20 bore Bernardelli hammer gun

Cold Spring · 10-27-2023, 10:19 PM

I'm still concentrating on grouse in the mountains and despite plans otherwise I had to hunt solo today. My friend texted while driving out to the cabin; called in to work. A few weeks ago I found a 1967 V. Bernardelli "Brescia" model 20 bore hammer gun that was apparently unfired since new. I hadn't a chance to try it for clays beforehand, and this was, I believe, her first shot since leaving the factory over 55 years ago. Choked IC and I-Mod per my Baker bore mike (barrels are stamped IC & Mod), and a Federal 7-1/2 shot Field load did the trick.

Being alone I stayed close to the road and hunted wintergreen berry patches in a favorite cover; second pic shows berries from the crop on top of a gray colored rock.
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Donald McQuade · 10-28-2023, 08:37 AM

Another hammer gun grouse, well done Frank. Thats a neat looking little gun. Did Nitro accompany you on this trip?

Cold Spring · 10-28-2023, 08:52 AM

Thank you Don. No, Nitro is a young Springer flusher and he does very well on pheasants but is too energetic on our few and spooky grouse here in northeast PA. Besides it was 81 degrees yesterday after a few days of warmer weather and there are too many timber rattlers out in the mountains. Porkies too. Yes lately I've gotten a hankering for hammer guns and have gotten tired of looking for GOOD no excuses vintage guns. Besides I've had some extra scratch from selling off many of the dust collector guns I've accumulated over the years.

Keavin Nelson · 10-28-2023, 10:09 AM

Very nice Frank, a double under lug cross bolt/bite, solid as a rock! I will bet it is sweet to carry!

6pt-Sika · 10-28-2023, 12:39 PM

Cool Frank ! I remmember seeing these in the Shooters Bible back in the 60’s when I was a little guy

Cold Spring · 10-28-2023, 02:11 PM

Keavin, actually she has a 4th "bite" which is a cammed slot in the barrel extension, similar to Syracuse Lefevers. Yes she carries well at 6-2. I'm personally not into sub-6 pound smallbores. Just me I'd guess.

Bill Murphy · 10-28-2023, 07:03 PM

Too bad Frank is a young whipper snapper. I found my favorite hammer tight cover gun years ago when Frank was in high school. His hammer Bernardelli is probably as good as my Parker or better. Great hunt, Frank.