The Kofs Sceptre
When it comes to quality and value for money the Kofs Sceptre is in a Turkey shoot with the opposition, says Charles Smith-Jones
This month’s blast comes from a rather more recent past than usual. Kofs is a relative newcomer to the ranks of Turkish shotgun makers and made an immediate impression in the UK. Like many other of its fellow countrymen’s products, it offers quality and affordability, with the added attraction of coming in a particularly elegant package. In a marketplace that boasts a growing number of reasonably priced guns from Turkey, Kofs’ shotguns stand out.
The UK importer, Sportsman Gun Centre in Exeter, finds that they do not stay on the shelves for long as buyers have quickly recognised they are getting a gun that compares favourably to similar models from other makers that cost twice as much.
Models
Kofs makes several different side-by-side, single barrel and over-and-under shotguns and the Sceptre is the mainstay of the latter group. There are several variations, including game, sporting and junior versions in the smaller calibres, which make ideal starter guns for up-and-coming shooters.
They all carry much the same price tag of around £500, apart from the top-ofthe-range Black Diamond, which costs an extra £100. All are based on an alloy action and monobloc chrome-lined barrels with a ventilated top rib and brass front bead. The chromed single trigger is housed within a generously sized guard, which allows easy
access for a gloved finger during winter. Chokes are flush fitting and new guns are supplied with a set of five in the usual constrictions. One minor criticism is that they only carry simple notches to define their purpose, a practice common to several gun manufacturers. Not a major issue, but it is hard to understand why a clearer and more definitive marking system cannot be used.
The stock is pleasingly proportioned, should fit most frames with little alteration and comes into the shoulder naturally. The Schnabel-style fore-end sits easily in the hand. Overall the gun is well-balanced and a pleasure to shoot. Although the trigger is set a little heavy at around 8lb, this should not concern most shooters and can be lightened if desired. In any case, it is offset by a beautifully crisp, creep-free mechanism.
Appeal
The decorations adorning the receiver add to the cosmetic appeal and the current Kofs catalogue shows 16 options, ranging from plainer black or silvered finishes to laser-cut game scenes or highly elaborate scrollwork in traditional European styles. Likewise, the walnut woodwork, while varying in grade, remains highly attractive and is oil-finished to bring out the grain.
More importantly from a practical point of view, the wood-to-metal fit is finely executed and smaller details, such as the finer aspects of finishing on normally unseen interior parts of the metalwork, are not overlooked. For a budget gun this is impressive.
It is the attention to small details that help the Sceptre to stand out from its rivals in the budget-priced gun arena. My own knockabout 12-bore is a similar gun in the same price range but from another Turkish manufacturer. While I still consider it to have been good value for money, I felt resigned to accepting a few rough edges, such as a rather sloppy safety catch, which came with the low price tag.
This is not so on the Kofs, where the tangmounted safety is smooth and definitive. Little things like this make all the difference.
Although the Sceptre is new, a few of these guns are now starting to appear on the pre-owned racks. If you are looking for an entry-level shotgun or only want a single gun to cover all your shooting needs, this is a great one to consider. Strongly constructed, meticulously assembled, pleasing to the eye and a delight to use, the Sceptre sets a standard that is hard to beat for an over-andunder in this price range. You may even find yourself tempted to buy a new one. •
CHARLES SMITH-JONES SAYS:
“It is the attention to small details that help the Sceptre to stand out”