Walking the Guerini Line

When it comes to shotgun preferences, it seems like no two wingshooters are alike. One pheasant hunter likes the challenges of downing birds with a 20-gauge, while his or her buddy prefers stoning them with a 12. Ruffed grouse purists will fiercely debate whether 5.5 pounds or 6.5 pounds is the ideal gun weight for forays into alder jungles. Some shooters like to bring fancy guns afield (an homage to the birds they’re chasing, if you will), and others always go with their trusty “beaters.” And on the rare occasion that a consensus is reached regarding functionality—such as an agreement that a 6-pound 20-gauge with a pistol grip and 28-inch barrels is the best gun for wild Texas quail—there will surely remain variances in opinion about aesthetics, like engraving patterns. The bottom line is that when it comes to bird guns, a lot of people like a lot of different things.

No company understands this better than Caesar Guerini, which bases every gunmaking decision on how it can satisfy the vast array of needs and preferences of a massive constituency of wingshooters. The fact that Guerini makes a 28-gauge over/under more than a dozen ways is testament to the company’s goal of making sure its range of field guns offers something for everyone. It also means that there are a lot of Guerini models for a shopper to sift through. In some cases, the variances from one model to the next are dramatic. In others, they are more nuanced. What follows is a walk through Guerini’s entire line of field guns that touches on the key features of everything from the entry-level Woodlander to the top-of-the-line Revenant.

Before getting into the distinct features, however, it is important to know what all the models have in common. With the exception of the Ellipse Curve and the Revenant, which are offered only in 20 and 28 gauge, all models are available in 12, 20 and 28 gauge with 3” chambers. (The Tempio is also available in .410.) Every model combines specially designed lightweight barrels with a precisely weighted stock, to ensure the gun balances exactly where it should: on the hinge pin. Speaking of stocks, the entire Guerini line features sleek, trimmed-down Turkish walnut that boasts beautiful hand-rubbed-oil finishes and wood buttplates that not only ensure smooth gun mounting, but also allow for length-of-pull adjustments. A high-quality choke-tube kit and velvet-lined lockable case also come with every gun, as does a lifetime warranty.

So without further adieu, here are the highlights of each model.

Woodlander

There’s a temptation to describe the Woodlander as Guerini’s hardcore hunting model, but that would incorrectly suggest that the others are not equally suited for the task. Let’s just say the Woodlander is built to take anything a tough hunt can dish out. It is the company's entry-level offering, but its richly case-colored, low-profile action and trim, oil-finished stock (rounded pistol or straight grip) give it an aesthetic that punches well above its weight. Perhaps best of all, the same wonderful warranty and service commitment—both of which are arguably the best in the industry—that Gureni extends to its highest-grade guns also apply to the Woodlander.

Tempio

Caesar Guerini has worked long and hard to make great engraving affordable. This is apparent when one ogles the Tempio’s “ornato” scroll engraving with gold gamebird accents that adorns the nickel-finish action protected by the company’s Invisalloy coating. The Tempio’s deluxe-grade stock has a Prince of Wales grip and Schnabel forend. The Tempio is also available in a limited-edition SE model, which features dove and quail game-scene engraving and the option of a hand-polished coin or case-colored finish.

Magnus

The Magnus represents the first appearance of a sideplated action in the Guerini line. This is a wonderful thing, as it provides a broader “canvas” on which the handsome case coloring and ornamental-scroll and gold game-scene engraving can be appreciated. The Magnus also benefits from a noticeable uptick in craftsmanship and, as one might expect, an additional level of artisanal flair.

Tempio Light & Magnus Light

The Light versions of the Tempio and Magnus feature actions and forend mechanisms made with high-tech aluminum alloy, which shaves a full pound from each gun. The 12-gauge tips the scales at 6 pounds, the 20-gauge at 5.7 pounds, and the 28-gauge at 5.5 pounds. While alloy is great for building featherweight guns, it can be extremely difficult to engrave with acceptable results. This doesn't hold true with Guerini guns, which boast some of the best alloy engraving on the market. And anyone who might question the durability of alloy compared to traditional steel will be happy to know that Guerini uses steel inserts on the actions’ wear points—essentially making the lifespans of the Light models equal to those of the rest of the company’s guns.

Maxum

The Maxum is the first gun featuring a solid, tapered top rib set upon lightweight barrels with a high-luster, deep-blued finish. The beautifully figured stock sports precision-cut 26-lines-per-inch checkering and an oil finish that renders a handsome sheen. What really makes the Maxum a show-stopper, however, is the deep-relief floral-scroll engraving and perfectly executed coin finish. The engraving pattern was designed by Bottega Incisioni C. Giovanelli. No gold accents, not overly flashy, but every bit as eye-catching.

Ellipse Evo & Ellipse Curve

To say the Ellipse is a completely different gun than any previously covered would be 100% accurate, based on the fact that its action, stock and barrels are all different. This gun is able to go toe to toe with anything in terms of function, but it is the Ellipse’s form that really stands out. It starts with a sleek round-body action, and from there everything is streamlined and curved (stock shape, sideplates, specially designed trigger guard and field forend) to give the gun a spectacularly smooth, flowing stylization. Both the Evo and Curve actions have hand-rubbed coin finishes with their own engraving motifs. In each case, the engraving is reminiscent of what one might see on a $100,000 custom gun.

Apex

With the Ellipse having brought the Guerini line of field guns to an elite level, the Apex takes the ball and runs with it. But it does so in a unique way. More than any other model, the Apex has a distinctly British look and feel. This is achieved in part by combining solid-rib barrels, a Prince of Wales grip and a scroll-and-medallion engraving pattern fit for an English best gun. This is all great, but the piece de resistance is a screwless trigger guard that runs all the way to the skeletal grip cap. The trigger guard looks incredible, and it’s an excellent example of how Guerini incorporates aspects of fine custom gunmaking without vaulting cost to unaffordable levels.

Forum

As with all Guerini shotguns, a blindfold test of the Forum would indicate a light, well-balanced, quick-handling gun—a true “shooter.” Removing the blindfold would reveal an investment-grade gun that obviously has received many hours of handfinishing. The stock’s oil finish, the external and internal metal polishing, and the amazing scroll and game-scene engraving indicate special attention from expert craftsmen. Although the Revenant sits atop the line, those with a penchant for classic elegance could easily argue that the Forum is the company's finest gun.

Revenant

The Revenant is at the pinnacle of the Guerini line for one simple reason: The gun incorporates design, production and finishing aspects that are seen only at the top of the custom gunmaking world. Such aspects are evident throughout the upper end of the Guerini range, but the Revenant possesses more of them than any other model. The three biggest highlights of the Revenant are: 1) a round-body action with radiused sideplates that, combined with a precisely shaped stock head, achieves a perfect curvature at the gun’s midsection; 2) a Boss-style winged forend iron and inletted escutcheon around the forend-release button that add elegant flourishes to the gun; and 3) hand-finished engraving (designed by Italian master Dario Cortini) featuring gamebirds and maple leaves that gracefully coalesces classic and modern techniques. The result is a gun that has a lot in common with English best and Italian high-art guns. What it doesn't have in common with them is price. High-art guns can cost more than a Maserati GranTurismo. At the price of the Revenant, one can buy the gun and have enough left over to buy the car!

So ends a quick walk-through of Caesar Guerini’s line of field guns. Does the range account for every preference and taste of every bird hunter? No; it would take an infinite number of variations to do that. Does it offer an over/under that would be the perfect gun for a large majority of wingshooters? Absolutely. For a deep dive into the line, visit Guerini’s website, where you will find specifications, retail prices, and videos for every model.