Miroku Mk38 shotgun review

Miroku Mk38 shotgun review.
Developed primarily for clays, the MK38 is used by some serious shots for high pheasants (reflecting a trend towards longer, heavier guns).

At around 8lb the test gun is hefty but it?s well crafted and pointable and the balance, though muzzle heavy, will suit those who prefer a gun that keeps going once given impulsion.

It is surprising how many of those who might have access to much more expensive guns for game shooting opt for mass-produced over-under guns like this ? guns that are very different in character and feel to classic side-by-sides.

There is more weight forward (especially in multichoked models) as well as greater overall weight. In the right hands, though, there is little doubt that these machine-made tools can really do the business.

They tend to be utterly reliable and offer great value. The test gun has an RRP under £1,500.

It is well presented, nevertheless, with pleasant scroll engraving, excellent blacking and first-class wood-to-metal fit.

Miroku knows how to make a good gun at a competitive price. As well as products bearing its own name, it makes most of the over-unders in the Browning range these days.

The test MK38 has evolved from the old Miroku 3800 model which, though similar in most respects, had demi-bloc barrels.

The MK38, like all recent Miroku and mass-market Brownings, is of monobloc construction.

The well-presented, 3in-chambered barrels are steel-shot proofed and back-bored at 18.7mm (an ideal bore size for a modern 12-bore). They are fitted with a 10mm ventilated sighting rib with a shallow centre channel. This has twin beads (I?d prefer one at the muzzles).

One has the option of flush-fitting Browning Invector Plus chokes or extended Teagues (three of which are supplied with the gun as well as two standard chokes).

Extended chokes may not be to all tastes on a game-gun but they can be removed or changed easily without a special key. The action design of the MK38 is well proven and benefits from an absolutely dependable single-trigger mechanism. The Browning-style barrel selector, which is incorporated with the safety on the top strap, is one of the most practical to use with cold or wet fingers.

If the action has a flaw, it is that it is a little deep compared to some more modern designs but this depth allows for the creation of an especially well-proportioned grip.

The stock, though made of plain timber, is soundly designed. The comb, like the grip, is well conceived. The stock dimensions are good, too. Length of pull is longer than average at slightly over 14¾in (allowing for the accommodation of just about all requirements).

Drop measurements are equally sensible at 1.3⁄8in and 2.1⁄8in. Only very slight right-hand cast is in evidence ? those with broad chests and/or master eye issues might need a bit more.

Well-cut (if quite coarse) chequering provides excellent purchase at both grip and fore-end. This aids in recoil control and holding the line on difficult targets.

TECHNICAL
The MK38, like most Miroku and mass-market Browning over-unders, is based on a modification of the Browning Superposed/B25 design.

The barrels have lumps beneath them (unlike bifurcated guns such as the Woodward, Beretta and Perazzi).

The MK38 also has the same full-width hinge-pin and locking system as the Browning. A flat bolt emerges from the bottom of the breech face and engages a slot bite beneath the bottom chamber.

Coil springs power the hammers of the action (early Mirokus used V springs). Using coiled springs necessarily compromises the trigger pulls slightly. The pulls in this gun, however, are adequate and show no significant drag.

The gun uses an evolved inertia operated single-trigger mechanism rather different from the original of the Thirties. It is notably reliable, as mechanisms on most modern machine-made guns tend to be.

Miroku dispenses with the attached fore-end and complex catch of the B24. Though essentially an economy measure, this results in a gun that is much more easily cleaned.

SHOOTING IMPRESSIONS
The test MK38 is a predictable gun to shoot. It controls recoil well (if not quite as well as its weight and back-bored barrels might suggest).

It is a little weighty up front (it?s a pity that the fixed-choke version seems to have been discontinued). Stock shapes were good and they made the gun easy to control mid-swing.

The grip is even in depth, well radiused and anchors the hand far better than most. The function of all controls was very positive.

The MK38 represents excellent value for money and probably offers the most bang for the least buck on the market.

It would be excellent for use in a Welsh or Devon valley.

It might also be put to good use at the spring and summer charity clay-shoots that are now so popular.

If you fancy a Miroku for rangy game and occasional clays, the fixed choke 32in MK38 Trap may also be worth your consideration.

Price:

£1,295

UK SALES: 01235 514550

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