A future-proofed side-by-side for the modern game shot

Many of the most prolific and committed game shots in this country, have much in common. They start shooting on the first day of the season, when the weather is too good to be true and the pheasants too young to present a real challenge.

Those delightful early days of the season, where we catch up with old friends, old dogs and new vehicles. Where partridges reign almighty, the fields grow more golden each day and with the promise of future days one feels far more invigorated. Comforted by that familiar feeling of being back in the field.

All too soon the nights draw in, the weather becomes more testing, the birds become wiser, stronger, faster. You may have noticed that very rarely does any experienced shooting companion ever discuss numbers. Specific and memorable birds of the day yes but who can recollect a fellow, or lady for that matter, ever charting their progress through the season? Not I.

With clays, its all about the numbers rather than enjoying fresh air, a good day out and comradeship . An Olympic sport, no matter what level, can’t help but be competitive. So its not too much of a step to suggest that those from the ranges place a strong(er) emphasis on technique, improvement and of course, discipline.

Meanwhile, no one in the field is watching or indeed cares all that much if you hit or miss - with the exception of ‘getting the bag’ too soon which can easily be the difference between four drives or five - cutting short the day and making things awkward all-round. Thankfully such situations are rare.

If however, you feel your shooting hasn’t improved throughout the season, there may be a reason for that. If, like so many others, you pop your gun in the cabinet in February and leave it untouched until the end of summer, as you may have done for years, having carefully choosen your ‘gun for life’, there is every possibility that it may not fit you as well as it did on the day that you bought it.

Confidence in your gunfit reaps rewards

Having a gun that fits is the single best way to improve your shooting. When did you last check yours? It is always worth taking your gun to a professional fitter. They will immediately be able to help you, and a little ‘tweak’ may be all that’s needed. This can reap dividends because as we grow older our eyes change, we change shape, mounts evolve and bad habits creep in, but the best thing about having a gun fitted is the reassurance and subsequent confidence it brings, which is priceless.

Consider it similar to the cursory glance and adjustments regularly needed with rear-view mirrors and the driver’s seat when you get into a car - the same principle applies to guns, although if you’re trying out your neighbour's side-by-side or 20 bore instead of their car, such amendments aren’t so easily made. Placing yourself in the company of a try-gun and a knowledable gunfitter allows safe alterations of guns both old and new.

Gunfit for side-by-sides

Since the rise of over-and-unders for game shooting, it is fair to say shooting styles and the preferences of game shots have changed. This means many older side-by-side guns, which you may fancy as an investment/ second gun or ‘bit of fun’, and that are readily available on the second hand market, are unlikely to fit today’s shooter or suit a modern game shot's shooting style.

Side-by-sides are still popular of course, but the process of transitioning a technique established on a (relatively) modern over-and-under isn’t easy. In many cases, due to the drop, grip style, and length of the stock, it simply isn’t a seamless change and can be downright frustrating. Lets face it, traditional  guns are designed to be beautiful, classy and elegant but the sweeping lines and low combs of the straight-hand stock do make a consistent mount and good fit harder to achieve.

However, significant stock alterations, indeed anything much beyond a re-proof is ill-advised. An adjustable comb on such a piece of history but would solve a great many issues but is impractical and in most cases, sacrilege. 

A side-by-side for over-and-under users

No one can deny the magic of a side-by-side nor the practical shortfalls that face even the most experienced shot. Admirably, Fausti had a go at producing a sporting side-by-side with an adjustable comb. Only two were available in the UK but the Italians continued in their inimitable capacity to create shooting solutions and eventually the ‘Zeus’ was born from within the famous Gardone valley.

Manufactured by the little known RFM Armi (est 1957), the recently released Zeus is the closest you’ll get to a Winchester 23, in fact it surpasses it, thanks to its steel shot proof, fixed 1/4 and 1/2 choke, warrenty and the availability of parts. At first glance it promises to be an entirely traditional side-by-side but is anything but.

RFM Armi Zeus

The Zeus has the remarkable distinction of accurately reflecting the nostalgia, beauty, an inimitable style of a classic side-by-side but is cleverly designed to fit today’s shooter and suit modern shooting styles, with its pistol grip stock and its wider-profile comb. The latter is particularly important, as it allows Premier Guns' in-house gunsmith to fit an adjustable comb.  RFM have broken the barrier between form and fit.

Whilst such an innovation may lack history, this gun is ready for the future - superior steel shot proofed this single trigger beauty allows everyone the opportunity to enjoy a side-by-side experience with no detriment to their performance.

For a chance to try out the RFM Armi Zeus, visit Premier Guns. 

GunsOnPegs readers are entitled to a free gun fit, provided by Premier Guns.