Long guns: fall is a peak buying time for customers seeking shotguns and rifles

Shooting Industry, Oct, 1994 by Russ Thurman

In the semi-automatic arena, Beretta's A390ST has versatility written all over it. The 12-gauge will handle 2 3/4-inch target loads and 3-inch magnums. Barrels are available in standard or matte finish with 24-, 26-, 28- and 30-inch Mobilchoke. A self-compensating gas system greatly reduces felt recoil.

The 686 Essential is built to put a Beretta field gun in the hands of shooters at a lower price. The 12-gauge over-and-under is chambered for 3-inch shells. It comes with a straight-grain American walnut stock and forend. The 686 Essential has a matte black receiver with barrel lengths of 26 or 28 inches. It weighs 6 1/2 pounds and is 45 1/2 inches long with the 28-inch barrel.

Bohemia Arms

The BRNO ZKM611 is a .22 RF WMR rifle that has all the qualities expected of the best firearms makers from the Czech Republic. Imported exclusively by Bohemia Arms, the .22 has a precision bolt and return spring that is the key to the rifle's exceptional accuracy. The unique action offers sub-MOA accuracy, reliability and mild felt recoil.

The BRNO .22 has a high cheek-piece stock, single-thumb screw takedown, a machined receiver for scopes, a hooded front sight and a mid-mounted rear sight. It will accommodate six rounds.

Browning

The BOSS (Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System) continues as a high-mark seller for Browning. It is featured on the BAR Mark II Safari rifles and the new A-Bolt II series.

The A-Bolt II Hunter with the BOSS has been a big mover for Browning. Built tough with no-nonsense features, it is ready for the toughest hunt. It's available in calibers up to .338 Win. Mag. It has a short 60 degree bolt throw giving the shooter quicker follow-up shots. For additional accuracy, the barrel is free floating and bedded at the recoil lug. A new trigger system means a sharper trigger pull. All this and the BOSS, too. The revolutionary system offers incredible accuracy and reduces recoil 30 to 50 percent.

In shotguns, the Golden Clays GTI is Browning's newest offering for sporting clays shooters. The 12-gauge over-and-under has a 2 3/4-inch chamber with barrel length of 28 and 30 inches. The wider rib and front and center beds offer a better sighting surface and target alignment. The ventilated side ribs help cool the barrel and reduce resistance during rapid swings. The Golden Clays has highly polished wood and a clay target scene engraved, with gold accents, on the receiver.

Browning also has introduced two new Gold 12- and 20-gauge semi-automatic shotguns. They have 3-inch chambers with 26-, 28- and 30-inch barrels. Magazine capacity is four rounds of 2 3/4-inch and three rounds of 3-inch magnum shells. Both guns have Invector choke tube systems and a new self-cleaning gas system that adds to reliability. The extra large safety buttons (they're really rounded triangles) make for fast, no-fumbling action.

Century International Arms

Incredible deals are available from Century International Arms and its aggressive importation of surplus arms. The Swedish M96 Sporter Rifle is a converted Swedish M96 Mauser with an American synthetic Choate or European Monte-Carlo walnut-finished beechwood stock. It comes with a Holden Ironsighter see-thru scope mount. The barrel is 24 inches long and it weighs 8 1/4 pounds.