Breda Zenith Sporter

Clay coach Becky McKenzie rates this attractive 12-bore

- Becky McKenzie

Breda is well known for producing semi-auto shotguns and, as with many Italian brands, they are produced in the Val Trompia region in Brescia. Breda uses first-class materials, displays impeccable workmanship, and has state-of-the-art assembly for its shotgun lines. Its over-and-under line-up contains the Zenith Black, and Zenith Nickel, as well as the Zenith L game series, which uses Grade 3-4 wood and has some stunning engraving on the action, signed by master engraver Dario Cortini.

The Zenith Black I tested here in 12bore with 30in barrels has extended ‘Maxi’ multi chokes. It has a decent stock with straight grain, which may not look pretty but ensures the strength of the wood. The walnut is a nice, dark color, with the grain matching the fore-end. The grade of wood is 3-4, and oiled by hand. The chequering had a good ‘feel’ – neither too sharp, nor too soft, which was pretty good as I hate sharp chequering.

Barrels

The barrels look good, too, with a shiny blacking. Near the breach end they are stamped up ‘12ga/70-2 and ¾in’, so 2¾in chamber. Both the sporter and game versions are proofed for superior steel and are available to order with 28in barrels, alongside 30in and 32in. I think this may be an early model or prototype, as following further research I discovered that the Sporter now comes with 3in chambers and the Trap model with 2¾in. The Breda Sporter also has 75mm-long forcing cones. The top rib is a pleasant 11mm-7mm tapered rib, with a vented mid rib.

Paint it black