A Break in the Action

The clay target shooting sports are generally very linear games.  Targets leave the machine and, for the most part, follow a set trajectory to the ground.  There are variations of course, trap introduces an oscillator or wobble, skeet has the shooter move to vary the angle and necessary lead, a chandel target in a round of sporting clays changes speed as it falls from the peak of its arc, and the occasional rabbit surprises with a bounce.  Generally, though, targets follow a known and reliable path. Trap, skeet, sporting clays, and their varieties are civilized and academic… helice, on the other hand, is more like the wild, wild west.In this episode we are going to take a look at the origins of helice and how it is shot.  We will also focus on the amazing Prairie Wildlife in West Point, Mississippi.  This incredible property is a real sportsman's paradise. Prairie WildlifeOur Sponsors:B&P ShotshellsNegrini CasesDubarry of IrelandCole Fine Guns and GunsmithingSupport the project:PatreonSupport the show

Listener requested!  An overdue sequel to the 'Best Shotguns <$1,000' from a few years back - in this episode I have pulled in two pros from the Orvis Gunroom, Greg Carpiniello and Connor Carson.  The three of us offer up 20-30 new and used shotgun models that you should be sure to check out if you are buying in this range.  Our Sponsors:B&P ShotshellsNegrini CasesDubarry of IrelandCole Fine Guns and GunsmithingSupport the project:PatreonSupport the show

Here are two things you might not know about the legendary shotgun and rifle maker John Rigby and Co.  The company is actually older than the United States of America and originally hailed Dublin, Ireland.  My guest today is Marc Newton.  Marc has been the managing director for John Rigby since 2013.  He graciously accepted an invitation to discuss the company’s enduring legacy since its founding in the 18th century!Our Sponsors:B&P ShotshellsNegrini CasesDubarry of IrelandCole Fine Guns and GunsmithingSupport the project:PatreonSupport the show

Getting away to hunt can be as easy as hitting the other side of your state, maybe a road trip or, flying to the other side of our country or beyond it’s borders.We are going to spend some time on this last version today.  Experienced travelers develop special skills when they are frequently in and out of airports.  I fly several times a year and have developed, or copied, some time saving practices and habits that significantly lower the stresses that can come along with air travel.  One nuance of air travel that I am completely unfamiliar with is traveling with my shotgun.  This year has several opportunities on the calendar for fly in hunting/shooting trips.  As I have begun researching flying with my shotgun – I thought it might make for an interesting and informative episode for listeners planning their own adventures.  So today we are going to dig in to what you need to consider when you decide to bring your shotgun along.Our Sponsors:B&P ShotshellsNegrini CasesDubarry of IrelandCole Fine Guns and GunsmithingSupport the project:PatreonSupport the show

'What friends I have, what days I treasure most, what places I think about and smile…  they are because shotguns are.  Without them I would have been empty.  They have made my life full.'-Gene HillShotguns are woven into almost every aspect of my life.  They have connected me with some of my dearest friends, they offer a shared pastime of shooting and hunting with my wife and daughters and have looked on during many successful and unsuccessful days in the field with my dad.  The dogs I have owned snap to attention when I so much as handle one and become fully electrified when they notice me sleeving a shotgun. For many, this steel and wood tool has transcended its original intended purpose.My guest today is AJ DeRosa, creator of Project Upland.  AJ is the first guest in what I hope will be an interesting and recurring series that I am calling “shotgun stories” where we will hear from my guests about the guns that they have owned and shot with and hear some of the memories that they have made with them.  Our Sponsors:B&P ShotshellsNegrini CasesDubarry of IrelandCole Fine Guns and GunsmithingSupport the project:PatreonSupport the show

There is one question that I get asked more often than any other.  Listeners want help or advice on buying used shotguns…   Is it smart to buy a shotgun online?  Is it safe to buy from an individual?  What should I look for in determining a used shotgun's condition and what red flags should I be aware of?  These are just a few of the general questions that are worth considering buying a new bird gun for next season or upgrading your sporting clays shotgun.  Gregg Elliott and Phil Bourjaily join the show to discuss a few points important points to consider.  Both have been on the podcast before and each of them spends tons of time investigating, using, and writing about shotguns - new and pre-owned.Our Sponsors:B&P ShotshellsNegrini CasesDubarry of IrelandCole Fine Guns and GunsmithingSupport the project:PatreonSupport the show

In this episode, I lay out what gear I take for a day shooting.  Two bags and a case filled with everything I need for a day shooting sporting clays, skeet, or maybe some new adventures trying out FITSC or helice.   Making sure that I have everything I need ensures I have a good time and can stay out as long as I am able.As is usually the case, seeing and not just hearing about these items will be helpful so I encourage you to check out our Instagram and Facebook pages.Here is a full list (with links) of everything mentioned in this episode.Filson Heritage Sportsman BagHeavy Felt OrganizerBaschieri and Pellagri (B&P) shotshellsESP ApexLaksen Sporting ShotmasterNegrini Shotgun Luggage CaseLaksen Sporting VestCastellani Rio ProDents GlovesCole Fine Guns and GunsmithingBeretta ToteDubarry Kildare BootsSimms Big Sky ShirtHowler Bros. Gaucho ShirtJoin our Patreon!Support the show

Part 2 of our full review of the annual Christmas Grand Battue shoot at Green Acres Sportsman's Club in Roberts, Illinois.  Join us as Shoot Captain, Keith Coyle walks us through the full 'Christmas Grand Battue' experience - from breakfast and high pheasant shooting to flighted mallard and the 5-course gala dinner.   As we take part in this epic shoot day, we will also be reviewing and shooting two premium English-style game guns... the Beretta SL3 and the Christian Hunter O/U from Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing.Mentioned in this episode:Green Acres Sportsman's ClubChristian Hunter by Connectictut Shotgun Mfg.Beretta SL3Support the show

Do you dream of one day shooting high, driven pheasants in England or someday experiencing a European-flighted mallard shoot?  While these experiences wait on your bucket list I want to tell you about an amazing shoot that you participate in right here in the States.  Green Acres Sportsman's Club in Roberts, Illinois offers a full menu of authentic British-style shooting events throughout the year.  Join us as Shoot Captain, Keith Coyle walks us through the full 'Christmas Grand Battue' experience - from breakfast and high pheasant shooting to flighted mallard and the 5-course gala dinner.   As we take part in this epic shoot day, we will also be reviewing and shooting two premium English-style game guns... the Beretta SL3 and the Christian Hunter O/U from Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing.Settle in for PART 1 of this in-depth review!Mentioned in this episode:Green Acres Sportsman's ClubBeretta SL3 Croots of EnglandField and Moor bootsSupport the show

Many argue that there are Scottish shotguns that bested the London guns in innovation, matched them in quality and were produced in far fewer numbers - making them, in my mind truly special.  In this episode my guest, J-P Daeschler discusses the legendary John Dickson and Son Round Action shotgun along with other noteworthy models from MacNaughton and Alex Martin.   John Dickson and Son If you are enjoying the podcast and would like support what we are doing - consider becoming a member of our Patreon.  Members will be entered to win quarterly gear giveaways!  Find out more here: patreon.com/abreakintheactionSupport the show

I live in a part of the US with much opportunity to wing-shoot close to home - I usually have to travel to hunt. This being the case  - my hunting is usually done in multi-day blocks. Besides the logistics and added cost, I have to say that I do love getting away on a hunting trip.  Exploring new towns, comparing fields and covers from one year to the next, staying in quaint houses, cottages, and hotels and just getting to spend extended time with buddies and dogs - what’s not to love?  Most often, the destination changes for me but for some, there is a consistent and familiar place that calls them back year after year.  Whether the accommodations are more primitive or high-brow, the concept of a hunting camp, or specifically for this episode a bird camp, is one that I have been familiar with for years but hadn’t experienced firsthand.  Recently, I got an opportunity to change that.  Joe Schwenke hosts the aptly named podcast 'Bird Camp'.  Joe's podcast focuses heavily on grouse and woodcock hunting and conservation in his home state of  Michigan.  After spending a few days with Joe at his camp and in a few of the grouse and woodcock covers in his area - I wanted to bring him on to discuss what their camp experience is like and to discuss how Joe focuses on protecting and giving back through local, I am going to call it micro- conservation throughout the year.  It is always rewarding to see the money you give to large, national organizations being used for good conservation work but that isn't the only way to make an impact with your time, talents, and resources.Required listening for every grouse/woodcock hunter:Bird Camp podcast, 'A Bird Camp editorial' on Apple PodcastsBird Camp podcast, 'A Bird Camp editorial' on SpotifySupport the show

In part two of this series, Jonny Carter of TGS Outdoors and I will finish stitching together our versions of Dr. Frankenstein's shotgun.  Engraving, stock, forend, forend iron, wood characteristics, recoil pads, and even the cases we will tote these creations in.  Support the show

Dr. Frankenstein’s monster was stitched together components that formed a man.  What if we could do the same and cobble together the components of a shotgun?  Would the end result be greater than the sum of its individual parts - or would the sight of it scare children and civilized shotgun enthusiasts?Now, we all know that with regards to shotguns, it has always been the case that with deep enough pockets, you could go to any manufacturer and have them build you a bespoke gun with any feature they offer…. that isn't what we are doing today.  Today, I am joined by my friend Jonny Carter from TGS Outdoors. We are going to cherry-pick components, features, options, and embellishments from any and ALL manufacturers and from all eras to each build up a Frankenstein’s monster shotgun.  This fictitious shotgun could end up being an absolute dream gun, or it could just be something odd and interesting that we would love to see built.  Jonny has handled, shot, and taken apart shotguns from most manufacturers, both modern and vintage. I couldn’t think of anyone better.  So as you are always instructed to do in the intro - pour yourself a drink, sit back, and relax while we each create an enthusiast's dream shotgun, or possibly a steel and wood monstrosity.Support the show

Have you ever wondered why we don’t see more variety in the type of wood found on shotgun stocks?  With over 200 species of hardwoods alone - why is walnut so prevalent?  In this two-part episode, we will first hear from Dan Ziegler, owner of Luxus Walnut.  Dan breaks down why walnut is the predominant choice for shotgun (and rifle) stocks, and what terms like figure, feather, marble-cake, and burl mean.  My second guest is Art Isaacson who for 40 years has owned and operated Art's Gun Shop, a full-service Browning repair facility.  Art has seen, handled, and repaired thousands of stocks affected by the Browning 'salt wood' fiasco in the 1960s.  Art explains what it was, how to identify a gun with a 'salt wood' stock, and what repair options are available.I wrap up with a quick comment on the new release of Upland Game Classic 2.5" shotshells from B&P.  Finally, more options for your vintage shotgun with 2.5" chambers.Support the show

Something a little different in this new episode.  While building content, I often have interviews and topics that don’t need a full 30-40 minute dedicated episode.  I have decided to take these ‘shorts’ and pool them together plus offer you an update on what is in the works with the A Break in the Action podcast.Gamebird taxidermy with Meadow Kouffeld Review of the Zoli Pernice, 20g O/UMouthful of Feathers, Upland in America with Tom ReedA Hunter’s PrayerFor the cunning of the foxand the obsession of the hound;The majesty of the whitetail deerand the frost upon the ground.For humbling shots at dove and tealand their acrobatics on the wing;The exhilaration of bringing trout to handand the satisfaction that it brings.For the patience spent with stalking glasso’er thistled hills for stag;The hard-earned hare, the cock, the squirrel…a simple man's mixed bag.For the explosion of colors in the springand winter’s steely greys;The rusts of autumn, harvest goldsand summer’s steamy haze.For calming evenings spent by campfireand the intoxicating walks that fill our days;There are no greater gifts than these -Almighty Father, we give You praise.Ryan Doughty, 2010Support the show

Quail hunting in the US is filled with tradition. A symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations that has a special way of connecting today’s hunters with those of the past.  How does shotgun selection fit into the discussion on quail hunting?   I have invited a few familiar names to join this panel discussion.  Reid Bryant, Durrell Smith, and Charlie Jordan – each has a significant presence and voice in the upland community and regularly pursues quail.  In this episode, we will discuss the type of shotgun, gauge, and configuration that they feel is best suited for hunting quail.On Instagram:Reid BryantDurrell SmithCharlie JordanMore from this episode:Purdey of London - Configurator (use with caution!)Support the show

For the single shotgun or single gauge hunter - is the 28g. or the 20g. the superior choice?  Shotgun and shotshell manufacturers and shotgun columnists have been boasting some pretty impressive claims about the 28g.  Are they realistic or is this just a way to encourage you to look over the new 28g shotguns they are selling?  I am joined today by Gregg Elliott and Phil Bourjaily.  Each a shotgun expert in his own right.  We are going to try to cut through what is fiction and get to the facts about the 28g as a legitimate, do-almost-everything choice.On Instagram:Phil BourjailyGregg ElliottMore from this episode:Rizzini BR110Support the show

Whether mentioned by name or inferred, this podcast often refers to "The Golden Age of Shotgunning".  This period generally encompasses the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, with its peak occurring between the later 1800s to the 1920s. During this time, significant advancements were made in shotgun design and manufacturing capabilities, and efficiencies.  The basic design of the shotguns you shoot today was perfected during this time.  These advancements contributed to a surge in interest in shotgun sports, hunting, and shooting for recreational purposes. Both English and US gunmakers satisfied market demand with more basic field models up to jaw-dropping graded and bespoke offerings.  Sadly we were born more than a century late to fully enjoy all that the Golden Age of Shotgunning offered, but - fortunately, shotguns are built to last.  Finding, owning, and shooting a well-taken care-of example doesn’t take much effort.  There is something very special about handling a shotgun that has outlasted several generations.  Where shooting a vintage double is something that I would encourage you to investigate - It's even better when you can surround yourself with other shotguns and shooters who have come to appreciate what you are now experiencing.The Vintage Gunners offers such a place.  An opportunity to get together with other shooters that share a passion for fine craftsmanship from the golden age of shotgunning and a bit of the culture of days passed.   Today we discuss The Vintage Gunners and the upcoming Vintage Gunners Cup.The Vintagers2023 Vintage Gunners CupSupport the show

The Westley Richards company managed to do what very few gunmakers outside of London were able to do - catch and keep the eye of the privileged, money is no object shooting elite during the Golden Age of Shotgunning.  What is the history of this gunmaker and why were their developments game changing and still relevant to most if not all of the shotguns that you own today?  We are discussing the iconic Westley Richards company on this episode of A Break in the Action.Westley Richards Agency, USSupport the show

In the late 1990's, I had only just discovered shotguns, wing-shooting, and clay targets.  Not growing up around guns or hunting I was anxious to dive deep into this new hobby.  There were a few periodicals that I got excited about but there wasn’t anything for me that I looked forward to more than new episodes of The Shotgun Journal.  Hosts, Bruce Scott and Marty Fischer traveled domestically and abroad with shotguns in tow and brought viewers along with them.  Each episode was equal parts shotgun talk, techniques, etiquette, and adventure.  A huge inspiration for this podcast project actually came from my love of this TV show.Support the show