BROWNING B525 SL

RRP £2,175

You might say I'm biased as this is my current gun, but then, I bought it because I liked it, rather than the other way around. Browning's 525 action has always just felt 'right' to me; there are slimmer and lighter guns around, but I find a bit of heft keeps me steady and soaks up the recoil. The laminate model has an even more solid feel, which I assume must be due to the stock being not just wood but a significant amount of resin used to bond the layers. The adjustable comb has allowed me to get the fit just how I like it, and it shoots like a dream with what to me feels like very little recoil. And the looks? Well, you love it or loathe it. Personally I think it looks rather smart, and the plain polished action sets off the grey laminate very nicely to my eye.