POSITIVE SHOOTING VIDEO GUN TESTING
Mike is now doing video gun tests. Coming up are the Browning 525 and 725, the new Beretta Silver Pigeon 1, the Perazzi MX 12, the Guerini Challenger, the Blaser F3 and others. Please let us know what you would like to see reviewed in the future either by commenting in the videos or on the Facebook page
EPISODE 1 - CUSTOM FAUSTI 28 BORE
EPISODE 4 - BROWNING 525
Ratings System Explanation
Handling
Mike’s verdict on the general handling of the gun. Is it pointable? Controllable? Stable? Does it move too quickly? (Is it whippy?) Is it ponderous? Does the barrel weight suit the gun? Does it feel well balanced (which may involve more than a simple hinge pin index)?.
Stock Design
How well is the stock designed for the guns designated function? Issues considered will include comb, grip and forend shape/proportion. Is the comb tapered if appropriate? It is excessively angled? Does the grip have a comfortable radius, what is its depth like through it length? Is the hand well anchored? Is muzzle control encouraged and recoil control? Does the forend aid pointability? Does it allow for hand movement without changing barrel axis/hand relationship?
Originality
How innovative is the gun? How much of the gun has been copied from older designs and how much is genuinely new? A gun may still score for originality if is inspired by a classic but takes a new take on it - subtle development will be noted.
Aesthetics
Mike’s personal opinion on how the gun looks both with regard to general form and to decoration. Price will be factored in in the latter case.
Build Quality
How well is the gun built and put together? What is the quality of the materials used in the gun? Will it last? How good is the wood to metal and metal to metal fit? Are there any gaps apparent? Is the quality of machining above of below the average? Are machining marks apparent internally? Is the hardening competent? Is the gun well jointed between barrels and action.
Recoil
Felt recoil – how much recoil do you feel when you shoot the gun? More than one opinion may be sought here to allow for variations in physique and their impact on this index. Can the gun be shot for long periods without discomfort? Is it above or below average on recoil. Weight will be considered and factored in - not all heavy guns have low felt recoil and not all light ones have excessive recoil.
Patterns
The quality of patterns thrown as assessed from kills on targets and pattern plates when used. A gun which comes with a range of chokes will usually be tested with different combinations of constriction.
Function
Mechanical function. This covers issues such as function of the top lever, safety and barrel selector if fitted. Are the strikers efficient? Are the ejectors well timed and powerful? Is the gun easy to disassemble and reassemble?
Trigger
The mechanical function of the trigger. Are pulls too light or heavy? Do the pulls complement each other? Are they crisp? Is there any play or creep?
Value
Does the gun offer value for money at its price point?
