Increasing the effective killing range of a 12 bore shotgun has been the Holy Grail of Gunmakers for the past 200 years.
Throughout this period the shotgun has changed considerably: muzzle loading to breach loading centre-fire, black powder to nitro powders, the invention of choke along with a better understanding of internal bore size have all played a significant role in improving killing range.
Effective range
So I have to raise the question: with these developments to the ballistic capabilities, how much has the killing range been increased? Definitely a question for the more educated and scientific types, but my more practical background and personal experience would suggest that it’s no further than 20 yards.
And all this achieved with one constant that has never been bettered, improved or changed: lead shot.
I’m not about to enter in to that debate, other than to address the elephant in the room. We all have to acknowledge that the use of currently available non-toxic ammunition will scientifically have a detrimental effect on killing range.
Accepting this forces us to take a totally different view of gun choice when reaching for those “Archangels” of the West Country, Wales and the North.
A high bird shotgun built for steel
William Powell has been ahead of the game when it comes to the development of guns for use with non-toxic ammunition. Working with Battista Rizzini in Italy their whole range are proofed for use with High Performance Steel ammunition.
The new and improved William Powell Prestige MK2 takes high bird gun design to a new level. The gun is available in 12 bore only, and as you would expect, it has a 76mm (3”) chambered and proofed for use with High Performance steel shot.
Strength and oomph
In practical terms this means the gun is exceptionally strong and capable of dealing with the extreme pressures produced by modern High Performance steel cartridges.
The barrel wall thickness are an even 1mm thick (40 thou. in imperial). Internally the bore diameter is tight at 18.4, an exceptional design as this will prevent steel pellets from piercing through the “finials” used on most modern steel shot wads and avoid barrel scoring.
The 30" barrels on the test gun are fixed choked at half and half and this would be my preference over a multi-choke system, although this is an option. The constriction of the fixed choke is long, starting at 10 cm from the muzzle, this gives a very gradual tapered choke, ideal for use with non-toxic ammunition.
It’s not just the barrels that are strong. The action is of Boss/Perazzi type with Bifurcated Lump locking system and trigger plate action with coil springs. William Powell have further simplified the action by designing a new non detachable single non-selective trigger unit, the aim being to increase reliability and strength of the gun.
Build quality
The quality of the stocking on the gun was exceptional, reflecting the superb machining capabilities of Rizzini. On the negative side the pistol grip radius was too great for my hand along with its large palm swell. Overall the stock was very thick at the comb and the shape lacked the finesse I would have liked to see from a gun bearing a British gunmaker's name. That being said, all of the William Powell range can be made to your measurements so this will be taken into account when fitting your gun.
Aesthetically, the gun is very pleasing to the eye. The deep relief scroll work by artisan engraving house Bottega Giovanelli works well across all parts of the gun. The wood has a dark back colour and tight grain, it’s attractive but more importantly will be strong. The chequering quality is exceptional and overall finish is a light glossy oil that looks very durable.
Field Testing the William Powell Prestige MK2
When testing the gun I focused on driven targets and used the new 32g Lyalvale Express High Performance Steel with “Green Core” wad. At this point you realise why the Prestige MK2 needs to weigh 8lb 10 oz.
The recoil was significant but soaked up to a bearable level by the guns overall heft. Honestly this gun in a 32” barrel and overall weight around 9lb would be my choice, and more comfortable when using this type of ammunition.
The handling characteristics are that of a thoroughbred target gun, slow precise and steady. The extremely high comb allowed for good visibility of the target even at extreme range and the sight picture from the tapered rib gave confidence.
Operationally the gun worked perfectly and was silky smooth on opening and closing. Ejection was strong even when the gun got hot and the safety catch operated with a comforting click when moved to the firing position.
The “Prestige MK2” has a starting price of £9,250 and represents good value in comparison to its better-known competitors.
Overall, it was easy to be critical of this gun's design but the whole point of the “Prestige II” is it can be your design. The totally bespoke nature of the gun, backed up with knowledge and experience from the William Powell team will allow you to build your perfect high bird gun.
Star Rating Score (out of 5) and Comments
Action/Barrels: **** Great to see a fixed choke option even with HP Steel Proof
Handling *** Felt cumbersome and needed weight in stock
Trigger **** Very crisp, I liked the simplified non selective option
Stock *** Palm swells will not suit all but other options are available
Value **** A lot of gun for the money
Overall **** A great high bird gun that can be made to measure.
Need to know
Make: William Powell
Model: PrestigeII
Calibre: 12 bore only
Barrels: 30” but also available as 32”
Chamber: 3” (76mm)
Chokes: Fixed ½ & ½
Rib: Vented mid rib, solid top rib, tapered
Grip: Full Pistol with palm swell
Weight: 8lb 10 oz
Retailer: William Powell
Price: £9250 inc vat
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