axeman_g
Member
About 7 years ago I was in Italy on a working vacation. I met some nice gentlemen and they invited me to go bird hunting on their estate outside Gravina in the Puglia region. When I arrived the next day, they had a small group of hunters together, a dog handler and food of course. I was introduced around as "Wild Bill" even though my name is not Bill. Anyway my hosts took me around to pick out a gun for the day. They introduced me their game keeper, a New Zealander named Peter. Since we were going grey partridge hunting, same as our Huns, then i thought a long range gun would work best. He had a Beretta semi and Browning a5 Light 12 with a 28". Well having never shot one before, I asked for the A5. Peter showed me how to work it, then told "That is about the same gun I carried in the Indonesian jungle back in the ancient times". Turns out he was a NZ SAS vet, did 20 years in the service for the Commonwealth. He opted to carry the A5 with a 20" on reconassaince missions because of its ability to throw a serious amount of zinc coated ball to bust ambushes apart and to slow down pursuits. He said they used to remove or alter the sear to get full auto capability and machined a mag extension so they could carry 7+1 shells. The locals hated the shotguns, they could not shoot them and feared their firepower. He told me the locals looked upon the guys carrying shotties as super men. He told me he used to sit in helicopter cockpits, shooting the A5 out the window to supress enemies. Sounded like the gun for me. I had no reason to doubt this gentleman, he seemed to know his stuff, was very well regarded by his employer and was a man that garnered respect from strangers.
And so you know... I shot 4 huns that day, all at ranges over 40yds. The other guys did well also.. we feasted on partridge and greens all night wih some great wines and breads. Great dog work from some Broccas, a pointer with a hound face and a single Spinone or Italian Griffin.
And so you know... I shot 4 huns that day, all at ranges over 40yds. The other guys did well also.. we feasted on partridge and greens all night wih some great wines and breads. Great dog work from some Broccas, a pointer with a hound face and a single Spinone or Italian Griffin.
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