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Pietta Mistral 3

Pietta Mistral 3

For a majority of British shotgunners the name Pietta won’t actually mean much. But for those in the know their Mistral 3 that’s been around for quite a few years is a nice little tool. So much so that after testing I’d say if you’re looking for a good self-loader then this gun is worth serious consideration.

New For Old

For what you might refer to as the MkII, one of the predominant change is that the price has gone up - mainly due to the exchange rate. Plus there’s no longer a plastic gun case included, the brace of woodcock that decorated the action have gone, as has the vented recoil pad whilst the mag cap is a far more manageable item. That said for your £695 investment you still get a good, basic, gas-powered, no nonsense semi that outwardly is as traditional as they come. The other change is that these Piettas are now imported by Henry Krank in Yorkshire; they always brought in Pietta’s blackpowder range but have now, wisely added the shotgun to it. 

More Than A Feeling

Subtly stamped with the word FAP or F.LLI PIETTA, the appearance and finish of the Mistral 3 is probably more than you’d expect when compared to the price you’ve just paid. Equally once assembled, the gun’s 7lbs 2oz weight confirms that you do at least have a decent piece of kit in your hands.

Barrel wise, a small brass bead crowns off the slightly flared muzzle that’s designed to accept the three, flush fitting chromed multi-chokes (supplied) of Full, Modified and Cylinder restrictions. The 28”, chrome-lined, steel-proofed tube shows a constant cross – cut 7mm vented rib. What is interesting is that only a short extension and a small lug to the rear of the 3” chamber is required to locate and secure the barrel. The receiver is ERGAL (aircraft grade aluminium) with a black, anodised coating. The twin-lug bolt is chromed so contrasts nicely in terms of looks. This is finished off with a gold-plated trigger blade, white script Mistral and red diamond FAP logo.

The mechanism is very much your standard gas/piston layout, with gas being tapped off the barrel and directed on to a sliding piston to cycle the action. Pietta have modified certain areas to their own requirements. The recoil spring that sits over the magazine tube is slightly longer than usual indicating an extended travel during recycling. Pietta remains singularly tight lipped regarding the action and its workings. Although these differences are visually marginal, they do make a significant improvement in use.

Loading is standard; open the action and drop the first shell in through the ejection port, then press the bolt release located on the left of the action. The remaining rounds are simply pushed in to the magazine from the bottom. I have to say the design of the shell lifter did seem rather rudimentary in its construction when compared to the rest of the gun. The safety is a cross bolt plunger at the rear of the trigger guard, with the overly small bolt lock catch forward of it on the left. 

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Wooden Heart

Finished with a working quality matte varnish, the semi beavertail forend and sporter stock have a definite air of the synthetics about them although they are wood. That said the butt is well shaped with drops at comb and heel of 1 7/16” and 2 3/16” with a length and weight of pull set at 14 1/8” and 6lbs 4oz. The laser cut checkering is soft but uniform and the palm swell nicely sized. Now culminating at a solid plastic butt – plate what some may see as a backward step isn’t, the new stippled finish allowing the Mistral 3 to slide quickly and smoothly into the shoulder.

Softly, Softly

In many ways shooting the Mistral 3 sets your mind at odds. Here we have a traditional looking semi-auto with few frills; so no recoil inserts, cushions or any gizmos found on the bigger names in this area. However, apart from a noticeable ‘clack’ when up and running, whether it was 28gram Supremes all the way up to 50gram Max Game, the Mistral 3 cycled the lot whilst dialling out truly impressive amounts of recoil. 

Fitted with nothing more than ¼ choke, a round of Rishton SG’s sporting once again confirmed what a genuinely nice gun the Pietta is. Straight out of the box I fired two shots on the first stand to ensure the Mistral 3 actually worked. Then followed it up with a mid-forties score that was more than acceptable. The gun is genuinely nice; being light, efficient, well balanced and capable of throwing a good even pattern, all in all doing exactly what is asked of it.

Fair Exchange

If it wasn’t for the current exchange rates driving the price up, this gun would be an ideal and more desirable alternative to the current crop of Turkish offerings. Likewise, it’s only a hundred or so from a basic model from one of the more famous Italian brands. If you’re on the look out for a good looking, gas-powered, semi-auto that handles and shoots well try Pietta’s Mistral 3; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

We Reckon:
• No frills just old fashioned reliability
• A budget semi – auto that for once isn’t Turkish
• Reminds you of the good old days

PRICE: £695

  • Pietta Mistral 3 - image {image:count}

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  • Pietta Mistral 3 - image {image:count}

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  • Pietta Mistral 3 - image {image:count}

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  • Pietta Mistral 3 - image {image:count}

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  • Pietta Mistral 3 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Pietta Mistral 3 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Pietta Mistral 3 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Pietta Mistral 3 - image {image:count}

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gun
features

  • Name: Pietta Mistral 3
  • Calibre: 12 – bore
  • Capacity: 3
  • Barrels: 28”
  • Action: Gas/piston semi – auto
  • Stock: Walnut Sporter
  • Weight: 7lbs 2oz
  • Chokes: Flush – fit multi – Full, ½ & ¼
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