WHAT IS THE WORLD’S BEST LOOKING SHOTGUN?
Such is the way with 21st century engineering; performance and beauty have married as well as Port to Stilton. And, happily, the relationship between the two is only getting tighter and more passionate. Shotgun manufacturing is cradled comfortably within these realms: engraved sideplates of mesmeric precision, handcrafted walnut stocks – each unique – and mechanisms that fit and function impeccably.
The scope within shotguns is simply enormous. Many people shoot with guns inherited from fathers, while others dive into the overwhelming potpourri that is shotgun purchase. But the great thing about this sheer range, in line with the ever-evolving gunmaking industry, is that whatever your budget – whether £1,500 or £100,000 – you can be sure to find a gun that is both great to look at and use in field.
In this vein, with the knowledge that beauty hasn’t detracted from performance, I got to thinking, what is the world’s best looking shotgun? Finding the answer turned out to be as tricky as running on black ice in high heels, while on crutches. So I settled on three…
FLLI. BERTUZZI ‘GULLWING’, , The original innovators of the gullwing shotgun – an extremely clever piece of engineering that allows the sideplates to be opened on hinges, exposing the intricate mechanics – this 12 bore over-under from Bertuzzi is a no-brainer.
BOSS & CO ‘2012’, , A one-off to mark their bicentenary, the 2012 – so named because it comes with interchangeable 12 and 20 bore barrels – is as beautiful a gun as you’ll ever come across. Handcrafted over two years, from every angle it stuns; the pièce de résistance being the astonishing engraving work by Phil Coggan.
PURDEY DAMASCUS, , Using damascene steel alloy forged in Sweden from more than 100 layers, each gun is totally unique in appearance. For this reason, as well as the added beauty that we naturally associate with Purdey craftsmenship, the Damascus has to feature on the list.
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