Getting the most bang for your buck

Reliable shotguns don't have to break the bank, as Jonny Carter discovers when he tests five very versatile guns worth under £3,000

- Jonny Carter

The shotgun market is an ever-changing beast, with new brands and price points coming to the fore every year. To that effect, it's interesting to me that a decade ago I spent every day referring to some of these models as entry-level. It's not just that my perspective may have changed, but nowadays a reliable over-and-under can be purchased new for well under £1,000, and with inflation happening to everything but wages, these guns are now more 'mid-market' than before. Do not fear however, I think they still represent good value for very versatile guns.

Beretta Silver Pigeon I Sport

In no particular order, here are my top new mid-market all-rounders, starting with the Silver Pigeon I Sport. Where would a list like this be without a 680 series Beretta present? This design is over 40 years old, and is hands down one of the most reliable, easy-to-work-on guns out there. I'd hazard a guess that the platform has won more shoots of all sizes and even maybe hunted more birds in than the others on the list.

This gun is great for a number of reasons, the first which is how common it is. Every gunsmith in the UK will be able to diagnose problems with ease and fix them almost blindfolded with parts they likely have in stock.

The next is just how bombproof this design is. If you buy a new Silver Pigeon, it is very likely that it will still be in service 50 or even 100 years from now. Every wearing part on the gun is replaceable with multiple oversized parts, to keep the gun tight and functioning with relatively little investment.