Shotguns

An upside to muzzleloaders is the inexpensive price tags that accompany them. One can purchase a top-of-the-line muzzleloader for a fraction of what it would cost to purchase a top-shelf bolt rifle, for example.

So it seems fitting that Traditions Firearms, a leader in muzzleloading manufacturing, has introduced its Classic Series over/under and side-by-side shotguns that comfortably fit into the "reasonably priced" category. Traditions began importing Fausti Stefano-manufactured shotguns in 2000. The arrangement was born of a company looking for quality O/Us and SxSs it could sell in the $600 to $1,000 price range and an Italian manufacturer searching for an importer with a worthy reputation for dealing with overseas clients. The test model I've been shooting is a member of the Field Hunter line a Traditions Field II O/U 28 gauge. With the Field II O/U series, it's important to note that the 28-gauge and .410 models have a few differences in comparison to the 12- and 20-gauge versions. The 28 gauge and .410 feature Schnabel fore-ends and come with fixed choke tubes (28 IC/M, .410 F/F). The 12- and 20-gauge shotguns feature beavertail fore-ends and arrive with IC/M/F choke tubes.

The 28-gauge version is built on a 20-gauge frame and weighs about a pound more than a similar gun built on a true 28-gauge frame. This is not a bad thing. Twenty-eights are often too light for my taste, so I appreciate the added heft.

The wood on my test model was smooth and appealing to the eye. O/Us should feature enough engraving to turn a head or two but not so much gaudiness that Ivana Trump would get jealous. The Field II sits right where it should in those regards--modest but nice. Both sides of the coin-finished receiver feature pheasants, and a flushing woodcock can be found underneath. Floral engraving extends to the top tang area and is highlighted with tasteful etching beneath the trigger guard.

The Field II 28 features a single selective mechanical trigger. The barrel selector is located underneath the receiver inside the trigger guard. I see no problem with this, as I rarely change the barrel selector much in the field. The gun's vent-ribbed barrels, incidentally, are 26 inches long.

The glossed pistol grip stock and fore-end feature cut-checkered European walnut which, according to Traditions' marketing director, Jim Bruno, sometimes features nicer grain than American walnut.

Maker Traditions Firearms
Action O/U boxlock
Gauge 28 (as tested)
Choke IC/M fixed
Barrel length 26 inches
Overall length 43 inches
Weight 6 pounds, 5 ounces
Finish Blued
Stock Checkered, European walnut
Price:$759

While I would have loved to take the Field II 28 hunting, the summer season wouldn't allow it. Instead I settled for a sporting clays course for my testing. I used Winchester's AA Target loads with No. 8 shot and PMC's 7 1/2 Heavy Field Loads. I stuck to relatively easy stations to get a feel for the shotgun and scored fairly well (as I said, easy stations). I'm by no means a sporting clays champ, but I shot as well as I normally would have using a larger gauge. The gun fit me well and came to cheek where it should have. Length of pull is 14 1/4 inches. Drop at comb is 1 1/2 inches.

I did come across one problem while shooting. The auto-ejectors were sticky on my test model and failed to reliably kick empties clear of the chambers. This is something Traditions should look into. The $759 suggested retail price accompanying the Field II 28 gauge O/U is reasonable, as the shotgun possesses many of the qualities of an O/U that costs a lot more. I enjoyed shooting it and would recommend it to anyone looking for an entry-level O/U. All Traditions O/Us and SxSs come standard with a five-year limited warranty.