The Ruger 10/22 .22LR has to be the most widely used semi-automatic rimfire on the planet. It was the brainchild of Bill Ruger back in 1964 and its simple inertia type or blowback bolt operating system has proved reliable and long-lasting, spawning many variants over the years. This Ruger 10/22…
Semi-automatics
The Mossberg Maverick 88 pump-action. It’s versatile and tough
There are sound reasons for owning a Mossberg Maverick 88 shotgun, especially if you’re involved in gamekeeping and pest control. It will never replace your game or clay gun, but if you need a reliable tool to keep with you on your rounds as a keeper, or for pigeon shooting…
Winchester Wildcat .22 LR semi-automatic
The Winchester Wildcat It’s nice to have another .22 semi-automatic rifle appear among the usual contingent of Rugers and Remingtons. This Winchester, though labelled as such, is made in Turkey. Named after Winchester’s renowned Wildcat .22 LR ammunition, it evokes cherished memories for me of running the Bridgend Stores, on…
Franchi Affinity: a fine entry-level semi-auto shotgun
When I was asked to review the Franchi Affinity it occured to me that it was not one of the names you might first think of when considering mass-market gunmakers. However Franchi has had a presence in the UK market for many years. The company has a respectable longevity, founded…
Browning A5 semi-auto shotgun
Gun reviews: Browning A5 semi-auto shotgun: Browning’s original A5 was the world’s first mass-produced semi-auto shotgun.
Hatsan Escort semi-auto shotgun review
The Hatsan Escort semi-auto shotgun is a Turkish-built semi automatic that creates a stir on price alone
Benelli Black Eagle
With its 3in chamber, matt black finish and easy-to-use controls, there is no mistaking that the latest incarnation of the Benelli Black Eagle has been designed for the wildfowler. (More on the best kit for wildfowling here.) Innovations include a stylish new receiver, a technopolymer stock – incorporating an improved…
Browning Maxus II Max-5 Camo
The latest Browning semi-auto is the Browning Maxus II Max-5 Camo. A gas-operated three or five shot with 89mm (31/2in) chambers and superior steel shot proof, it is only available as a 12-bore but with models to cover every possible use, including a traditional wood finish, synthetic and the latest…
Benelli Raffaello Accademia semi-auto shotgun review
What makes the Benelli Raffaello Accademia semi-auto different? The words ‘beautiful’ and ‘semi-automatic’ don’t get used together very often. Most semi-autos are plain. None of them would turn heads on the looks front. For example, the Benelli M2 is the workhorse of many gamekeepers because it offers rugged reliability, but…
Browning Maxus II
The Browning Maxus was released in its original form in 2009 and we have seen a number of variations to the cosmetics of that model over the years but no major changes in design or build. The Browning Maxus II however is a completely new look, new feel semi-auto…
20 of the best shotguns for under £1000
Finding a gun at the right price can be tough. We’ve listed 20 shotguns for under £1000 here that we think are well worth a look, both new and second-hand. It’s also worth reading our advice on buying a shotgun second-hand where you might pick up a real bargain. If…
Benelli M2 Comfortech Cerakote
Whenever I handle a Benelli M series semi-automatic, it makes me think of the king of gamebirds, the grouse. These guns are to grouse moor management what the Winchester lever-action rifle was to winning the West. My first introduction to the M series Benelli semi-auto was 20 years ago when…
The Savage A22 Pro Varmint
Our Verdict The Savage A22 Pro Varmint semi-automatic rimfire rifle is Savage Arms’ answer to the Ruger 10/22, which has long dominated this area of the market. The A22 is available in many guises but here we have the Pro Varmint stock version, giving a distinct heavy varmint profile. Like…
Why there should be no snobbery about semi-automatics
Semi-automatics are enduringly popular with the gun-buying public. For people coming into the sport of shooting, they tick many boxes. Advantages of semi-automatics They are relatively cheap, so first-time buyers are immediately drawn to the attractive price tag. Also, it should not be overlooked that the option of a third…
Maxus Limited Edition JM Browning
The Browning Maxus has been a favourite on the semi-auto market since its release in 2009. The latest addition to the Maxus line-up is sure to prove popular with diehard Browning fans across Europe, too. Released in the autumn, the Maxus Limited Edition JM Browning has joined the growing range…
Duck-flighting and dining with a Masterchef semi-finalist
Freddie Innes is a man who, like the majority who shoot, clearly shares a love of good food. At 26, Freddie is a young chef, yet he already boasts an impressive CV, hard won in some of the finest professional kitchens in the UK. A MasterChef semi-finalist This passion for…
The CZ 511 – an absolute bargain
The CZ 511 is essentially the same gun as the older Brno 581 which had previously been in production since the 1950s, the newer name simply reflecting the rebranding of Brno to CZ. Its design therefore comes with a strong pedigree, and even owners of older Brno models report that…
How to clean and care for a semi-auto shotgun
Take 10 minutes to clean a semi-auto shotgun properly every time you use it and you’ll avoid a lot of issues. Another reason is that you also save money on repairs and get more for it if you ever want to trade it in or sell it. Lack of cleaning…
Can my brother leave his semi-auto at my house for cleaning?
I own a three-shot semi-automatic on my shotgun certificate. My brother owns the same model and make of semi-automatic, but it is a five-shot and it’s on his firearm certificate. The only difference between the guns is my magazine has been restricted to two cartridges by a gunsmith. My brother…
Beretta Outlander semi-auto
Our verdict on the Beretta Outlander semi-auto I spend most of my working day teaching driven shooting and sporting clays so an opportunity to shoot a semi-auto is always a welcome change. The Beretta A300 appeared to be a good-looking gun when it was delivered and I was already dreaming…