A Break in the Action

I’ve been reading Shooting Sportsman for more than twenty years. For a long time, I assumed the magazine was the product of careful planning by fully staffed departments and committees responsible for long-range strategies mapped decades into the future. But the more I’ve learned about the people behind it, the more I’ve realized something else entirely. What exists between the covers of Shooting Sportsman today is the result of good judgment and of restraint. Of primarily two individuals willing to move slowly, trust their instincts, and protect a standard—even when faster, louder options were available. Today, I’m joined by those two individuals: Ralph Stuart and Thierry Bombeke. Between them, they’ve seen the magazine grow, thrive, struggle as the digital age emerged, recover, and then hold its ground and grow again while nearly everything around it changed. This episode won’t be a highlight reel but instead a rare look behind the curtain. A conversation about how decisions get made when taste and business might not always agree. About what it means to care for something long enough that it becomes less about ownership—and more about stewardship. In this episode: Shooting Sportsman Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Griffin and Howe Castellani USA Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

There’s a tendency—especially among hunters—to feel a little uncomfortable about the guns we own but don’t use, as if a shotgun that isn’t carried in the field is somehow failing its purpose. Or worse, that we’re failing it. I like to think that January has a way of softening that self-accusation. Because when the season is over, and the pressure to choose is gone, you realize something important: not every gun is meant to earn its place through miles walked or birds taken. Some earn it by staying exactly where they are. Some shotguns live in the safe because they’re tied to a person rather than a pursuit. A father’s gun. A grandfather’s gun. A piece that carries more memory than practicality. You don’t leave those behind because they don’t work—you leave them behind because they already have... they’ve done their job. Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Griffin and Howe Castellani USA Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

We can probably all agree that most of what we love about wingshooting doesn’t actually happen when the birds are in the air… it comes in the preparation, in the walking, and in the listening pauses. In the quiet moments between flushes—when the gun is open, the dog is working, and there’s time to notice where you are and who you’re with. It happens when the day is finished and, with a tired dog by your side, you reflect. I'm titling this series, Between Flushes, and I plan to add a few episodes to it each year. The format will be a bit different… less edited and more raw. That is intentional; there’s no rush and nothing to brag about - no scorecard. Rather, just stories, perspective, and a chance to listen in on a conversation between two hunters. In this episode: Follow Chris on Instagram @montanasharpie17 Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

Shotguns usually have the limelight on A Break in the Action, but today’s episode is dedicated to the unsung heroes of the hunter, and not just what you carry into the field, but also the well-made pieces that fit into the rest of your life. The kind of items that earn their place over time: a knife that feels just right in the hand, boots that have stepped off almost as many miles as your dog, hand crafted leather accessories that you won’t find in the big box store, a briar pipe that’s become part of your hunting ritual... how about even the kind of travel luggage that makes packing for the next trip as satisfying as departing for it. In this episode, I’ll share with you a handful of my personal favorites and why I look forward to using them. Each has earned a permanent place in my kit because they’re well-designed, durable, sometimes beautiful, and most importantly, they perform every single time they’re called on. In this episode: Crispi Upland Pro LeChameau Chasseur Courteney Sealous Purdey Leather Twin Strap Boots Buck 110 Benchmade 940 Osbourn Fontenille Pataud Laguiole Join or Die Knives - Blueridge Bird & Trout Blake Jones Designs Leather Game Bag Peterson of Dublin Briar Pipes Westward Bag Co. Bison Duffle Nalpak Tuffpak Case Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

If you look back through the history of the double-barreled shotgun, nearly every significant step forward — every design change that eventually became a standard — started out as something that at first might have looked or sounded a little odd. When the first hammerless actions appeared, traditionalists thought they were unsafe. When over/unders began to replace side-by-sides on the gun line and the competition circuit, some swore it was the end of elegance. Even things we take for granted today — like sub gauges, interchangeable choke tubes, or single triggers — once struck people as gimmicks destined to fade away. But the truly significant developments? They might start as new-fangled or trendy, but then prove themselves. They endure not because they’re fashionable, but because they actually make the gun better — stronger, safer, more efficient, more durable, more beautiful, or more effective in the field. And that’s today's topic — Jonny Carter and I will be discussing a few dozen items, separating the genuine advancements from the gimmicks, and thoughtful design from marketing buzz. We’re going to go through some shotgun options and share our opinion on whether they are a Hit or a Miss. In this episode: TGS Kitchen Holt's #1554 Edwinson Green & Son triple barrel Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

Today, we are discussing grouse hunting —specifically in the Upper Midwest—where a century of wingshooting tradition runs deep. If you drew a map around America's prime grouse cover, it would definitely include a huge swath stretching from northern Wisconsin across northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula and into the timber country of Minnesota… Finding a good general area to hunt is pretty easy, but how do you dial in on the best spots to spend your time? Joined my Ben Brettingen of OnX and a professional grouse hunting guide - we'll learn how to maximize your chances for success when pursuing the KING of all gamebirds - the ruffed grouse. In this episode: OnX Meemos Farm Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

My guest today is Wes Lang, President of Caesar Guerini. I am excited to bring you this fascinating story of Wes’s background, some of his philosophy, and ultimately what led to the creation of such an impactful and popular brand. Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

Hank is a great ambassador for wild food and his books serve as a good reminder that from field care to flavor, cooking wild game can be just as thoughtful, meaningful, and rewarding as the pursuit itself. If you haven't already, check out all of his great books. A perfect gift to yourself or your hunting buddies. Find Hank's books here: www.honest-food.net Amazon.com Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

You may have heard me mention Guyette and Deeter as a sponsor throughout the year. Today, I am joined by Jon Deeter and Josh Loewensteiner to guide us through the auction buying and selling process. We’ll learn how they settle on lots that will be included, the inspection and description process, and the guaranteed accuracy they offer. By the way, this is a particularly timely episode, as Guyette and Deeter will be holding their second Fine Sporting Arms auction of the year on September 11 and 12. In this episode: Guyette and Deeter Fine Sporting Arms Auction, Sept 11 + 12 Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

Will Primos is an icon in the outdoors industry, but as you’ll hear, it didn’t come without a massive amount of hard work, focus, and a solid work ethic. Will did more than build a brand - he educated, outfitted, and entertained. Today, Will is enjoying the fruits of his labor - but he hasn’t stopped giving back. His mind is on conservation and awareness today—and with the same high level of focus. I got to spend the weekend with Will where we shot together and sat down to hear how shotguns have influenced his life. I hope you enjoy this next installment in our Shotgun Stories series - Mr. Will Primos. In this episode: The Truth About Conservation Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

Whether you’re new to bird hunting or have been chasing birds for decades, there’s no denying the timeless appeal of a side-by-side shotgun. This episode covers six of what I believe are the most interesting, mid-priced, modern side-by-side shotguns available today. Our lineup includes guns from Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing (CSMC), Fausti, Rizzini, Chapuis, FABARM, and Beretta. My goal is simply to introduce you to these guns, highlight what makes each special, and hopefully give you some valuable details to consider if you’re in the market for a side-by-side. In this episode: Fausti Dea SLX CSMC RBL Chapuis Chasseur Artisan Beretta 486 Parallelo Rizzini BR552 Fabarm Autumn Nordic Clays TrapMaster Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

We are right at the front edge of summer, and whether you’ve already got your summer travel plans set or are looking for a new idea, I think you will like this episode. This is now the third time that I have brought you a destination where you can break out your shotgun and shoot challenging targets on a beautiful course - but also fill the rest of your itinerary with endless enjoyable activities and exquisite dining, all while enjoying top-level accommodations. In this episode, we’re heading back to the lush Allegheny Mountains, this time to southeastern West Virginia to explore a true American landmark: The Greenbrier Resort. In this episode: The Greenbrier Resort Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

I am excited to be outside of my home studio for this episode. A few weeks back, we heard all about the Southern Side by Side at Deep River Sporting Clays in Sanford, NC. I am hoping that you made it a point to be there - if not, you are really missing out. A Break in the Action tried something new at the Southern this year - we were all set up, and we had our own physical space. Join me as we sit down with a dozen or so manufacturers, retailers, outfitters and friends to recap and get their thoughts on the 2025 Southern Side by Side Championship and Exhibition. In this episode: Delaney & Sons John Dickson and Sons Chetola Resort Chris Batha Dogs and Doubles Atkin, Grant and Lang Westley Richards Kevin's Fine Outdoor Gear and Apparel Fine Shooting Accessories Foxtrot, Francis Lombardi Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

A listener requested an episode about the origins of common shotshell gauges, and I thought it was a fantastic idea. However, did you know that there are also several lost gauges? In this episode, we will explore the shotshell gauges we are familiar with and discover others that have been lost to history. Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies) Support the show

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! This next installment in our Shotgun Stories series features Reid Bryant. Reid is the director of wingshooting services at Orvis and hosts the Orvis Hunting and Shooting podcast. He has contributed numerous articles to popular magazines such as Shooting Sportsman, Gray's Sporting Journal, and CoveyRise. Additionally, Reid has authored, edited, and contributed to several books. Despite his celebrity status in the wing-shooting community, he remains one of the most humble and appreciative people you'll ever meet. It was truly a pleasure to include this conversation with Reid in our Shotgun Stories series. In this episode: ReidBryant.com Orvis Guide to Upland Hunting Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Support the show

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! The Southern Side by Side Championship and Exhibition is undoubtedly a must-attend event for shotgun enthusiasts. Now entering its 26th year, this event has become not just a regional but a national success. In this episode, I am joined by Bill Kempffer and Ed Strickland. Bill was instrumental in bringing this event to life back in 2000, and Ed is committed to ensuring it remains the can't-miss gathering for side-by-side shooters and double gun enthusiasts. In this episode: The Southern Side by Side Championship and Exhibition John Woolley Shooting, Inc. Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Support the show

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! It has been a dream of mine to shoot driven birds in the UK for years. Last year, I checked that off the bucket list (twice actually)! In this episode I recount my December visit to the wonderful Branches Park Estate in Suffolk, England and the full week of shotgun sights and experiences that I had with three traveling friends. Joining the discussion is Jake Woolf (Kudu River Gundogs/GunsOnPegs podcast) and Peter Bailer (Branches Park Estate) - two new friends who introduced me to a whole new way to look at shooting in England. I hope you too dream of shooting in the UK and I want to encourage you to make that dream a reality someday. In this episode: Kudu River Gundogs Branches Park Estate Beretta SL3 Longthorne Shotguns Bettinsoli :) Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Support the show

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! Beretta first released their over and under shotgun design in 1933 named in the catalog as Mod. S1 Fucile da Caccia Sovrapposta. Sovrapposta is Italian for "overlapped" and refers to the barrel arrangement, think over/under or superposed. The newly released S1 featured a true sidelock design with premium specifications. Beretta immediately went head-to-head with Browning, openly criticizing their Superposed shotgun as "very high, heavy, and ugly," a chiding that would be echoed by the Italian trade for the next 70 years. In the 90 years since, Beretta has continued to refine and expand its over-and-under models. The S models evolved into the SO models, which remain some of the finest hand-built shotguns available today. Each year, Beretta releases a "Gun of the Year" to showcase the pinnacle of the company's craftsmanship. Recently, I sat down with Travis Haglin, Beretta's Director of Premium Sales, to discuss the magnificent SO6 EELL Sparviere Marco Polo - this year's Gun of the Year and why special projects like this are important. In this episode: Beretta SO6 EELL Sparviere Marco Polo Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Support the show

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! Rich Cole joins me to announce a unique new shotgun project! Rich Cole is a key figure in fine shotguns and precision gunsmithing. From his early days at Beretta to establishing himself as an authority in the field, Rich has devoted his life to repairing, building and customizing exceptional firearms. His journey reflects an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Well over a year in the making - I'm excited introduce the Cole Special Beretta 687 Double Selective to you. It is a bird hunter's dream over and under. In this episode: Cole Special Beretta 687 DS Our Sponsors: The Beretta Galleries B&P Shotshells Delaney & Sons Negrini Cases Guyette and Deeter Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Support the show

Have a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! In this episode, we get to know popular YouTuber Jonny Carter of TGS Outdoors. I've known Jonny for a few years now. I am an enormous fan of his content, where he shares information about shotguns and shooting in an approachable, informative, and interesting way. Jonny is modest about his vast knowledge of shotguns and his shooting ability, friendly, and even self-deprecating. Of course, he admires best quality shotguns, but he also finds things to appreciate about modest shotguns. In this Shotgun Stories episode, we pull the curtain back a bit and hear how Jonny first became interested in shotguns and what led to the creation of his channel. We also ask him a few listener-submitted questions. In this episode: TGS Outdoors on YouTube Our Sponsors: B&P Shotshells Negrini Cases Dubarry of Ireland Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Support the show