Midland Demon Mk II

Unlike other old English gun making names that have made a return to the dealer’s shelves, the new Midland Gun Company (MGC) makes no deluded claims in respect of historical links to what went before. That said, the original Midland guns offered good, basic value for money, something that their new products maintain. In keeping with this, the price structure for their current semi-auto means buyers have three set amounts; £525 for the walnut, £499 for synthetic camouflage and £435 for the black synthetic model seen here. Where the Demons differ is that once you’ve decided on the finish, the price remains the same irrespective of whether you decide on 28” or 30” barrels or 12 or 20 – bore.

Same But Different

Manufactured by Kral of Turkey, the MGC is still overseen by Jonathan Williams from Mid Wales SG but now distributed by Range Right. But whilst certain aspects have changed the overriding impression is that you’ve seen the receiver somewhere before, the chassis being identical to another well – known Turkish make just down the road from Kral. Being synthetic all the furniture is matte black as is the anodising of the barrel, receiver, trigger blade and guard. The only splash of colour if you could call it that is the bright yellow of the high visibility sighting bead. Even the slightly smaller than usual shell lifter is black although this along with the bolt release and the bolt itself are gloss in finish. 

Bond & Bywater’s weekly summer shoot as always provided some excellent sporting targets, more than in keeping with the Demon’s metier. Chambering up with a selection of Express Supreme Competition and Game along with World Cup fibres, a couple of the Demon II’s foibles became most apparent. Most noticeable is the slight lack of action timing, which results in the case starting to eject while there is still some residual pressure in the chamber. The result - a bolt that clatters, plus some seriously spectacular flame-outs from the ejection port. 

So impressive were some of these pyrotechnics I almost missed the pistol grip cap falling off and the 7lbs 1oz weighted trigger group pin sliding out. What didn’t escape my attention was the sudden looseness of the stock. All that was required was the pin hammering back and the removal of the soft recoil pad plus the service of a large impact wrench and problems solved. However, once these small difficulties were either solved or over looked the outcome was surprisingly interesting.

The Demon II can shoot and well too and is comfortable and remarkably efficient. Although the stock is on the short side offering a length of pull of just 14 7/16th the 1½”drop at comb and 2 7/16th at the heel allows for a more or less perfect view along the 6mm, cross-cut vented rib. Combine this with a balance point directly beneath the 3” magnum chamber, the 28” barrel and a weight of 6lbs 6oz and you have a semi with an ideally placed point of inertia and ability to move whilst the Demon’s excellent ability to pattern allows for ¼ choke on all but the most distant of targets.

One area where the new Demon II does impress is in the quality of the moulded chequering and stock angles. Well finished, it’s both soft yet positive, whilst someone somewhere has taken note of the human form. Gradually progressive, the pistol grip arcs gradually down below the nose of the comb. This provides the hand and wrist with a comfortable hold, the position allowing the user to rotate their wrist with the gun, not against it.

Good At Heart

If further proof of the Demon II’s abilities were needed, the day prior to its return, I claimed a silver medal in one of my local sporting competitions, just eight birds away. This gun gets itself onto birds with what verges on an enjoyable readiness, proof you don’t have to spend thousands to own a shotgun that is keen to reward.

I’ll be perfectly honest and say I personally can’t see what the difference is between the original Mk I and new MkII, apart from the new flush chokes and the lack of a soft travel case. In fact, like many other so called improved versions, I preferred the earlier model. Where the new Demon II semi sets itself apart is in both the price structure and the fact that both the synthetic models get the shooter on the foreshore, attacking vermin or out and about the clay ground for less than five hundred quid. Likewise, the walnut version once again provides woodwork of a grade the rest would charge at least twice as much for.

OK this particular gun had a few faults. That said and knowing the Midland Gun Company as I do, if I’d bought this example it would have been exchanged or rectified without question. On the plus side, I can’t especially fault the Demon II’s capabilities, placing, as it does the lead exactly where needed. All in all, if you’re looking for a work-a-day semi in either of the useful gauges, give the new Demon II the once over.

We Reckon!

• Like its predecessor the new Demon is sensible value for money
• In synthetic guise you’ll get yourself a good, all-rounder
• Even if you do encounter any faults, they’ll get sorted ASAP

PRICE: £435