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Guerini Summit Limited Trap

Guerini Summit Limited Trap

Guerini are a relatively new kid on the block, but I have been consistently impressed with their products which are imported by Guerini UK - a partnership of businessman Mike Mansfield and trap shooter and ex-Olympian, Kevin Gill. I think it would be fair to say that since Mike and Kevin started bringing in Guerini guns business has been brisk. I have shot a dozen or more guns from the range and none has proven to be a dud. At the moment, I am using a 32” 20bore Essex model for some of my game shooting with good result (and I have a pair of 32” 28 barrels for the same gun – which I will be writing up shortly).

On to the test gun. It is a Summit Limited trap model in 12 bore with an English style Down the Line stock - not unlike that on a Browning B25 (the gun is also available with a more continental stock style intended for international disciplines). The gun has a colour case hardened action (the essential feature of the ‘Limited’ model) but a grey action is also available. The 30” barrels have fixed chokes - the classic trap combination of three-quarters and full. There is a multi-choke option for those that want it, not to mention 32” tubes.

On The Test Bench

The basic design of the gun is not revolutionary, but the way it is made by CNC in a most modern factory is another matter. A number of Brescian makers make similar over and under guns, much as Birmingham makers used to turn out various guns based on the Anson and Deeley side by side mechanism. This design - which has been significantly refined in the last ten years - has bifurcated lumps, but combines them with a Browning style bolting mechanism. B.Rizzini, Fausti, Franchi (owned by Beretta since the 1990s), Sabatti and a number of others make something similar. BUT, where the Guerinis really score is that the styling and finish of their guns is truly extraordinary at the price point. Few firms offer better value in my opinion, or better styling, though the test gun is not their most decorated offering; it is a rather more puritan beast designed with one task in mind - breaking clays!

Positive impressions of this Guerini are not dispelled when it is mounted. The Summit feels comfortable, secure and pointable in the shoulder - all important qualities for a trap gun. There is also something else I like about the gun - the weight distribution. It has a neutral feel to it which is just the ticket for a serious clay busting machine.

Time to get the magnifying glass out! The barrels are monobloc - what else? It is well put together and has fixed chokes as noted. I would tell you the weight but cannot read my own notes (but they were not heavy). Bore dimensions were quite tight at 18.4 and 18.4mm top and bottom (these are still the standard Italian dimensions - my reference would be for 18.5 or 6). The forcing cones in front of the 2 3/4 chambers were relatively short (though the Guerini catalogue notes longer ones as an option).

It was also notable that the barrels, though quite light for length, had joining ribs that extended their full length; I prefer this to the modern habit of trying to lose weight by dispensing with joining ribs under the forend.

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The barrels have ventilated joining ribs and a ventilated, flat, 10mm top rib. The rib presents a good picture to the eye, it was well finished on its top surface and perfectly flat with well braised bridges (by no means a rule with less costly guns).

We have already discussed the action type. The Browning style bolting mechanism results in a deeper profile that a Beretta or Boss type. This can sometimes be an issue, but somehow, Guerini have managed to style the action body so that it does not look anything less than svelte. The quality of finish is excellent as well. Everything works as it should. The trigger mechanism is inertia operated as in most modern guns. Pulls were good, even though coil springs power the hammers in the action (V springs have been abandoned by mass manufacturers generally speaking, though it is nice to seem them in the new Italian made Webley 700 side by side models). 

The Guerini’s stock suited me well too. It has pretty standard drop measurements - 1 3/8” at comb and 1 7/8” at heel. Like most Guerini guns that I have played with, the grip seemed well designed. I like a grip to fill the hand and to be relatively even in depth. As noted earlier, the style of trap stock on this gun is not unlike that on a Browning, the international style stock which Guerini offer is more bulbous in pattern and a little higher in the comb. It was relatively even in depth as is my preference. Comb height is a major issue in trap shooting in my experience - it is always the most important gunfit dimension. I prefer to have a DTL stock only a little higher than a sporter,
but for disciplines like ABT and Olympic, I prefer a stock that is significantly higher (usually about 1/8” at face/middle). My experience of OT is not great, but I have found it much easier with the high gun.

Finish on the woodwork was good with practical chequering and thumb grooves at the top on both sides of the beaver-tail style forend. There was a button style release catch at the front.  The wood was, however, a bit light in colour and might have been stained down. Apart from the red rubber, ventilated, recoil pad (replaced in the latest models) I liked the stock a lot.

Shooting Impressions

This was a very good gun to shoot. In fact it shot effortlessly. Kevin Gill who was with me on the test also noted this; I don’t recall that either of us missed much - if anything - in the 50 or so shots we put through the gun. Recoil control was good, the stock was practical.

I can’t say much more - this is a well made, well priced guns. There is no doubt that you could win competitions with it and it looks quite smart too. If I was in the market for a trap gun I would give it very serious consideration, especially as it shoots as well as guns costing a lot more.

PRICE: £1675

  • Guerini Summit Limited Trap - image {image:count}

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  • Guerini Summit Limited Trap - image {image:count}

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  • Guerini Summit Limited Trap - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Guerini Summit Limited Trap - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Guerini Summit Limited Trap - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Guerini Summit Limited Trap - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Guerini Summit Limited Trap - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Guerini Summit Limited Trap - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Guerini Summit Limited Trap - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Model: Guerini Summit Limited Trap model
  • Bore: 12
  • Barrels: 30” (32” option)
  • Action type: Bifurcated lump, Browning bolted over and under
  • Chamber: 2 ¾” (70mm)
  • Chokes: Fixed - three-quarters and full
  • Weight: About 8lbs
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