A SHOTGUN FOR TODAY

Vic Harker is impressed with the performance of this Turkish over-and-under from ATA Arms, which utilises tested design principles for a versatile gun of great value

- Vic Harker

Over recent decades, we have seen manufacturers of fine shotguns moving their production around the globe in search of a competitive price/quality equation that allows guns to be built in larger volume. The Browning/Miroku partnership is an example of the West meeting the East and enabling a famous European maker to continue to offer their products at a viable price.

In contrast to this kind of arrangement, ATA Arms, established in Turkey, have achieved a price/quality equation that allows them to manufacture and offer their products in the European market without recourse to an intermediary. The ATA model SP Deluxe Sideplate over-and-under is an example of this.

THE ACTION

There is no element of originality in the design of the ATA Sideplate. Twin rods running through the action body that locate with hammers which are cocked when the gun is opened is a system that is fundamental to most double-barrel guns of this type. This is not a criticism; rather, it is to the manufacturer’s credit that they have incorporated the best possible design available.

Likewise, the spring-loaded hammers situated side by side make for the most efficient and direct mechanical function possible, and a fast lock time is also achieved.

As to decoration, an acanthus leaf engraving covers the entire action body, and while the gun’s price tag dictates this could not have been executed by hand, it’s very attractive nonetheless.

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