The Piotti Sporting Over/Under

The Piotti Sporting Over/Under
Courtesy of Piotti
By Douglas Tate

Anthony “Tony” Kennedy is impressively positive. In our correspondence the UK’s godfather of fine Italian guns was consistently effusive. “The new Piotti Sporting O/U is a very exciting gun that is the same basic gun as a Perazzi, Kemen, Perugini & Visini and Purdey,” he said. “The difference, however, is in the use of very-high-quality steel and the hand-finishing of the gun—the quality of which is miles ahead.”

The Piotti Sporting over/under, which was three years in the making, clearly shares DNA with many of its Mediterranean mates: the hinging system that allows the barrels to drop down for easy loading; the lock-up that bolts the gun together; and a firing mechanism built onto the triggerplate, which can be removed without the benefit of tools. The Piotti is also fully customizable to the point of being bespoke. The guns are built on dedicated actions in 12, 20 and 28 gauge as well as .410, and a 16-bore is on the way. Barrel lengths are from 26" to 32", and every imaginable grade of walnut is available. Those wanting sideplated guns can be accommodated, too, and in Italy engraving is limited only by the imagination of the buyer.

According to Kennedy, all parts are made from solid blocks of steel, and each set of barrels is hand finished, with the chokes polished for up to 12 hours to ensure ideal patterns. Kennedy also said that he is willing to squire Americans visiting Europe around the Piotti atelier.

Because the guns are bespoke, prices vary according to the extras and engraving. Quoted starting prices are $19,500 for the standard action and $29,000 for the sideplated. Delivery time is approximately six months.

For more information, email kennedygunmakers@icloud.com.


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2 Comments

  • I’ll stick with Browinig. I had a superposed from every decade they made them, and my favourite is a posed 12, 28 inch full and mod made in 1951, the first 3 inch magnum, with the original hard case and factory upgraded wood. Looking now for a 28 gauge but for $25k, I can get a truly sweet Diana grade browinig in perfect shape…along with a 20. Two for the price of this Italian gun.

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