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Lincoln 20-bore Elite

Lincoln 20-bore Elite

Stored safely away in one of my gun cabinets is the very first shotgun I actually bought myself, a now, 40-year old Lincoln 12-bore that’s more than stood the test of time and proved itself totally reliable. So when new importers John Rothery asked if I’d like to take a look at the new Lincoln Elite 20-bore, I jumped at the chance. Named after the city of Lincoln, these value for money guns are actually produced in Italy by Isidoro Rizzini to a distinctly English format. This mixture has given them an enduring appeal and one that’s set to continue if this new model is anything to go by.

Everything Included

Supplied in a basic plastic car case, everything you require is contained within, with room for some extras too. But unlike many 20-bores what sets Lincoln’s Elite apart is that it comes with a full set of flush-fit multi-chokes. A feature usually reserved for far more expensive sub-gauges and a feature that significantly increases the gun’s versatility. Add to this the Elite’s instant elegance even before you’ve lifted it from the case and this Lincoln impresses even before you’ve assembled it.

Deep, lustrous and well grained, the Lincoln’s woodwork has been designed to withstand the rigours of numerous seasons. Finished in what Rothery’s describe as FX-Wood oil with Scottish chequering, the walnut sporter stock and Schnable forend are dark and rich in appearance. Whilst the quilted-style chequering add a distinctly different appearance from the norm.

Where the 20-bore Elite scores in respect of the furniture is although it may initially appear somewhat diminutive, it’s still full sized, a length of pull set at 14½” emphasizing the point. Similarly, the stock offers drops at comb and heel of 1 3/8” and 2 ¼” meaning anyone from a teenager to a fully grown adult should find this Lincoln fits them quite well even when wearing game orientated attire.

Tried and Tested  

Anyone familiar with Lincolns or basic Italian over & unders will instantly recognise the tried and tested under-bolt, Rizzini boxlock action the Elite employs. Ornate on the outside with stippled fences the bright finish is offset with heavy scroll work around the hinges with contrasting gold inlaid game birds and country landscapes. This precious metal effect continues too the fixed, well-proportioned trigger blade whilst the fretwork top lever, auto safety and barrel selector also have the brighter action influences.

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Equally, the gloss black 28” monobloc barrels complete with a solid mid and vented 5mm top rib are well struck, and are finished with an engineering effect running either side of the 2¾” chambers and ejectors. Combined together the Elite’s aesthetics are of a game gun costing considerably more than the £1,125 asking price, Lincoln once again achieving their rare combination of economy with style.   

Overhead Success

Initial observations indicated that the Elite would shoot rather high to aim making it an ideal shotgun for both driven and going away birds. My own personal view down onto the rib meant that the gun would add at least another foot or so to the forward lead I naturally give inbound or outbound birds. Similarly, loaded up with Express Special 20’s filled with 25grams of 6’s, the classic ¾ and ¼ chokes were fitted and proved to be most effective around 50 of Rishton SG’s sporting targets. 

Tipping the scales at an exact 6lbs 2oz the one feature you have to be careful of is pulling through the target too quickly, the gun’s point of balance is exactly underneath the hinges. On fast pairs of birds this is a definite advantage, the Elite’s muzzles switching almost instantaneously between clays, the inertia trigger breaking at a fraction over 6lbs, both barrels detonated almost a fast at the thought process required. Where this Lincoln’s slightly high to aim traits does cause an initial problem is on crossing targets, the amount of lead required being compounded by exactly how far below you have to hold the muzzles. Between shots, the ejectors are strong and well timed although the top lever and safety were both noticeably stiff in operation, something that should ease with use. 

The positive side of this is that the shooter never needs lose sight of the bird, whilst the tightening of the chokes also allows for shots to be taken at distances many shooters may consider too far for comfort. As with any new shotgun, once the familiarisation process has had time to take effect, Lincoln’s new Elite suddenly becomes an extremely effective game gun, whilst being none to shabby around the layouts.

Worthy Of Note

It’s a safe bet that Lincoln’s new Elite 20-bore will attract a diverse selection of potential buyers. For those wanting to try this gauge for the first time or trade down to a lighter weight shotgun the Elite is a serious contender. Likewise, as the next step for a child or lady looking for something both brand new, slightly different from the rest and decent value for money, then once again, the Elite 20 has got to be somewhere near the top of the list.

Apart from the fact it took me a little while to establish shot climb on crossing birds and the ideal choke combination, once both had been determined the Elite became most enjoyable to shoot. Every shotgun’s foibles need to be investigated before competent results can be expected! Whilst others may find it takes two or three visits to the clay ground, once you’ve got under the Elite’s skin, you’ll be well on your way to forming a lasting friendship with this rather nice little shotgun. 

We Reckon:
• Great value for money
• Ideal for all the family
• Mustard on driven birds

PRICE: £1,125 srp (as tested)

  • Lincoln 20-bore Elite - image {image:count}

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  • Lincoln 20-bore Elite - image {image:count}

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  • Lincoln 20-bore Elite - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Lincoln 20-bore Elite - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Lincoln 20-bore Elite - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Lincoln 20-bore Elite - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Lincoln 20-bore Elite - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Name: Lincoln Elite
  • Calibre: 20-bore
  • Barrels: 28”
  • Action: Break barrel boxlock
  • Stock: Sporter
  • Weight: 6lbs 2oz
  • Chokes: Flush – fit multi
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