CONCLUSION

It is clear that Ian Coley wanted to produce a gun that stands out from the crowd but at a more manageable budget than an English gun. Going to Battista Rizzini was extremely shrewd, while the support from Rizzini to accommodate those requests shows through.

Ian Coley Sporting is set to expand this range of guns, which are already available as single guns or pairs in 12-bore or 20-bore, with a range of barrel lengths from 29¼in to 32in. Soon to follow are 16-bore and 28-bore models. Second sets of barrels are available, as are combination sets of different bores on one action, or different barrel lengths. Though this is intended to be a grouse and partridge gun, at which it would excel, it would make a first-class all-round game gun. I was rather loath to return it.

Entire range has 3in chambers and, being chrome lined, there is nothing you can’t fire through it. The finish is superb with excellent engraving and deep blueing. The choice of choking seems spot on. Fabulous colour, dimensionally well thought out and styled superbly. Finish and detail of furniture are fantastic. The safety catch is easy to disengage, but I find it marginally more difficult to re-engage. Barrel selection is fine and positive. The trigger-blade is broad and comfortable, and the trigger breaks cleanly enough after a little take-up at 3½lb. Handling was a bit of an eye-opener, being far more controllable than I expected. It was fast and effective as proven on the clays. This gun deserves use on game, where I have the utmost confidence it would work wonderfully. This ribless style has me converted. Whether as a single or a pair, the Rizzini Ribless round body can hold its own against many other great guns. This is a grand example of the right choices being made by the client and manufacturer to produce something different and unique.