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Perazzi MXS Double Test

Perazzi MXS Double Test

Up to date there have been one or two comments surrounding the fact that Perazzi have introduced a reduced specification 12g: is it in order to capitalise on the name? Or chase shooters who may not be in the position to purchase one of their more expensive competition shotguns? In many ways the latter is correct; a genuine Perazzi for £5000 being enough of a temptation for many shooters to now be able to consider potential ownership of a new Perazzi shotgun. Equally, though, whilst many buyers might have until now worked on the theory that a used Perazzi is the only viable way to go, or one of the alternative brands is about the only way they’re likely to own a top-end Italian shotgun, Perazzi’s well-timed introduction of the MXS could well be the answer to other brand purchases.

As to whether the MXS is a deleted option Perazzi, the answer is no, no matter what some others might have to say on the subject. Reason being that the MXS is, for want of a better term, an updated, reworked version of the earlier MX5, a 12g Perazzi introduced back in 1985 and one that was replaced a few years later. Let’s face it, ‘MX5’ and ‘MXS’ aren’t visually that far apart, the basic concept of the first gun lending itself to the incarnation of the second model. The end result is a shotgun that isn’t a budget version; it’s that the design and execution of the MXS and the rounded boxlock action allows Perazzi to offer an alternative to their existing, more costly to produce Boss action shotguns.

Two Into One

The other aspect that allows Perazzi to keep the price of their new MXS competitive is the reduced list of options. To that end, buyers can choose from a silvered nickel or black action, 30- or 32-inch fixed choke barrels, two different stocks and two grades of walnut. Add in the fact that the MXS is built in batches instead of the more familiar bespoke method, and you can now work out for yourself as to why the price is significantly less than the usual entry level models. What you have to remember though is that whilst the MXS is different from its more famous and costly siblings, the gun remains every inch and every ounce a Perazzi.

Unusually, UK importers RUAG UK were able to send what was ostensibly the fully range of MXS for evaluation, namely a black action 30-inch with one stock dimension and a nickel actioned 32-inch model with the alternative stock profile. As supplied both MXS’s were fitted with what’s referred to as SC2 walnut or, to put it another way, the better, classier furniture. Although the SC2 woodwork adds an extra £500 to the asking price, my recommendation is that you spend that little bit more and go for the better quality and finished wood. Granted it’s the number of clays you break that count and not what your 12g looks like, but if you’ve taken the decision to buy a Perazzi, then a few quid extra will make all the difference.

Irrespective of which lacquered stock has been fitted, both of them are true, fully sized Sporters. Both feature Perazzi’s soft rubber recoil pad and a good rounded comb that feeds into a hand filling grip and broad stock head that features the familiar Perazzi profile. Unusually, the MXS grip only incorporates a small palm swell which keeps the rear hand locked into place without the usual immovable sensation of a large swell.

Forend wise, all the MXS come with a slim semi-Beaver style design, the thumb grooves complemented by two panels of fine point checkering that echoes that of the grip. Grippy yet still soft to the hand, when wearing gloves, like I always do, the traction (even with a gentle grasp) is positive and reassuring.

Inch Perfect

Unusually the monobloc barrel lengths are 30- or 32-inches, both of which swage into 3-inch chambers. The feature that makes the barrel sets slightly different to the norm is that they are measured in inches. For years Perazzi have always produced their barrels in metric lengths, two of the best known being the 750mm / 291⁄2-inch or 812mm / 32-inch tubes, but its how many Italian and European competition Perazzi shooters like their shotgun barrels to be designated. Equally, it’s also been something that has set Perazzi apart from the rest, adding that unique something to the mix.

Featuring a 7-10mm tapering cross-cut low stanchion vented top-rib with a matching vent size mid-rib, the main difference between the barrels on review were that the shorter barrels were fitted with a small Perazzi- style white bead, the longer versions a squared section high-visibility orange bead. As to whether there’s a choice, I couldn’t say, but if you want to remain Perazzi, I suggest you opt for the white version. Beneath the beads are of course the muzzles that in true style are fixed chokes that, with my basic gauge, measured Full and 1⁄2, although there is the option of the gun being fitted with either factory or Teague multi chokes.

Whilst both MXS shot well with the fixed chokes, the multi system will allow for personal settings, and although both types of multi-chokes work well, remember that factory chokes need fitting during the production process whilst the gun can be converted over to Teagues at any time. For myself I’d go for factory tubes – past experience tells me that Perazzi’s own short, flush-fit chokes throw an excellent pattern. However, the choice as always is down to you.

Black and Silver

Besides the length of the barrels, potential owners also have the choice of steel inertia action finishes. Both identically decorated with ‘Perazzi’ and ‘MXS’ embossed into both sides and the bottom, black or nickel silver are the two options, the colour extending along the top tang although the long top-lever, broad manual safety, trigger-guard and non- adjustable (and in the case of the MXS non-detachable) coil spring driven trigger are black irrespective of action finish.

With the same overall dimensions as the more familiar Perazzi actions, the main difference is that the familiar side wedges that locate the barrels as the other guns close don’t exist. Instead, as the MXS closes and the two chamber extensions locate within the standing breech, the familiar locking bolt or bar extends from the face of the action and locates within the bites situated either side of the lower chamber; whilst it all might sound complicated it’s a simpler locking design that’s worked well for years.

Main Difference

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Apart from barrel lengths, something that applies in the main to most shotguns, it’s the MXS stocks that offer the shooter the main differences. Initially, in weight the two guns are 2oz apart mainly due to the 2-inch overall difference. The 30-inch barrel option weighs in at 8lbs 2oz increasing to 8lbs 4oz for the 32-inch, with overall lengths of 471⁄4-inches and 491⁄4-inches respectively, although the balance points remain directly beneath the hinges on both. Similarly, length of pull on both guns is identical at 14 13/16-inches with, as might be expected, a trigger break weight of 5lbs 4oz. Perazzi triggers in feel, weight and deployment are still the benchmark for all others to try an attain.

Visually the stocks are identical, but it’s when they’re measured for their drops at comb and heel that the differences become apparent. Ignoring the metric numbers and translating the readings into good old English, or figures most of us still understand, the two measurements are 1 3/8-inches and 1 7/8-inches or 1 13/32-inches and 2 1/16-inches, the drop at heel the most significant.

Take Your Pick

Inviting my friend, Andi Woods, to participate in the test, a few minutes with the Arrow Laser Shot confirmed our initial thoughts that the stock on the 30-inch gun suited me, the view flat more than the 32-inch gun’s stock that gave a slightly high attitude. But for Andi the reverse was the case, reason being that Andi shoots with a 32-inch trap gun no matter what the target.

Setting aside a case of fibrewad 28g Eley VIP Sporting cartridges to ensure the testing was as level a playing field as possible, it soon became apparent that the stock dimensions seemed to make little or no difference. Swapping and changing during each stand, as we made our way around a suitably varied sporting layout, with the clays flying, the natural reaction for both of us to get our heads down on the comb resulted in a combined conclusion that either stock would actually suit the both of us and that we could shoot equally well with each.

As expected the flat shooting 30-inch gun shot as expected, whilst from my point of view the high attitude of the 32- inch gun was quickly and easily worked out; the same for Andi but in reverse. The deduction therefore was and is: if you’re thinking of buying an MXS, try both. Where Andi and I were undecided, you might well find that one stock dimension makes considerably more difference due in the main to the fact your style of shooting may well be significantly different to ours.

Inch Perfect

The physicalities we both agreed on were that both MXS shot, handled, balanced and felt exactly like a Perazzi should. The trigger is excellent, the ejectors are strong and perfectly timed, both guns drift effortlessly to the shoulder, the stock head angles are excellent, recoil is negligible – to a degree you could shoot an MXS all day long without any form of fatigue setting in – and that the MXS is more than worthy of carrying the Perazzi name. Everything is measured, nothing is hurried, the MXS made even fast birds a more relaxing experience but where we also agreed was in barrel length selection.

It was the shorter 30-inch barrelled gun that in mine and Andi’s mind performed the best – the shorter tubes just that fraction more moveable, the gun as a whole more reactive when needed on and around mixed targets. Conversely the 32-inch barrels give the MXS more of the feel of a Trap orientated 12g, the gun’s ability on long going away and quartering birds just that fraction more capable than the shorter model, but by fractions that ultimately aren’t really worth bothering about.

Conclusion

For the past few years it’s been fashionable to have 32-inch barrels on your Sporter, which means it’ll more than likely be the longer tubes most customers will order. Problem is, whilst the stock dimensions will be debated and measured to the last degree, many of the MXS ordered will be with little thought to the barrels. My advice is to ensure your local Perazzi dealer lets you try both in respect of the stocks and barrels, and if at all possible shoot both before you hand over your hard-earned cash.

You might well find, just as me and Andi did, that the alternative configuration to the one you first thought might well be the one that suits you and your style of shooting. And what you’ll also conclude very quickly is that the MXS isn’t a ‘cheap’ Perazzi; £5500 far from being a drop in the financial ocean. Instead the MXS is a less intricate, more understandable alternative to the other models. The MXS is also a gun that will be able to introduce a greater number of competition shooters into the Perazzi fold, each one of them more able to appreciate exactly what it is that makes these shotguns what they are.

But if there was one aspect of Perazzi’s new MXS that both Andi and I were in full agreement with, it was the action finish. For both of us it would have to be the black one – it just had that degree of traditional elegance you expect from a Perazzi. Just as an F1 Ferrari should be red, the F1 of shotguns are black, a subject my friends that isn’t open to debate!

Thanks To:

Eley Hawk Ltd: www.eleyhawkltd.com CENS Digital: www.censdigital.com Arrow Laser Shot: www.arrowlasershot.com

PRICE: SRP £5500 (SC2 walnut)
CONTACT: RUAG UK 01579 362319 www.ruag.co.uk

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gun
features

  • Name: Perazzi MXS
  • Calibre: 12g
  • Capacity: 2
  • Barrels: 30- & 32-inch
  • Action: Boxlock over-under
  • Stock: Sporter
  • Weight: 8lbs 2oz & 8lbs 4oz
  • Chokes: Fixed Full & 1⁄2
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