A Break in the Action

Rich Cole joins me to announce a unique new shotgun project! Rich Cole is a key figure in fine shotguns and precision gunsmithing. From his early days at Beretta to establishing himself as an authority in the field, Rich has devoted his life to repairing, building and customizing exceptional firearms. His journey reflects an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.  Well over a year in the...

In this episode, we get to know popular YouTuber Jonny Carter of TGS Outdoors.  I've known Jonny for a few years now. I am an enormous fan of his content, where he shares information about shotguns and shooting in an approachable, informative, and interesting way.  Jonny is modest about his vast knowledge of shotguns and his shooting ability, friendly, and even self-deprecating.  Of course, h...

John Buchan’s 1925 adventure novel, John MacNab is the story of three friends who have lost the zest for life.  They hatch a plan to, under the collective pen name of 'John Macnab', write three landowning neighbors informing them of their intention to kill a stag or catch a salmon on their land without permission between two specified dates (keep in mind poaching in England at this time...

We are further exploring best guns in this episode and today we highlight Holland and Holland, where craftsmanship, heritage, and passion come together to create some of the finest shotguns and rifles in the world. In this episode, we’ll explore the remarkable rise of the gunmaker, from its humble beginnings in 1835 to its status as a luxury brand synonymous with quality and prestige. I’ll delve i...

Anthony, one of the world's best competitive shooters, and Will, one of the most famous hunters in the US share their secrets to finding more success in the field.  Straight Shooting for Hunters is a comprehensive reference for hunters of all skill levels.  From practical advice to true stories from the field, this book is a must for every hunter's bookshelf. In this episode: Straight Sh...

By far what I love and look forward to the most when dove season comes in is the time in the field that I spend with my dad, my daughters, my wife, and good friends.  We hunt near and often.  It’s an informal affair and each hunter can be as serious or as social as they choose.  It is also a perfect opportunity to introduce someone to wing shooting.  A few weeks ago, I got the chance to travel sou...

How do we define a BEST shotgun maker?  Obviously, they need to be capable of producing best guns but the definition doesn’t stop there…  They need to only produce best guns.  Their lineup of models shouldn't include entry level or mid-tier models, these aren’t in the DNA of a BEST gun maker.  Without concern for how long it will take or how much it will cost, they are committed to only produ...

There is a place in the Allegheny Mountains outside of Pittsburgh that began as a private grouse hunting and fishing retreat but over the past 35+ years has transformed into a world-class resort.  Nemacolin Resort has a list of activities and amenities too long to list here - but of special note, it is home to the Nemacolin Rod and Range Club.  My youngest daughter, Liza joined me for a weekend of...

This next installment of Shotgun Stories is a very special one.  I knew Larry Potterfield was a 'gun guy' but was delighted to discover how deep his appreciation for shotguns and wing-shooting was.   In this episode we learn about the early shotguns in Larry's life, some of the shotguns he shoots with currently, and what shotgun he has in his sights. Larry launched Midway USA almost...

This feature episode begins by tracing the company's origin and its nearly 50-year association with Abercrombie & Fitch.  The Griffin and Howe company's story didn't end with the closure of A&F - instead, it allowed them to add volumes to it.   Griffin and Howe at the Hudson Farm Club in New Jersey is an amazing place for the shotgun and rifle enthusiast.  Listen along as I...

My guest today is champion skeet shooter, Dania Vizzi.  In just a few weeks, she will represent the United States Olympic shooting team in Paris.  Shooting sports of one variety or another have been part of almost every Summer Olympic Games since 1896, with the current shotgun events being Olympic (or International) trap and Olympic skeet.  Dania shares how she got started shooting and the shotgun...

The Beretta DT11 is a serious, built-for-purpose competition shotgun.  In this episode, we will look at its features and heritage and I share my DT11L shooting experiences now six months in. In the second half of this episode, we will recap our first ever A Break in the Action Listener's Event - a Downton Day simulated shoot.  Put simply the day was epic and I was lucky to have my wife and on...

This episode is going to be my attempt to check off another repeat listener request - Do an episode on your favorite books and favorite authors .   Steve Smith is an accomplished outdoor writer, editor, publisher, TV host, and hunter.  Over the years he has worked with and called friends many of the legendary authors in my library.  Steve joins the show to tell stories, offer suggestions and overa...

The clay target shooting sports are generally very linear games.  Targets leave the machine and, for the most part, follow a set trajectory to the ground.  There are variations of course, trap introduces an oscillator or wobble, skeet has the shooter move to vary the angle and necessary lead, a chandel target in a round of sporting clays changes speed as it falls from the peak of its arc, and the...

Listener requested!  An overdue sequel to the 'Best Shotguns <$1,000' from a few years back - in this episode I have pulled in two pros from the Orvis Gunroom, Greg Carpiniello and Connor Carson.  The three of us offer up 20-30 new and used shotgun models that you should be sure to check out if you are buying in this range.  Our Sponsors: B&P Shotshells Negrini Cases Dubarry of Ir...

Here are two things you might not know about the legendary shotgun and rifle maker John Rigby and Co.  The company is actually older than the United States of America and originally hailed Dublin, Ireland.   My guest today is Marc Newton.  Marc has been the managing director for John Rigby since 2013.  He graciously accepted an invitation to discuss the company’s enduring legacy since its founding...

Getting away to hunt can be as easy as hitting the other side of your state, maybe a road trip or, flying to the other side of our country or beyond it’s borders. We are going to spend some time on this last version today.  Experienced travelers develop special skills when they are frequently in and out of airports.  I fly several times a year and have developed, or copied, some time saving practi...

'What friends I have, what days I treasure most, what places I think about and smile…  they are because shotguns are.  Without them I would have been empty.  They have made my life full.' -Gene Hill Shotguns are woven into almost every aspect of my life.  They have connected me with some of my dearest friends, they offer a shared pastime of shooting and hunting with my wife and daughters...

There is one question that I get asked more often than any other.  Listeners want help or advice on buying used shotguns…   Is it smart to buy a shotgun online?  Is it safe to buy from an individual?  What should I look for in determining a used shotgun's condition and what red flags should I be aware of?  These are just a few of the general questions that are worth considering buying a new b...

In this episode, I lay out what gear I take for a day shooting.  Two bags and a case filled with everything I need for a day shooting sporting clays, skeet, or maybe some new adventures trying out FITSC or helice.   Making sure that I have everything I need ensures I have a good time and can stay out as long as I am able. As is usually the case, seeing and not just hearing about these items will b...

Part 2 of our full review of the annual Christmas Grand Battue shoot at Green Acres Sportsman's Club in Roberts, Illinois.  Join us as Shoot Captain, Keith Coyle walks us through the full 'Christmas Grand Battue' experience - from breakfast and high pheasant shooting to flighted mallard and the 5-course gala dinner.    As we take part in this epic shoot day, we will also be reviewin...

Do you dream of one day shooting high, driven pheasants in England or someday experiencing a European-flighted mallard shoot?  While these experiences wait on your bucket list I want to tell you about an amazing shoot that you participate in right here in the States.  Green Acres Sportsman's Club in Roberts, Illinois offers a full menu of authentic British-style shooting events throughout the...

Many argue that there are Scottish shotguns that bested the London guns in innovation, matched them in quality and were produced in far fewer numbers - making them, in my mind truly special.  In this episode my guest, J-P Daeschler discusses the legendary John Dickson and Son Round Action shotgun along with other noteworthy models from MacNaughton and Alex Martin.    John Dickson and Son If you ar...

I live in a part of the US with much opportunity to wing-shoot close to home - I usually have to travel to hunt. This being the case  - my hunting is usually done in multi-day blocks. Besides the logistics and added cost, I have to say that I do love getting away on a hunting trip.  Exploring new towns, comparing fields and covers from one year to the next, staying in quaint houses, cottages, and...

In part two of this series, Jonny Carter of TGS Outdoors and I will finish stitching together our versions of Dr. Frankenstein's shotgun.  Engraving, stock, forend, forend iron, wood characteristics, recoil pads, and even the cases we will tote these creations in.   Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show