Miroku MK60 Grade 5

As time goes by various shotguns drift in and out of fashion, many shooters falling into the trap of having to have and be seen with the latest 12g. All the while though, whilst the popularity of certain shotguns ebbs and flows, the fact they’ve carved out an unshakable reputation means their hardcore following never abandons them. And so it is with Miroku, one of the most successful makers in existence, their guns over the years having won nearly every title and competition in existence.

Currently it’s the MK38 that rules the roost in both Sporter and Trap forms. Interestingly, it’s the longer, heavier barrelled Trap gun that holds sway amongst the top shots, whilst the gun’s popularity in elegant Grade 5 guise has long been the favourite weapon of driven pheasant shooters. One of the few guns able to bring down the highest flying birds, many a famous drive with birds 80 or more yards above the line has been humbled by a top of the range Miroku.

But before you rush out to buy one of these legendary Japanese shotguns, there is actually an alternative, an all-rounder that is slightly more subtle, a fraction defter in the handling department and a shotgun that even Miroku diehards still need to give a second glance. Still a Miroku and in Grade 5 one of the most elegant of its type, the MK60 really is the shotgun for all seasons and all reasons, and better still, it won’t break the bank.

Timeless

Since the Grade 5 MK60 isn’t accompanied by any accessories its cardboard box time. That said, since it’ll spend its time either in a cabinet or travelling in what I hope would be a substantial leather gunslip befitting the gun, a hard case would, to a degree, be redundant. The moment you start to assemble the MK60 your investment in a Grade 5 becomes obvious, the moons ago Miroku were bell- quality, finish, fit and looks of the superbly grained, gently oiled walnut is a statement in itself.

The game stock, complete with an oval silver escutcheon should you wish to apply your initials, is the perfect size and proportions. A hard plastic buttplate ensures that mounting is drag- and snag-free, whilst the wide but elegantly proportioned grip and Schnabel forend display neat, accurately cut checkering that’s both in keeping with the gun and comfortable on the bare hands. In addition, as a Grade 5 the MK60 also features drop points that feed back from the stock head and into the top of the grip.

Bell Maker

No matter which grade or model of Miroku you pick up, be it a current model or an older example, the aspect that shines are the barrels. Many moons ago Miroku were bell-makers, centuries of these skills seamlessly transferred into their barrel production irrespective of the name stamped just to the front of the top chamber. As near perfect as a monobloc system will ever become, if proof were needed, if you suspend the barrels from your finger courtesy of the lumps and flick another finger nail against either tube, it’ll ring, just as the 32 inch tubes on the test gun exemplified.

Joined together by a solid mid-rib and a stippled 7mm top rib, to ensure visual alignment the white lozenge front bead is complemented by a small white pip located at half distance between muzzles and action. The idea behind this is that when the shooter sees an inverted ‘8’, gun, muzzles, head and eyes are all looking exactly where they should.

Besides the quality of the walnut, the overriding aspect of any Grade 5 Miroku is the action and this MK60 is no exception. Acid-etched, every external surface of the boxlock action from the sides, floor, fences, trigger guard, top-tang, top lever, auto safety and forend latch positively ache with Rose & Scroll ornamentation. Add in the fact that its features the inertia trapdoor – one of Browning’s most successful designs – and it should come as no surprise as to why these Mirokus have stood the test of time and literally millions of rounds.

More Game Than Clay

Given the fact the MK60 has remained the same for years typifying the ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ ethos, everything about it is exactly as it should be. Total length is 49 7/8 inches with a weight of 7lbs 8oz and a balance point directly beneath the hinges. Drops at comb and heel are a fast aligning 1 11/32 inches and 2 1/16 inches with a 14 15/16 inch length of pull to the average breaking of 5lbs 6oz trigger. The unusual aspect of the MK60 is that although it’s considered an all-rounder the configuration is for it to shoot high to aim, a fact the Arrow Laser Shot was more than able to confirm.

Definitely game-orientated, although it’s more than capable as a clay breaker, it’s understandable as to why pheasant, duck and partridge shooters tend to favour this particular Miroku. In other words, the gun is able to dial in that all important fraction of extra lead on those fast driven targets. So with this in mind I elected to chamber up with two different Eley VIP loads: the 28g Sporting clay breakers and 36g Game. I also added in some Grand Prix 32g just for good measure, all of them exiting the muzzles through the fixed 3⁄4 and 1⁄4 classic game restrictions.

To shoot, just like every other Miroku I’ve ever shot with, the Grade 5 MK60 was a pleasure to use both visually and in action. The weight ensures the gun remains controlled and graceful, nothing hurried or rushed. It swings with far greater ease than you might at first think; perceived recoil even with the heavier loads is negligible, everything about shooting the Miroku repeatable and familiar. And once I’d worked out just how far below I needed to be on crossing targets, clays broke, crows fell from the sky and two members of the grey furry hoards were sent to the next world.

Conclusion

After reacquainting myself with the Grade 5 MK60, I can once again fully appreciate as to why these shotguns have never really fallen out of favour. True, for whatever reason you tend not to see a lot of them, unusual given how well they sell, owners knowing full-well that their MK60 is their ‘go to gun’ no matter what they’re shooting.

The other undeniable feature is that these 12-bores are excellent value for money. Only available with 32 inch barrels in 12g or 30 inch if you prefer a 20g, either Grade 5 MK60 will set you back a mere £2625. Alternatively, if you’re happy with a Grade 1 12g version, the 28 inch or 32 inch both cost an identical £1394. But whilst there’s nothing whatsoever wrong with the basic grades, once you’ve seen and handled the top end model, you’ll want one.

As I’ve already commented, I’ve shot nearly every version of Miroku ever made in all three grades, plus one or two that were even more special. But it’s still the Grade 5 that impresses irrespective of the fact they’ve been around for quite a while. Part of the pleasure of a day’s game shooting is the etiquette that goes with it and the fact that most shooters like to own or at times borrow a nice shotgun from a close friend. But with a Miroku MK60 Grade 5 in your gunslip, you just know it’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with any other shotgun and that it’ll measure up to the job even if you don’t.

PRICE: SRP £2625
CONTACT: International Sports Brands 01235 514 550 www.browningint.com