Italian gunmakers seem to have a flair for presenting an essentially sated market with the new and novel. Zoli’s new Z-Bella, a competition shotgun designed specifically for women, is a prime example.
Two years in development, the Z-Bella is built to fit the female form and cosmetically styled to appeal to feminine sensibilities. According to Jason Dallman, Zoli USA’s Sales Manager, the model differs from the company’s standard Z-Gun in that it has a smaller grip, a shorter pistol grip, a shorter length of pull, a higher comb, “lady’s pitch” and more toe out.
The range, initially offered in silver and blued finishes with engraving enhanced by inset Swarovski crystals, has been augmented by the addition of a richer version called the Z-Bella Vintage (shown). The Vintage has color case hardening from German specialist Schilling, gold-thread engraving by Creative Art and upgraded walnut.
The Z-Bella is a 12-gauge monoblock design on the proven platform of the men’s Zoli Z-Gun, with a detachable trigger group, a between-the-hands balancing device in the grip, gas-vented firing-pin guides and a split locking bolt that is described as “Boss type.” The gun comes with 28", 30" or 31" tapered-rib barrels, and the interchangeable chokes can be internal or external. The Z-Bella is also available in adjustable-high-rib and fixed-medium-rib versions.
At press time Elite Shotguns had a Z-Bella with a silver receiver listed at $8,550, while Cole Gunsmithing had a Vintage model at $17,400. For more information, visit zoliusa.com.
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