The Churchill Hercules

Published on July 9, 2021
Duration: 17:20

This video provides an in-depth review of the Churchill Hercules, an Italian-built over-and-under shotgun finished and stocked in England. The reviewer highlights its stunning aesthetics, customizable stock dimensions, and luxurious English finish, noting the blend of Italian engineering with British craftsmanship. The gun is praised for its excellent handling, shootability, and value for money, making it a compelling option for both game shooting and clay disciplines.

Quick Summary

The Churchill Hercules is an over-and-under shotgun with an Italian action finished and stocked in England, offering custom dimensions and Grade 5 wood. It features a side-plated trigger plate action, detailed engraving, and excellent handling, making it a compelling value proposition around £10,000 for game and clay shooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Churchill Hercules
  2. 00:35Hercules Model History
  3. 01:03First Look: The 2020 Hercules
  4. 01:15Stock Customization and Wood Grade
  5. 01:49Italian Action, English Finish
  6. 02:11Stock Design and English Feel
  7. 02:36Laser Checkering and Hand Finishing
  8. 02:42Side Plate Trigger Plate Action
  9. 02:55Engraving and Luxury Features
  10. 03:39Gold Inlet Branding and Pair Numbering
  11. 03:54Safety and Trigger Features
  12. 04:06Bottom Engraving: Churchill Crest
  13. 04:30Boss Style Forend Iron
  14. 05:02Forend Design and Attachment
  15. 05:12Hand Regulation and Fit
  16. 05:47Barrel Specifications: Gauge and Proofing
  17. 06:04Rib Design and Sighting Plane
  18. 06:17Chokes and Barrel Length Options
  19. 06:30Weight Analysis: 12 Gauge, 30 Inch
  20. 06:57Weight Distribution and Handling
  21. 07:07Choke Options: Fixed vs. Multi-Choke
  22. 07:29Value Proposition: Churchill vs. Others
  23. 07:48Bespoke Gun Cabinet Showcase
  24. 08:59Shooting Impressions: Initial Feel
  25. 09:21Handling: Style Over Substance?
  26. 09:33Movement Like a Grand Tourer
  27. 09:59Automatic Safety Confirmation
  28. 10:09Surprising Shootability
  29. 10:31Analogy: Sports Car vs. Grand Tourer
  30. 10:45Handling: Heavy Gun, Light Feel
  31. 11:00Modern Game Gun vs. Sporter Handling
  32. 11:08Fantastic Crossover Gun
  33. 11:19Value at £10,000
  34. 11:30Tempting Offer in Price Point
  35. 11:43Shooting More
  36. 11:58Initial Skepticism Overcome
  37. 12:16Handling and Shootability Not Overlooked
  38. 12:35Pretty Guns vs. Tangible Quality
  39. 12:51Mid-Weight Balance for Shootability
  40. 12:57Speed, Precision, Flow, and Fluidity
  41. 13:07Balancing Looks and Performance
  42. 13:19Comparison to High-End Guns
  43. 13:31Designed as a Beautiful All-Rounder
  44. 13:46Pleasantly Surprised
  45. 13:57Concept of Finishing Elsewhere
  46. 14:07Not Fully English, But Not Fully English Price
  47. 14:22Importance of English Origin vs. Feel
  48. 14:34Looks a Million Bucks
  49. 14:40Easy to Shoot and Beautiful
  50. 14:47Final Thoughts: I Like It
  51. 15:01Displaying the Gun Nicely
  52. 15:03The Original Hercules: Box Lock
  53. 15:19Original Hercules Design
  54. 15:35Original Hercules Re-barreling
  55. 15:40Original Hercules Action and Quality
  56. 16:01Original Hercules Finishing Concept
  57. 16:30Original Hercules Safety Catch
  58. 16:40Conclusion and Thanks
  59. 16:51Reaffirmed: It's a Great Gun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Churchill Hercules shotgun?

The Churchill Hercules is an over-and-under shotgun featuring an Italian-built action that is then meticulously finished, stocked, and embellished in England. It aims to blend European engineering with British craftsmanship, offering a luxurious appearance and excellent handling.

What are the key features of the Churchill Hercules shotgun?

Key features include customizable stock dimensions, Grade 5 wood, a side-plated trigger plate action for reliability, detailed laser and hand-finished engraving, an automatic safety with a selective single trigger, and a Boss-style forend iron. It's available in various gauges and barrel lengths.

How does the Churchill Hercules handle and shoot?

Despite its weight, the Churchill Hercules is praised for its exceptional handling and shootability. The balanced weight distribution allows for fast swings and a feeling of lightness, making it a fantastic crossover gun that performs well for both game shooting and clay disciplines.

What is the price point and value of the Churchill Hercules?

The Churchill Hercules is positioned around £10,000, including custom stock options and hand-finished engraving. Reviewers consider it a very tempting offer, providing significant value for its high-end aesthetics, luxurious finish, and impressive handling characteristics.

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