A couple of years ago we published an article entitled “Is the side-by-side doomed”, following the revelation in that year’s Game Shooting Census that three quarters of Guns use an over and under for their game shooting. The article noted that most people, when visiting a clay ground for the first time, are most likely to have an over-and-under put in their hands, and consequently when it comes to the time to buy a gun, an O/U is likely to be their choice. Couple this with the rise of extreme high bird shooting, which modern over and unders are better for, so says the received wisdom, and the result is that the traditional side-by-side has become a far less common sight in the shooting field.
Blending modernity and tradition
However, there are still plenty of people out there who use a SXS - 25% according to the 2019 Game Shooting Census. William Powell felt that this was a market that is currently underserved, particularly in the light of the proposed phase out of lead shot. With this in mind they have created two new guns that aim to satisfy a demand for a new generation of side-by-sides, one that was built for the future of shooting - suitable for high bird shooting and high performance steel cartridges, all at a reasonable price. As the owner of an oldish, non-steel proofed Spanish side-by-side, it would be fair to say that I’m very much the target market for these guns - so I’m excited to give them a bit of a fieldtest as soon as Covid-19 permits, but in the meantime, let’s take a look at them.
Following the closure of William Powell’s former manufacturing partner Arrieta, these guns are manufactured by Rizzini, who also make William Powell’s over and unders.
The Viscount - sidelock side by side - £10,995 inc VAT
While being billed as ‘side-by-sides for the future’ there’s nothing futuristic about the design, which will please you if, like me, one of the reasons you like a SXS is the old-school look. The locks and underside of the action are decorated with traditional fine rose and scroll engraving, while the coin finish of this gun contrasts with the nicely figured grade 3 walnut stock.
However, ‘under the hood’ the gun’s modernity comes to the fore. The Viscount is engineered using the latest technology, and the 12 and 20 bore versions are fully steel shot proofed (up to ½ choke), and has been designed to handle the heavier loads needed for high birds with either lead or steel shot.
Available in 12, 16 or 20 bore and with a choice of 28, 29, 30 or 32 inch barrels, there is a long list of extras: carved tear-drops in the stock, coin finished furnishings, elongated trigger tang, and finest hand chequering, and each gun is customisable in terms of the tightness of the fixed chokes or optional multi-chokes, single or double triggers, and the stock style.
The Sovereign - sideplated boxlock - £4,995 inc VAT
As with the Viscount, the Sovereign’s looks are inspired by classic English style, with deep-cut scroll engraving and an oil-finished straight hand walnut stock. It is a lovely looking gun, and looks far more expensive than the price tag suggests: at just under five thousand pounds, this is cheaper than any AYA. Also in line with the Viscount, the gun is made using modern high tech machines and techniques, and boasts high performance steel shot proofed barrels and has been designed to cope with the recoil from heavy loads.
The Sovereign is available in 12 or 20 bore and with a choice of 28, 29, 30 or 32 inch barrels. Off the shelf the Sovereign comes with fixed chokes of ½ and ½, and is steel shot proofed with 3-inch chambers as standard. A 16 bore model is available with 2 ¾” chambers and is not steel shot proofed. You can customise the gun to your requirements, choosing multi-chokes, single triggers and a variety of stock grips (straight hand, semi pistol grip).
Made to measure
All Viscounts are made to measure included in the standard price, and a gun-fitting is included to ensure that the measurements are spot on. Similarly, for an additional £750 there is a ‘made-to-measure’ option with the Sovereign, with customers able to supply their own measurements or attend a fitting at William Powell. The guns both come with a lockable ABS travel case.
All in all, both of these guns look to be a great option for anyone with a hankering for an old-school gun with modern capabilities - they blend the best of a traditional side-by-sided with modern production techniques and performance, and both price well against the most popular alternatives, and extremely well against English side-by-sides. As soon as unlockdown allows we hope to get out to a clay ground and have a go with them - keep an eye out for the report!
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