Rottweil 580 Shotgun

28-gauge guns have in recent years become quite fashionable, driven in part by the desire of long established game shots to find a new challenge in the form of this smaller bores’ tight but lethal patterns. However to consider the 28 as a distraction, or a novelty is missing the point, they deserve to be seen as worthy guns in their own right. Firing loads from 14-grams through to a full 1oz they can be soft shooting enough for the slightest of beginners yet pack enough of a punch to bring down quality high driven game at distances that would make your jaw drop.

Heart of the Matter

The action of the 580 is a typical example of Italian Boxlock design from the Gardone Valley! Lock-up being achieved by a full width bolt engaging the two lumps under the 30” monobloc barrels, which pivot on stub pins within the receiver. The hammers hinge on the trigger plate bottom, sears being suspended from the top strap. The ejectors give a powerful throw from the coil spring design while the main, also of a coil design follow adjustable rods. 

Aesthetically speaking the gun has been left with a fairly plain finish, which gives the action an elegant appearance. The highly polished silver action is adorned with some subtle line and scroll engraved detailing which has been well executed. Considering the price point at just over £1000 this is a good move, too many budget manufacturers try to put too much dodgy looking decoration onto their guns to try and make them look like something that they are not!

Better in my opinion to go for a clean look well done than to clutter an action with woodcock that look more like house sparrows. The action is well proportioned and built to 28-gauge scale, unusual in itself for a cheaper gun, the lower end of the market usually expecting customers to make do with something built around a 20-gauge chassis. The single trigger unit is unusual in that it’s operated mechanically rather than by using recoil. Considering the light loads available for the calibre an inertia system would be much less reliable, the combined selector and automatic safety catch is well finished and easy to use with a positive action. Another plus point is that the trigger is finished in plain black, rather than gold which in my opinion does nothing for a budget gun, another example of the Rottweil not over egging it.

Take the Tube

The 30” barrels have been nicely finished to a deep lustrous black and the guns game shooting pretensions show through with its narrow 6 mm wide ventilated rib and traditional solid side ribs. The rib is cross cut and finished with a simple brass bead while constriction is provided by a set of five, flush-fitting multi-chokes, which seemed easy enough to use and certainly shot some good solid patterns.  The chrome-lined tubes should withstand a lifetime of use and the gun has the overall feel of something which has been well put together.

Timber!

The woodwork is perfectly acceptable in quality as far as grain etc. is concerned. Though it is never going to rival a high grade gun in the looks department, it still manages to look pleasing to the eye and well finished with no horrendous gaps in the fit. Length of pull is at just under 14 ¾” with drops of 34mm and 58mm at comb and heel respectively, so should be a reasonable fit for most straight off the rack.

Chequering is laser-cut to a high standard without being too sharp. The forend seems comfortable enough in the hand and the shallow pistol grip shows quite a wide radius but still doesn’t seem like its much of a stretch to the trigger. However those who are looking to buy one of these for a youngster may want to bear that in mind. The stock is finished off with an oil-resistant recoil pad, which has been shaved on the top edge to help prevent snagging. Recoil is not generally a major issue in this calibre anyway though those wishing to use the 28-gram loads available in the market may find that prolonged heavy use can become uncomfortable.

On Test

On arrival at Wylye Valley there was no shortage of people expressing an interest in trying out the little Rottweil. I find that 28-bore guns always generate a lot of interest and positive feedback, some shooters admitting that they would enjoy shooting one regularly but worry about it being seen as more of a plaything. 

Using a diet of Gamebore 21-gram #9’s the 580 seemed quite at home tackling the best that Wylye had to offer, the breaks from the gun even when choked just ¼ and ½ proving to be convincing on targets at all ranges. Though as you might expect close quick birds needed real concentration as it was quite easy to flash ahead of the clay with those light whippy barrels. The longer 30” tubes come into their own on longer targets and despite tipping the scales at just 6lbs 2oz’s it feels steady enough to cope with pretty much anything. 

Of course the clay ground isn’t expected to be the usual haunt of this gun, walked up game or mid range driven being more likely to be its forte. But saying that; the 580 certainly gained a few admirers amongst the dyed in the wool clay shots ay Wylye.

To Conclude

Considering its price I would expect this gun to be a popular choice for the shooter looking for something a little different as a second (fun gun) or for a good starter gun for young novices or ladies. I am fortunate enough to already have a 28-bore in my cabinet and having shot one for several years I would highly recommend this calibre! Yes, you do need to be more accurate but there is little more satisfying than bringing down a high quick cock pheasant with one of these small bores. So impressed with the Rottweil was I that if I didn’t already have a 28 then I would seriously consider adding it to my collection. Go on, take the plunge!

We Reckon!
 
• About as much fun as you will find anywhere for the money
• Not trying to be mutton dressed as lamb
• Mechanically sound, expect it to give years of trouble free service

PRICE: £1,050