Traditions O/U ????

[Warhorse]

While out looking for a new, hopefully relatively inexpensive 12 Ga. O/U, I ran across a Traditions Field Model O/U with 26" barrels. I knew that Traditions made a series of muzzleloaders but had never seen one of their "modern" shotguns before.

The form, fit, workmanship and function seemed good and the selectable trigger felt just fine to me. It also does not automatically set the safety each time the breech is opened, which I definitely prefer. It came with a choke wrench and three chokes: IC, Mod & Full. The receiver is nicely engraved with a flying pheasant inlet in gold on three sides. It also came with a plastic carrying case to be used with the gun broken down into three components.

It felt good and I liked it. After thoroughly inspecting it and trying it for fit, I bit the bullet and bought it for a little over $1K. I plan to use it for casual trap, no competition or heavy extended useage. As of this writing, I have yet to fire it.

Now, the reason for this post: I know nothing of the track record of these shotguns and not much more about the company. (Yeah, I gave in to impulse.) Are any of you familiar with this company or their shotguns sufficiently to enlighten me on how well they hold up with use? Any other comments?

.

 

[Warhorse]

I bumped this thread in the hope that someone familiar with Traditions shotguns might see it and provide me with some basic info. If not, then I will simply consider this thread a lost cause.
I certainly will not bump it again.

 

[Oldnamvet]

Does it say where it was made? I bought an off brand sxs 15 years ago that was made in Spain. People told me it wouldn't last long despite the fact that it was well fitted, nickel plated receiver, locked up tight etc. 15 years later and about 10K rounds later, it has never failed in any way and still looks nearly new. Much more than I can say for myself.
Take a look here. http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eShop/shotguns.asp
It looks like it should be a good one, made in Italy by a reputable firm.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Manufactured in: Italy Provide your customers with the pride of ownership and unparalleled shooting advantages of superbly crafted Italian shotguns. The affordable Traditions Classic Series by Fausti® Stefano includes side-by-side and over & under shotguns in popular gauges. Each model flaunts a handsome walnut stock and practical features that assure years of dependability.

 

[Warhorse]

Chawbaccer has the blurb right. The shotgun is actually manufactured in Italy but the Traditions company is located in CT.

I was hoping to find someone else who has one, preferably for long enough to get a feel for how it holds up. I don't even know how long they have been available in the USA.

Thanks for responding.

 

[COK]

I have been looking for one of their SxS's to inspect, If you find the Sept/ Oct issue of Shooting Sportsman they have a nice article on the Shotguns of Fausti Stefano, they have been is business since 1948 and make guns for Traditions, Weatherby and the new L.C. Smith for Marlin, It seems they have a limited import of their own guns under their name to the U.S.
And are also are closely tied to the firm of E. Rizzini and make guns from as stated in the magazine " utilitarian to very nice indeed".

 

[Warhorse]

COX

Thanks. I feel better already.
(Aaaarrrgh! Typo on COK but can't edit that in title. Sorry)

 

[Gun Geezer]

O/U: Not Sure

Not sure about Traditions over/unders. However, I do have friend who bought his son a Traditions 20 gauge auto. Total piece of junk.

 

[COK]

The current O/U’s and SxS’s are by Fausti, where the autos are manufactured in Turkey and in my opinion of not very good quality, especially when compared to the Doubles they import.