Perazzi is famous for its over-and-unders but this month we test the new DC (Double Caccia) detachable-lock, side-by-side. The gun weighs in at 73⁄4lb with 30in, 3in-chambered barrels. It has a single, non-selective trigger, non-auto safety (an auto version is available), fixed three-quarters and full chokes (with other constriction and barrel length choices obtainable), a pigeon-style rib, an open-radius, pistol-grip stock and a deep splinter fore-end (with a straight-hand and beaver-tail fore-end as further options). First impression is of an attractive but heavy gun. One cannot fault the basic form or quality of finish. The well-presented monobloc barrels are lustrously blacked and pass internal and external inspection. The tapered (10mm to 7mm), slightly concave rib is excellent. The innovative action is well proportioned, minimally decorated and blacked (like a competition gun). The stock shapes are exemplary. This is, however, a specialist tool. In the words of Perazzi guru Chris Potter, “The DC is not trying to be a lightweight English game-gun, this is really a pigeon gun that might be used for high birds with heavy loads, clay-shooting or live pigeon-shooting.” Perazzi’s over-and-unders set a standard both for design and consistency of manufacture. I heard about the side-by-side project some time ago. Kemen, a rival Spanish firm making what is essentially a copy of the MX8 over-and-under, has been offering its side-by-side “Paralela” model since about 2008. I shot partridges with a pair in Spain and was impressed. Perazzi may have been inspired to create something similar – in essence, a single-trigger, detachable-lock side-by-side handling like an over-and-under. The test gun arrived courtesy of UK importers RUAG Ammotec of Liskeard. In plain grade, it carries a £10,000 price tag (various models are on offer, including side-plated versions to £35,000, with a 20-bore DC due out next year). On first sight the black-actioned test 12-bore reminded me of an old Winchester 21. On the handling front, the DC was muzzle heavy when brought to face and shoulder (the balance point is about an inch forward of the hinge pin). The stock impressed with good shapes front and back, and offered first-class purchase and control (making one wonder what this gun would be like with lighter barrels). The wood on the test specimen was well figured with neat chequering. The barrel weight was 1,615g, which is on the hefty side for a 32in over-and-under, let alone a 30in side-by-side. The monobloc joints were exceptionally good, as were internal and external presentation. The long chambers lead to forcing cones of medium length. The bore size is 18.4mm, which is on the tight side but the preference of pigeon-shooters who believe a tighter bore improves penetration (though it may increase felt recoil). The sighting rib – Perazzi excels at them – carried a plain metal bead at the muzzles. The stock of this “shelf” gun measured just under 15in. Drop was more than 13⁄8in at the front of the comb and 21⁄8in to the rear. Cast just exceeded 1⁄8in at heel and double that … Continue reading Perazzi DC side-by-side review