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.

The Overlooked Franchi 48AL Semi-Auto

Sunday, October 26, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #franchi48al, #franchisemiautoshotguns, #franchishotguns

Early vintage Franchi shotguns, particularly the Franchi 48AL, are renowned for being lightweight, reliable long-recoil operated semi-automatic shotguns. These models are known for their excellent handling, making them popular for hunting, and early versions had steel receivers before the lighter aluminum receiver of later models was introduced. Other notable early models include the Franchi 48AL which features a 3-inch magnum chamber and steel receiver, and was likely produced in the late 1960s and 1970s. 

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The Henry Contemporary Lever-Action Shotgun

Sunday, October 12, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #henryshotguns

The Henry Lever-Action Shotgun is a classic firearm known for its reliability, accuracy, and smooth operation. With its iconic lever-action mechanism, the Henry Shotgun has become a favorite among hunters, sportsmen, and shooting enthusiasts.

It is known for its quick and smooth lever-action mechanism, which allows for rapid and efficient cycling of rounds. The Henry Shotgun is available in various models and calibers, allowing shooters to choose the one that best suits their needs and preferences.

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What is a Sorborthane Recoil Pad?

Sunday, October 12, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #shotgun recoil, #shotgunrecoilpads, #sorborthane, #sorborthanerecoilpad

The Sorborthane Recoil Pad is a revolutionary product designed to absorb and dissipate the energy created by recoil when firing a weapon. Made from a unique material called Sorbothane, a synthetic polymer with unparalleled shock absorption capabilities, these pads are able to reduce recoil impact by up to 90%. This means less strain on your shoulder and body, allowing you to focus on your shooting accuracy and enjoyment.

Sorborthane is viscoelastic polymer that behaves both like a liquid (absorbs and dissipates energy) and a solid (retains its shape). Developed in the 1980s, it’s used in everything from athletic shoe insoles to vibration mounts in aerospace and audio equipment. Unlike rubber or foam, Sorbothane doesn’t rebound quickly; it converts kinetic energy (recoil) into heat, reducing the felt impact on the shooter’s shoulder.

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How to Identify the Difference Between Laser and Hand Checkering on Your Shotgun

Sunday, October 12, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #handcheckering, #lasercheckering, #shotgunwood

When it comes to checkering on shotguns, there are two main techniques that are commonly used – laser checkering and hand checkering. While both methods serve the purpose of providing grip and aesthetics to the shotgun, there are distinct differences between the two.

Understanding the Telltale Signs of Laser Checkering

Laser checkering is a modern technique that involves the use of a laser to create precise and uniform patterns on the surface of the shotgun. One of the key characteristics of laser checkering is the consistency of the pattern across the entire surface. The lines are typically sharp, clean, and evenly spaced. Additionally, laser checkering often has a more shallow depth compared to hand checkering, giving it a smoother feel to the touch.

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The Pietro Beretta (PB) Due Custom Atelier

Thursday, October 02, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #berettadue, #berettashotguns, #pbberetta

The Beretta (PB) Custom Atelier was established by Beretta to cater to the growing demand for bespoke firearms among discerning customers. The atelier’s first major project was the Beretta Due, a limited edition handgun that showcased the craftsmanship and precision engineering that Beretta is known for. The Due featured intricate engravings, luxurious materials, and custom finishes that set it apart from standard production models.

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How Does a Bar in Wood Shotgun Work?

Sunday, September 14, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #barinwoodshotgun, #hammerguns, #vintageshotguns

When you mention a “bar-in-wood” shotgun, you’re referring to a particular style of shotgun design where the action body (the metal frame/receiver) is enclosed within the wooden stock, rather than sitting fully exposed as in more modern guns. This was most common in 19th-century British and Continental sporting guns. In a bar-in-wood gun, this bar is covered with wood so the stock and action appear more seamless. Only the hammers, triggers, and fences are exposed.

The Mechanics of a Wood Shotgun Bar

A wood shotgun bar is a long, cylindrical metal tube that houses the barrel and other essential parts of a shotgun. It serves as a guide for the shotgun shell to travel through during firing, directing the shot towards the target. The wood material used for the bar provides stability and support for the barrel, helping to absorb recoil and maintain accuracy.

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The Advantages of a Ribless Shotgun for Upland Hunting

Friday, September 12, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #riblessshotgun, #uplandhuntingshotguns

Ribless shotguns have gained popularity in recent years due to their sleek and minimalist design. By eliminating the rib along the top of the barrel, manufacturers are able to create a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing firearm. This not only gives ribless shotguns a modern and stylish look but also reduces the overall weight of the gun, making it easier to handle and carry for extended periods of time.

Enhanced Maneuverability and Accuracy

One of the key advantages of a ribless shotgun is its enhanced maneuverability and accuracy. Without the rib obstructing your line of sight, you are able to acquire targets quickly and shoot with more precision. This is especially beneficial in fast-paced shooting sports or when hunting moving targets. The lack of a rib also reduces the amount of muzzle rise when firing, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved overall performance.

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Remembering the Remington Model 32 Shotgun

Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #krieghoffmodel32shotguns, #remingtonmodel32, #remingtonshotguns

Remington Model 32 Shotgun is a classic firearm that has stood the test of time and holds a significant place in the history of shotguns. With its sleek design and exceptional performance, the Remington Model 32 has been a favorite among hunters, sports shooters, and collectors alike. Let’s delve into the rich history of this iconic shotgun.

The Beginnings of Remington Model 32 Shotgun

The story of the Remington Model 32 Shotgun dates back to the early 1930s when it was first introduced by the renowned firearms manufacturer, Remington Arms Company. Designed by C.C. Loomis, this over-and-under shotgun quickly gained popularity for its elegant appearance and reliable functionality. The Model 32 was initially marketed as a high-end competition shotgun, appealing to serious shooters looking for precision and quality in their firearms.

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