What do you think of this Custom Side By Side? - H. J. Hussey

Published on January 16, 2025
Duration: 24:40

This video provides an in-depth review of the HJ Hussey Imperial side-by-side shotgun, a 'Continental gun' with a British name, manufactured by Gria in Spain. The review highlights its British aesthetic, handling characteristics, performance on various shooting disciplines, and detailed craftsmanship. It emphasizes the gun's suitability for game shooting and its modern features like steel-proofed barrels, while also discussing its price point and custom options.

Quick Summary

The HJ Hussey Imperial is a high-grade side-by-side shotgun manufactured by Gria in Spain, designed to offer a distinctly British aesthetic and feel. It features a 7-pin sidelock action, hand-finished engraving, custom stock options, and steel-proofed 76mm chambers, making it suitable for modern game shooting at a more accessible price point than many English-made counterparts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Over-Unders vs. Side-by-Sides
  2. 00:10Introducing the HJ Hussey Imperial by Sportarm
  3. 00:25First Impressions: The 'Britishness' of the Gun
  4. 01:10First Shots and Handling Impressions
  5. 01:50Barrel Lengths and Stability
  6. 02:26Performance on Clay Targets
  7. 03:15Suitability for Game Shooting
  8. 04:01Handling Difficult Targets
  9. 04:45Purpose: Classic British Game Shooting
  10. 05:00Steel Proofing and Modern Loads
  11. 05:23Simulated Driven Game Shoot
  12. 05:54Confidence and Handling on Faster Targets
  13. 06:45Perceived Weight and Balance
  14. 07:06Designing a Continental Gun with English Feel
  15. 07:37Skepticism of Continental Guns
  16. 07:55Defining 'Continental Gun'
  17. 08:13Historical Context of Continental Guns
  18. 08:55The Air of Britishness: Stock and Action Design
  19. 09:18Manufacturer: Gria in Spain
  20. 09:39Price Point: Pairs vs. Singles
  21. 10:13Cost of Hand-Finished Guns
  22. 10:55Comparison with English-Made Guns
  23. 11:27Stock Finish and Wood Grade
  24. 11:44Custom Stock Dimensions
  25. 12:12Traditional Sidelock Action
  26. 12:36Personal Preference and Factory Visits
  27. 13:01The Gria Factory Experience
  28. 13:05Checkering: A Specialty Craft
  29. 13:34Stock Drop Points and Seamless Fit
  30. 13:50Action Types: 7-Pin vs. 5-Pin Sidelock
  31. 14:04Imperial vs. Standard Gria 216
  32. 14:44Lock Work and Action Design: Holland Royal
  33. 14:59Historical Connection: HJ Hussey and Hollands
  34. 15:24British Name vs. Gria Craftsmanship
  35. 15:57Engraving: Hand-Done and Unique
  36. 16:10Engraving Patterns: Bold Scroll and Others
  37. 16:36Engraving on Trigger Guard and Lock Plates
  38. 16:47Exposed Pins and Cocking Indicators
  39. 17:26Sidelock Beauty and Cocking Indicators
  40. 17:26Other Noteworthy Details: Beaded Fences
  41. 18:13Locking Screw Detail
  42. 18:21Forend Type: Splinter and Self-Opener
  43. 19:01Barrel Specifications: Bore Size and Chamber
  44. 19:34CIP Fleur-de-Lis Proofing for Steel
  45. 19:57Assisted Opening Mechanism Explained
  46. 20:02Barrel Weight
  47. 20:22Gria Makers' Mark and Serial Number
  48. 20:37Lock-up Mechanism
  49. 20:48Fixed Chokes and Multi-Choking Options
  50. 21:09Assisted Opener Functionality
  51. 21:39Reloading Speed and Loader Consideration
  52. 21:56Overall Respect for the Gun
  53. 22:05Nod to Holland & Holland Design
  54. 22:20Refined and Balanced English Style Gun
  55. 22:49Room for Spanish Guns
  56. 23:01Overcoming Historical Bias
  57. 23:17Lead Time and Customization
  58. 23:23Barrel Lengths and Calibers
  59. 23:33Accessible Price Point vs. British Makers
  60. 23:43Handmade Sidelock Shotgun Passion
  61. 24:00Conclusion: A Heck of a Game Gun
  62. 24:16Thanks and Farewell

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HJ Hussey Imperial shotgun and who makes it?

The HJ Hussey Imperial is a high-grade side-by-side shotgun designed with a British aesthetic but manufactured in Spain by Gria. It's offered by Sportarm and represents a revival of the HJ Hussey name, blending traditional British gunmaking principles with Spanish craftsmanship.

What are the key features of the HJ Hussey Imperial shotgun?

Key features include a 7-pin sidelock action inspired by Holland & Holland designs, hand-finished engraving, custom stock options, steel-proofed 76mm (3-inch) magnum chambers, and an assisted opening mechanism. The barrels have an 18.6mm bore for better steel shot performance.

How does the HJ Hussey Imperial compare in price to English-made shotguns?

The HJ Hussey Imperial offers a more accessible price point than many English-made sidelock shotguns. While a pair can cost £57,000, single guns start around £13,500, which is significantly less than the £80,000+ often seen for comparable handmade English guns.

What is the significance of the 'Continental gun' designation for the HJ Hussey Imperial?

The term 'Continental gun' refers to a shotgun with a British name made in Europe. The HJ Hussey Imperial aims to overcome historical skepticism by meticulously incorporating British design elements and quality craftsmanship, making it a 'Continental gun' that feels authentically English.

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