Bettinsoli Super Sport II

It’s over two years ago that I tried out Bettinsoli’s new Super Sport, a competition 12-  bore that defied market strategies. Namely, it cost a fraction of the price of the guns it was up against, yet offered the budget minded clay shooter one of the most comprehensive packages they could possibly find, and lastly, once you’d tuned yourself into exactly how it worked, it shot like a dream.

Open & Shut Case

The first thing to hit you is that the original Super Sport’s nicely lined case has gone,  to be replaced with a more familiar impact plastic job no different to anyone else’s. That said the inventory of accessories is just as comprehensive; a full set of shiny choke tubes, an optional recoil pad and compatible red screwdriver. The other aspect that catches your eye before you’ve even lay hands on the shotgun is that the new action has gained some serious new curves.

Though obviously attempting to take on the big boys at an even higher level, the engraving remains relatively similar. Scrolls and acanthus leaves adorn almost the entire action, deep heavy fences have now made an appearance along with a frightful gold clay just forward of the trigger guard. Adding those all important upmarket looks and setting it apart from its immediate predecessor, the new detailing will appeal greatly to the first time buyer, offering distinct individuality compared to other 12- bores in the price range. One carry over though is the fretwork top lever; I didn’t like it before and I still don’t. Although it looks attractive it hurts the thumb after continual usage.

Butts and Barrels 

The well sized semi-pistol grip stock and Anson latched Schnable forend were well figured, with wood to metal fit being exactly as it should be. There’s well cut comfortable diamond chequering, with the optional thicker recoil pad allowing the user to tailor stock length to their exact requirement in a matter of moments. Well struck as always, the 30” barrels, or 30 3/8th if you include the extended chokes, boast 3” chambers plus vented mid and 7 -10mm tapering top ribs. Equally the muzzle is topped off with a bright green high visibility bead, one of the most useful I’ve encountered on any shotgun - expensive or otherwise.

Keep It Wide

From past experience with Bettinsolis; the one overriding aspect is that they tend to under-bore their barrels. The upside is you can go with wider chokes than usual whilst shot acceleration is increased. The theoretical downside is that any tightly bored shotgun will tend to kick slightly more. Not so the new Supersport; just as before Bettinsoli having dialled out all the negative effects of this sort of barrel technology.

Around Coniston SG’s Skeet, Compak, ESP and DTL layouts, and loaded up with a selection of Express Supremes and World Cups, the Supersport delivered the results by the spade full. No vices, neutral handling and an evenly distributed 8lbs 4oz weight equals no surprises apart from an outstanding ability to perform. Similarly with a length of pull of 14½” coupled with a drop at comb and heel of 15/16” and 2”, Bettinsoli’s dimensional calculations should allow virtually anyone to find the Supersport comfortable.

If there was a negative it was that the gun remained resolutely stiff to both open and close even after 300-rounds, plus an overly mechanical feel. Likewise, even though the trigger pull on both barrels remained a constant 6lbs it still maintained a definite click at the moment of release. Although neither is detrimental either individually or as a whole, a little more refinement in these areas would improve matters considerably.

New For Old

Technically the Supersport Mk II has advanced the general model appreciably, the steel proofing, choke threading and recoil pads all significantly enhancing this new Bettinsoli’s versatility. Intended equally as a 12-bore for the beginner or for those who don’t wish to throw a small fortune at clay shooting, the new gun happily continues the tradition of what went before.

Slightly under-bored and with enhanced multi-chokes the Mk II is a near ideal tool to educate the learner into the world of chokes and their selection. Equally, as a complete package it once again represents excellent value for money, as performance is considerably in advance of its intended market segment. Practical aspects aside and looking at it from an aesthetic perspective; I prefer the delicacy of the original. The new Supersport is very well executed in every aspect although the ghastly gold clay on the base of the action has to go.

Performance wise; once again the new Bettinsoli is an out and out winner, with not a single target or discipline outside of its 12-bore remit. Pound for pound, apart from minor decorative gripes, I can’t fault this gun, my own personal results verifying its undisputable abilities. In the hands of either a novice or an experienced clay breaker, Bettinsoli’s new Supersport Mk II will reward both their scores and their wallets to a degree that I defy anyone who picks up one not to post a good score.

We Reckon!

• Still one of the best value O/U’s on the market
• Shoots and handles like a gun costing twice as much, if not more
• In most respects a significant step forward

PRICE: £825