Paradox Shotgun

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: paradoxshotgun

The Paradox Shotgun gets its name from the unique paradoxical nature of its design. Developed in the late 19th century by British gunmaker Holland & Holland, the Paradox Shotgun was a hybrid between a shotgun and a rifled gun. This innovative design allowed the shooter to fire both shotshells and solid bullets accurately from the same barrel.

Despite its initial success and popularity among hunters and sportsmen, the Paradox Shotgun eventually fell out of favor as newer firearms with more specialized designs entered the market. Today, the Paradox Shotgun is considered a rare collector’s item, with only a few examples still in circulation.

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Should You Be Collecting the Savage Model 720 “Humpback” Semi-Auto?

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: savagemodel720, savageshotguns, vintagesemiautomaticshotguns

The Savage Model 720 Shotgun is a classic long-recoil, semi-automatic shotgun. A product of the Savage Arms Company, the Model 720 is a piece of history. It was introduced around 1930 and remained in production until 1949. The shotgun was primarily modeled after the famed Browning Auto-5, which was the first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun. Indeed, the Savage Model 720 was born out of a licensing agreement with the Browning Company to use the design of the  “Humpback” Auto-5.

Constructed with a robust design that could withstand even the harshest of conditions, the Savage 720 was designed with durability in mind. The gun’s barrel and receiver were constructed from sturdy steel, providing a strong framework that guaranteed longevity. In addition, its wooden stock and forearm were built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

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The Importance of Shotgun Snap Caps

Saturday, July 06, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs

When it comes to protecting your shotgun during storage, snap caps are an essential accessory to have. Not only do they help safeguard the firing pin mechanism, but they also prevent damage to the chamber and barrel. In this article, we will discuss the importance of using snap caps for storing your shotgun and why they are a crucial investment for any gun owner.

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Guidelines for Flying with Your Shotgun

Thursday, July 04, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: flyingwithyourshotgun, negrinishotguncases, shotgunsairlinetravel, tsaapprovedshotguncases

In an era characterized by heightened security measures, flying with a firearm, such as a shotgun, requires a clear understanding of both legal aspects and airline policies. While the right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment, it doesn’t exempt individuals from adhering to the strict guidelines in place to secure air travel. In this article, we will explore the legal aspects of flying with a shotgun, key airline policies, practical packing tips, and how to handle potential issues at airport security checkpoints.

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Wood Shotgun Stocks: Care & Maintenance

Thursday, July 04, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: woodshotgunstocks

Wood shotgun stocks are a classic and elegant choice for gun owners who appreciate the natural beauty of wood. However, with great beauty comes great responsibility – wood stocks require proper care and maintenance to ensure they retain their quality and longevity. In this article, we will provide essential tips for caring for your wood shotgun stock and maintaining its beauty and integrity.

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5 Tips for Finding the Best Upland Hunting Guide

Saturday, June 29, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: uplandhunting, uplandhuntingguides

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice looking to experience the thrill of the hunt, finding the right guide can greatly transform your upland hunting experience. A reliable guide can help you navigate the terrain, identify hunt-worthy game, and ensure your safety during the entire process. This article provides insight into the importance of a reliable upland hunting guide and offers some invaluable tips to help you select the best one for your needs.

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The Lore of the American Hardware Store Shotgun

Friday, June 28, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: hardwarestoreshotgun, vintageamericanshotguns

The American Hardware Store Shotgun holds a unique position at the intersection of history, culture, and law in the United States. It’s a symbol of self-reliance, a tool for self-defense, and an artifact of America’s rural and frontier heritage. This article will explore the story of the ubiquitous American hardware store shotgun, tracing its history, significance, and future outlook.

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Top 4 Tips for Buying a Vintage Shotgun

Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: buyingvintageshotguns, collectingvintageshotguns, vintageshotgun

In the world of firearms, vintage shotguns hold a unique allure. They’re more than just tools or weapons; they’re tangible pieces of history, with stories to tell and craftsmanship to admire. For shooting enthusiasts, collectors, and history buffs alike, owning a vintage shotgun can be an exciting prospect. However, navigating the market can be a daunting task for the uninitiated.

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