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

Shooting Industry, Oct, 1994 by Russ Thurman

The Ulti-Mag 835 pump is available in all four finishes. It will handle standard 12-gauge loads and 3 1/2-inch magnums. Iron sights, two beads or scope mounts for rifled slug barrels are options. Shooters can choose from a 24- or 28-inch barrel.

The Mossberg Model 9200 in 12-gauge will handle 2 3/4- and 3-inch loads including magnums. There's a 28-inch barrel favored for bird hunting and a fast-action 24-inch barrel. Two-bead, iron sights and scope mounts are the sighting options. The 1994 National Wild Turkey Federation Gun of the Year is a Model 9200 with a 24-inch Accu-Choke barrel.

Navy Arms

The rifles from Navy Arms are a study in history. The development of firearms and the country are reflected in the 1866 "Yellowboy" rifle and carbine in .44-40, the 1873 Winchester, the 1873 Sporting rifle, the Iron Frame Henry, the No. 2 Creedmoor Target rifle and the Rolling Block Buffalo rifle.

Navy Arms also offers a replica of the World War II German Kleine Kaliber Wehrsport Gewehr .22 caliber trainer. A scoped model is available with a quick-detachable 2.75 power Type 89 telescopic sight.

Remington

The hunting rifles and shotguns from Remington continue to get better, even when that doesn't seem possible.

The 1994-introduced Model 700 VSSF (Varmint Synthetic Stainless Fluted) has been a hot seller. This varmint-getter has an extra-tough 26-inch fluted barrel and Kevlar fiberglass and graphite stock. It is available in .223 Rem., .220 Swift, .22-250 Rem. and .308 Win.

The Model Seven SS is another tough hunter introduced by Remington in 1994. It also has a 416-grade stainless steel barreled action and black, all-weather synthetic stock. The 20-inch barrel helps drop the rifle's weight to 6 1/4 pounds. It's available in .243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem. and .308 Win.

For shotgun hunters who favor slugs, the new Remington Model 11-87 Premier is waiting to be sighted on a trophy buck. Remington has shortened and widened the Cantilever scope mount for 1994, adding to the scopes stability. The 21-inch fully rifled Cantilever deer barrel is ideal for the field. Even with its tough build, the 11-87 slug gun only weighs-in at 8 1/2 pounds.

Shotgunners looking for the lightest touch should consider the Remington Model 870 Express Small Gauge. The 28-gauge pump-action is designed for close to mid-range upland hunting. It has a 25-inch Modified choke barrel and is chambered for 2 2/3-inch shells. The Model 879 Express Small Gauge is also available in .410. It has a 25-inch Full choke barrel, is 45 1/2 inches long overall and weighs 6 1/2 pounds.

Savage Arms

During the past few years, Savage has built an impressive line-up of high-quality guns that rival the best on the market. From the Competition Grade Model 112BT, with its 1/2 MOA accuracy, to the combination gun Model 24F, with its shotgun/rifle over-and-under barrel, Savage has a rifle for every shooter.

For the serious hunter, Savage has built a serious hunter in the Model 116SE Safari Express. It is available in .458 Win. Mag., .300 Win. Mag. and .338 Win. Mag. The 24-inch barrel and action of 400 series stainless steel is satin finished. The Model 116SE has a three-leaf rear sight, Adjustable Muzzle Brake and a classy walnut stock with cut-checkering. It weighs 8 1/2 pounds and measures 45 1/2 inches long overall.