Zoli Z-Sport MR

I admire Zoli shotguns, and a respected peer told me that Zoli barrels are the “best in the business.” The Expedition and Ambassador field models are delightful. I recently accepted an Abercrombie & Fitch Zoli side-by-side .410 on consignment at Orvis. This dandy shotgun confirmed my affection for the maker’s guns, as the case colors, fit and finish, and handling characteristics were remarkable. It was the coolest gun in the shop until the $9,900 Zoli Z-Sport MR arrived.

Zoli’s history began with lockmaking in 15th Century Italy,and the modern incarnation of the company emerged in 1945. In the ensuing decades Zoli has had sundry importers and distributors in the US. In 2013 Zoli Antonio Srl partnered with master gunsmith Norbert Haussmann to form Zoli USA, in Bulverde, Texas. According to company President and CEO Paolo Zoli: “Our products are revolutionary from a materials and technology standpoint but classic and refined in design.” 

In 1975 Zoli introduced high-temperature silver-solder barrel assembly. Silver solder provides extraordinary tensile strength and precision to the assembly of the component parts, and Zoli barrels have a transferable lifetime warranty. Zoli is no longer the only manufacturer to use this method, but it was the first. Zoli asserts that its barrels have “drastic reduction of micro-vibrations, reduced recoil, superior convergence, homogenous shot distribution and pattern, and maximum terminal power.” While I did not test these claims scientifically, I did conclude that the shotgun I tested was pretty special.

Our Zoli Z-Sport MR (Medium-Rib) had 32" barrels (30" barrels are optional), and the deep-drilled, chrome-lined, steel-safe tubes were stunning. Zoli’s “highly durable chemical bluing” process resulted in a brilliant, polished, deep-black finish. The muzzle and rib jointures were excellent, and the barrel seam at the monoblock was nearly invisible. 

The fact that Zoli describes the rib on the Z-Sport MR as “medium height” deserves some attention. Rib height can be a matter of considerable debate in the sporting-gun world. In general terms, high ribs are most often associated with trap models, which can have ribs 25mm or higher. Flat ribs—5mm or 6mm—are common on most sporting clays models. Medium ribs, in the 7mm-to-10mm range, are less common and seem to be an attempt to split the difference and appeal to some shooters. The thinking is that higher-rib guns promote a more upright, comfortable shooting position. In choosing a rib height, one must also consider the stock configuration as well as the shooter’s body type and shooting style. I tell my clients that it really comes down to preference. That said, the machine-filed, vented top rib on the Z-Sport MR is 7mm high. It tapers from 11mm wide to 7mm and has a Bradley-style front bead and silver mid-bead. A vented center rib runs the length of the barrels. 

The low-profile jeweled monoblock had precise machining for the bites, recoil lugs and trunnion cutouts. The ejectors were equally well executed. The 3" chambers transition to 1½" forcing cones. The Z-Sport MR is available only in 12-gauge, and the bore on our gun measured .729" (overbored from the nominal .725"). The five 2¹¹⁄₁₆" extended chokes (flush chokes are optional) have a nifty gray titanium finish. The chokes measured: Skeet, .003"; Improved Cylinder, .008"; Light Modified, .013"; Modified, .018"; and Improved Modified, .023". All were .002" less than nominal. Constrictions are etched on each shaft and on a colored ring at the top. Texture beneath the ring provides a secure grip for removal and insertion, and there are notches and an included wrench. A plastic choke case is included.

The receiver begins as a block of “high performance alloy steel” that is “hot forged for maximum mechanical resistance.” The low-profile receiver on the Z-Sport MR is 1¹¹⁄₁₆" wide. The gloss blue finish was impeccable. (A silver finish and color case hardening—shown on
p. 85—are available.) Decorative touches include an understated machined scroll border, hinge-pin accents, and scroll around a prominent “Z” on the sides and bottom. “ZOLI” is engraved near the knuckle. The top of the receiver and the toplever are stippled.

The toplever opened easily, and the properly proportioned barrel selector/manual safety moved definitively into position. The safety’s spring rides over a polished shim inside the receiver, and its glassy movement was satisfying. The blued interior walls, face and knuckle were nicely finished, so I was a bit surprised to see machine swirl marks on the bottom. None were egregious, but they were noticeable. Ejector rods travel in milled channels along the sides, and a blued steel cocking bar fits in the bottom. Lock-up is provided by a massive ⅜"-thick bifurcated Boss-style bolt that emerges from the midpoint of the face to engage bites in the monoblock. The recoil lugs on the bottom of the monoblock interface corresponding cutouts in the receiver. The barrels swing on replaceable trunnions. This is a familiar and durable system. I pulled the stock to look at the ejector trip rods, toplever spring, safety mechanism and proprietary stainless-steel firing-pin assemblies. The machining and quality of the components were excellent. The bottom tang of the slender frame has an opening for the detachable trigger.

Zoli touts the advantages of its detachable trigger as allowing for convenient maintenance as well as long-term durability and regulation because it is “independent of the action” and the “stress of shooting.” That said, removal and re-insertion involved some irritating acrobatics. Removal is a multi-step process that requires removing a retaining spring. The reverse process requires some realignment that I did not find facile. Perhaps that is why the owner’s manual states: “We recommend that you remove the trigger assembly only if it is absolutely necessary.” I would heed the recommendation and leave the trigger in place. (Removing the stock also allows access to the assembly.)

Nevertheless, the quality and concinnity of the assembly’s titanium-finished parts are admirable. Coil-spring assemblies with guide rods are connected to an integrated guide assembly. The hammers, inertia block, sears, lifter and cocking cams had exceptional machining and fit. The springs were coated in a blue “self-lubricating” material. Everything rides on a blued steel chassis that contains the trigger guard and silver trigger blade. The inertia trigger is adjustable, allowing for ¼" of travel, and pulls were 3½ pounds for the bottom barrel and 3¼ for the top, with negligible take-up and a crisp break.

The Turkish-walnut stock had waves of horizontal figure, and the gloss oil finish filled the grain and was blemish-free. The head of the stock was fully finished, save for tooling marks from the final fitting. The latter was an uncharacteristic oversight in a gun with otherwise exquisite attention to detail. The gentle-radius pistol-grip geometry and palm swell were comfortable, and I liked the racy angled knob. The laser checkering and deep borders were exceptional. A shield of decorative checkering below the top tang was a nice addition. The wood-to-metal fit was perfect. The adjustable comb was finished on the stock and underneath the comb. The well-inlet steel hardware adjusted easily for cast and drops and was secure in its positions. The measurements of the Monte Carlo stock were: 14¾" length of pull, 1½" drop at comb (with the comb set to neutral), 2" drop at heel and ¼" cast-off. A ⅛" spacer and ¾" vented rubber pad embossed with Zoli’s iconic bow-and-arrow logo finished the stock. 

The “London style” forend is a trim rounded affair that is agreeable in the hand. The underside was fully finished, and the inletting for the iron was flawless. The Deeley latch was smooth and secure when removing and reattaching the forend.

I grabbed a case of Winchester Super Target 2¾", 1,180-fps, 1-oz loads of No. 7½ shot. I wanted to shoot this gun silly. It patterned 50/50 with the IC/M chokes, and convergence was spot on. The ejectors tossed hulls in unison three feet over my right arm. At 8 pounds 11 ounces, the Z-Sport is a touch heavy but certainly within the parameters of a dedicated sporting gun. It balanced just in front of the knuckle. Between the hands, the gun felt forward heavy, but this was not detrimental to the handling.

I am the first to admit my shortcomings as a clay shooter, which are especially evident with rabbits. So I decided to pursue them with some instruction from Orvis Chief Wingshooting Instructor Paula Moore. Surprisingly, with just a little advice from Paula, I was able to wave the Z-Sport like a wand and eliminate those pesky rabbits. For a heavy gun, the Z-Sport was surprisingly lively and easy to swing without being whippy. The weight also made for mild recoil. Paula and I shared the gun at several stations, and we had a great time following up on chips.

Early in our session Paula pointed out that I commit the galling error of bringing my face to the gun instead of the gun to my face. The Monte Carlo stock and mid-rib promoted a comfortable upright head position, and I was able to move the gun nicely to my face and shoulder. The configuration promoted an economy of motion and helped me overcome deficiencies in my mount and maintain focus on the targets. I am sold on the mid-rib, and I do not say the following lightly: This gun made me a better shooter. The configuration and performance were that good.

Any negligible shortcomings of the Z-Sport were mitigated by shooting it. As Zoli states: “We have decided not to focus on any specific shooting application but stick to the objective of improving everyone’s performance through enhanced comfort. We want shooting to be easy and natural for everyone.” While I cannot speak for everyone, I was completely satisfied with the gun’s features, comfort, appearance and performance. This was the most satisfying gun I have shot in a long time. At $9,900, the Z-Sport MR is dear, but I say it is worth the price.

For more information, visit zoliusa.com.

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