I broke an Olympic Gun…

Published on May 21, 2023
Duration: 14:21

This video reviews a 1970s A. Berry shotgun, originally used by the Spanish Olympic team, purchased for £100. Despite significant cosmetic wear and a broken safety catch, the gun's core mechanics like lock-up and ejectors still function. The discussion highlights the potential for refurbishment and the value proposition of acquiring vintage firearms, while also addressing fit issues for different shooting styles.

Quick Summary

A 1970s A. Berry shotgun, used by the Spanish Olympic team, can be found for approximately £100. While exhibiting significant cosmetic wear like stock splits and scratches, its core mechanics such as lock-up and ejectors may still function. Refurbishment is possible but can be costly, requiring a cost-benefit analysis against purchasing a new firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Initial Impressions
  2. 00:09The Budget Olympic Shotgun
  3. 00:21Identifying the A. Berry Shotgun
  4. 00:41Bringing in Critical Opinions
  5. 00:59Assessing Cosmetic Damage
  6. 01:17Action Design and Influence
  7. 01:34First Thoughts on the Gun
  8. 01:43Stock Shim System Explained
  9. 01:57Stock Fit and Feel
  10. 02:09Audi TT Design Inspiration
  11. 02:25The A. Berry Logo
  12. 02:46Hand-Built Quality Assessment
  13. 03:00Value Proposition: £100 Shotgun
  14. 03:10Shooting the Shotgun
  15. 03:20Functionality Check
  16. 03:30Stock Length Concerns
  17. 03:57Attempting to Fire
  18. 04:02The Safety Catch Incident
  19. 04:25Repairing the Broken Safety
  20. 04:42Internal Finish Inspection
  21. 04:50Second Attempt to Shoot
  22. 05:04Aesthetics Debate
  23. 05:18Handling and Performance
  24. 05:30Shooting Impressions
  25. 05:39More Shooting Attempts
  26. 05:44Closing Mechanism Uncertainty
  27. 05:52Left-Handed Fit Considerations
  28. 06:06Safety Catch Issues Persist
  29. 06:13Observing Others' Struggles
  30. 06:23Overall Safety and Handling
  31. 06:39Vintage Spanish Shotguns in Use
  32. 06:50Build Quality and Longevity
  33. 07:02Rattling and Wear Assessment
  34. 07:12Woodwork and Metal Fit
  35. 07:19Hand-Built Value for £100
  36. 07:23Purchasing Blind at Holts
  37. 07:36Worst Case Scenario
  38. 07:43Making the Safety Catch More Valuable
  39. 07:46Durability After Punishment
  40. 07:58Potential for Restoration
  41. 08:14Proposing a Competition
  42. 08:24Shoot First, Disassemble Later
  43. 08:32Reluctance to Shoot Again
  44. 08:44A Lucky Shot
  45. 08:50Hex Screw Prepared
  46. 08:57Competition Round
  47. 09:01Target Difficulty
  48. 09:10Competition Results
  49. 09:14Overall Performance Assessment
  50. 09:20Diamond's Preference for Trap Guns
  51. 09:30Target Difficulty Revisited
  52. 09:33Challenging Targets
  53. 09:43Compensating for Left-Handed Gun
  54. 09:48Quality Fit for Sporting Clays
  55. 09:53Nippy Handling
  56. 09:59Longer Target Difficulty
  57. 10:04Mental Adjustment for Fit
  58. 10:11Gun Fit Philosophy
  59. 10:16Adjustability Limitations
  60. 10:22Shooting Where You Look
  61. 10:32Mental Chunkiness
  62. 10:37Physical vs. Mental Change
  63. 10:42Judging Guns by Shooting Ability
  64. 10:51Dislike of the Gun's Appearance
  65. 10:55Quality Perception
  66. 11:04Request for Beretta Comparison
  67. 11:09Personal Verdict: Pass
  68. 11:18Objective Assessment
  69. 11:23Alterability and Potential
  70. 11:30Right-Hander vs. Left-Handed Gun
  71. 11:35Mixed Feelings: Like and Dislike
  72. 11:40The Feel of the Gun
  73. 11:44Trigger Pull and Feeling Bad
  74. 11:52The Impact of Missing
  75. 12:05Miserable Person Persona
  76. 12:11Getting Away With Being Crap
  77. 12:15Conclusion on the Gun
  78. 12:17Thanks for Breaking It
  79. 12:22£100 Well Spent?
  80. 12:24Reaction to Missing
  81. 12:28Accusations of Lying
  82. 12:35Teddy Throwing Out of the Cup
  83. 12:41Frustration with Hitting Clays
  84. 12:46Mindset on Missing
  85. 12:51Smiling Because Gun Was Broken
  86. 12:58Safety Catch Unbreakable Now
  87. 13:00Taking a Chance on Cheap Guns
  88. 13:10Rescuable vs. Non-Rescuable Guns
  89. 13:18Hankering to Refurbish
  90. 13:22Cost of Refurbishment
  91. 13:30Buying a New Gun
  92. 13:40Not Hating the Gun
  93. 13:44Hating the Gun
  94. 13:47Needing a Moment Alone
  95. 13:51Upset by the Gun
  96. 13:54Thank You for Watching
  97. 13:58Channel Support & Sponsorship

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of a 1970s A. Berry shotgun?

A 1970s A. Berry shotgun, previously used by the Spanish Olympic team, can be acquired for around £100 in a condition that requires significant cosmetic work but may retain functional mechanics like lock-up and ejectors.

What are common issues with vintage shotguns like the A. Berry?

Vintage shotguns often exhibit cosmetic wear such as stock splits, dings, and scratches. Functional issues can include worn safety catches or ejectors, though core mechanisms like the lock-up may remain sound.

Can a vintage shotgun like the A. Berry be refurbished?

Yes, vintage shotguns can be refurbished. This can involve re-blacking the metalwork and refinishing the stock. However, the cost of refurbishment can be substantial, potentially exceeding the price of a new, well-fitting firearm.

What is the significance of the A. Berry shotgun's stock shim system?

The A. Berry shotgun featured interchangeable shims in its stock, allowing for precise adjustments to drop and cast. This enabled the Spanish Olympic team to customize guns for individual shooters and is a feature that can be utilized for future adjustments.

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