08-Sep-2025
Partridge shooting demands a gun that is quick to mount, light enough to carry through the day, and responsive to the fast, low birds that characterise the sport. While there is no single “best” gun, three models are consistently favoured among experienced Shots for their balance, handling, and suitability in the field.
The Beretta Silver Pigeon has become one of the most widely used over-and-under game guns in the UK.
Action: Over-and-under, boxlock
Barrel lengths: 26, 28, or 30 inches
Weight: Approx. 6 lb 8 oz – 6 lb 12 oz (depending on barrel length)
Chokes: Multi-choke
Chamber: 3” (76mm)
The 20-bore offers less weight than the 12, making the gun quicker to mount and easier to carry across a full day.
The 28-bore version is even lighter (around 6 lb), offering smooth, fast handling, although it requires careful cartridge selection for reliable kills on stronger birds.
The low recoil of the smaller bores makes them accessible to younger or newer shooters.
The Browning B725 series is an evolution of the classic B25 design. The action is lower in profile compared to older Browning over-and-unders, improving target acquisition and giving the gun a more neutral balance.
Action: Over-and-under, mechanical trigger system
Barrel lengths: 28 or 30 inches
Weight: Approx. 6 lb 13 oz – 7 lb (depending on specification)
Chokes: Invector DS multi-choke system
Chamber: 3” (76mm)
The slimmer action helps with quicker mounting and a more instinctive swing, which is important for fast, low partridges.
The B725 has a reputation for durability and consistent trigger pulls.
The weight is balanced enough to absorb recoil without slowing the gun down, making it comfortable for sustained shooting over several drives.
The AYA No. 2 is a Spanish-built sidelock side-by-side, styled on traditional English game guns. It remains one of the most widely used “entry-level” sidelock side-by-sides in the UK.
Action: Side-by-side sidelock
Barrel lengths: 27, 28, or 30 inches
Weight: Approx. 6 lb 3 oz – 6 lb 8 oz (depending on bore and barrel length)
Chokes: Fixed (typically ¼ and ½, though variations exist)
Chamber: 2¾” (70mm)
Side-by-sides are traditionally favoured for partridge shooting, particularly in the early season, because of their lightness and quick handling.
The 20-bore version weighs just over 6 lb, which makes it ideal for rapid shooting at coveys.
The AYA No. 2 retains the aesthetics and feel of classic British game guns, while being more affordable than many London-built side locks.
20-bore vs 12-bore: A 20-bore is generally better suited to partridge shooting due to lighter weight and quicker handling. A 12-bore offers more versatility if you also shoot a large number of pheasants.
Barrel length: 28 or 30 inches are the most common choices. Shorter barrels offer quicker handling, while longer barrels give more control on high birds.
Cartridges: For partridge, typical loads are 25–30g in a 20-bore, usually with No. 6 or No. 7 shot. Fibre wads are often required on estates.
Each of these three guns, the Beretta Silver Pigeon, Browning B725, and AYA No. 2 — provides qualities well matched to partridge shooting. The Beretta and Browning offer the reliability and modern handling of over-and-unders, while the AYA represents the lighter, more traditional side-by-side option.
When choosing, the most important factors remain gun fit, weight, and balance. A correctly fitted gun that feels comfortable in the hand will do far more for your shooting than any particular brand or model name.
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