OK, a little background here...
I've been seriously into shotguns for probably 7 years. Started with a Winchester Model 12 which became mine when my dad passed away. I've picked up and worked my way through a variety of pumps, autoloaders and eventually an O/U.
The O/U is a Browning 425. Nice gun, solidly built and it has probably upwards of 40K shells through it. It's been worked on by professional smiths and by yours truly to make it fit perfectly and shoot exactly how I want. About 1 1/2 years ago, I started shooting registered sporting clays and that gun has served well as I've moved quickly up the classifications. I've used it to win money, prizes and trophys, and I've even killed a bunch of birds with it.
Eariler this year, I ordered a Kolar. It wasn't $30,000, but it did cost more than my first three cars combined (and one of those was brand new). I've been shooting it for several months now. As it's been hunting season, I haven't shot it as heavily as I will during the clays season, but I've got just around 2K shells through it.
Not long ago, I had the opportunity to shoot an afternoon's worth of sporting clays... using my tried and true 425. I shot three 50 target courses, plus did a little practice on the side... let's call it just shy of a flat. In any event, I found to my surprise that I no longer liked shooting the 425. The new gun just plain feels better. Whether or not that translates into better scores waits to be seen. So far, I don't think I'm experiencing the "dip" I anticipated, but my scores certainly aren't loads better. Then again, there's not a lot of room for improvement. I don't say that to brag, but to explain that it's difficult to gauge progress. I'll have a better idea once the season starts in earnest next spring.
Now, what does the Kolar offer? First and foremost is fit. It's not off the rack, and it's not "tweaked to fit". It's designed to fit from the very start. I was able to play with different barrels and configurations to get the handling I wanted. The balance and feel is just right. My Browning always felt a little blocky and barrel heavy. Even though the Kolar weighs more, it's more neutral handling. My swing seems a little smoother. Additionally, the extra weight sucks up the recoil. In real terms, a 1300fps 1 oz load (Fiocchi Crusher) in the Kolar feels softer than a 1200fps 1 oz load (Fiocchi Multisport) in the 425.
Also, since I like to shoot sub-gauge events, I was able to get a second carrier barrel and a full set of tubes in .410, 28ga and 20ga. Now I can shoot all the sub-gauge events without switching back and forth between guns. While I enjoy hunting with different guns, I prefer to compete with a single platform.
I'll not apologize for the fact that the gun is beautiful. The wood is nicely figured and perfectly crafted. I did opt for additional engraving. Does it enhance the shooting? No. Does it flat out look good? You bet! I didn't get it to show off. I got it because I liked it. That's enough. To assuage any thoughts that I might "baby" it... don't bet on it. The first time I shot it, I ran nearly a flat through it in a rainstorm. In fact, I was shooting it in a rainstorm earlier today. One of the reasons I bought this gun is because it is durable. My plan is to shoot it to pieces and have it rebuilt over and over until I'm the thing that doesn't work any more.
What are some other things I like about it? The trigger is amazing and the trigger group can be dropped in under a minute. Likewise, I can pull the entire action off the stock without having to remove the recoil pad. As a competition gun, the whole thing is designed to last a long time and facilitate rebuilding. If I'm able to wear this ugn out permanently, I'll consider that the crowning achievement of my lifetime.
Furthermore, the service is outstanding. I don't live too far from the factory, and if I need something done, chances are they can do the work while I wait. The folks at Kolar have already shown a willingness and ability to go the extra mile to make sure that everything is perfect... not just right, but perfect.
So, what do I think a gun like this brings to the table? In my case, I live the BA/UU/R lifestyle, and have for a number of years. I'm very competetive within my state, and this upcoming year will be shooting at a number of major events throughout the country. To put it plainly... this gun gives me no excuses. I know that my equipment is good enough to carry me as far as my desire, motivation and skill can take me. The features I outlined above are important, but it's this last that I think is the biggest... at least for me.
An expensive custom-made gun is no magic wand. But, neither is it just so much eye candy. There are some tangible benefits, and it's up to each person to decide if those benefits are worth it to them.
