Shotguns

Turkish-made semi-automatic shotguns have gained in popularity through their rock-bottom prices and wide-spread availability. Just about any gun store in America will have a model or two (or more) that appeals to budget-minded wing and clays enthusiasts, while the online selection seems almost boundless. In addition to routinely getting the job done for diehard shooters, these semi-automatics are often a cost-effective go-to choice for first-time shooters dipping their toe in the water, or as a knock-about when the weather turns foul in the field.

A wave of new shotgunners entered the market in the 1990s. Some were lapsed skeet and trap shooters intrigued by a number of emerging clay target games. Remember when Sporting Clays, Hunter’s Clays, Wobble Trap, 5-Stand, Crazy Quail, and others were new to shooters? They all needed shotguns and the standard 12 bore was in such high demand that they were difficult to find on both the new and, especially the used, markets.

Most off-the-shelf shotguns are designed for a male right-handed shooter who is 5 feet/9 inches, weighs 165 pounds, with a 33-inch arm length and wears a size 40-regular suit. Put a gun for someone like that into the hands of seventh grader, your wife or girlfriend and you may turn them off forever to the shotgun sports after they got kicked in the face and shoulder (not to mention the cussinʹ coming your way).

In 2017, Shotgun Life traveled to Gardone Val Trompia, home of the best Italian gunmakers, where Luca Rizzini, who manages Fabbrica Armi Isidoro Rizzini (F.A.I.R.), gave us a tour of the company’s manufacturing facility and modern showroom upstairs. Luca is unpretentious, hard-working and dedicated to his craft – a direct reflection of the F.A.I.R. shotguns, including its latest Fossari.

Legacy Sports International in Reno, Nevada has built a solid reputation with their Pointer Line of affordable over/under and semi-automatic shotguns – especially in the youth segment. Now Legacy Sports International is expanding the Pointer family into field-grade side by sides that will be available in both 12 and 20 gauge for $699.