A Break in the Action
Our days are busy. Professional, family and personal obligations fill our schedules. You’re invited to take A Break in the Action of your day and escape to a place filled with sights of highly figured walnut and rich, vibrant case-color hardening. Intoxicating scents of wood smoke from a perfectly laid fire and spent shotshells fill the air. The only deals we broker are for new-to-us shotguns and our only appointments are for chilly mornings and impatient bird dogs. Here, our currency is memories and we consider ourselves wealthy. The goal here is simple, to provide a place to escape, a p...
The Best Days Aren’t About the Shooting
What makes a great day in the field truly memorable? Ryan speaks with longtime friend Jake Woolf for a wide-ranging conversation about British shooting traditions, gundogs, hospitality, friendship and the experiences that matter long after the guns are put away. Jake also shares the story behind his Twenty10 Club and the new Fish and Game podcast—and why creating opportunities for others to experience the sporting life has become so important to him.
Plus, Josh Loewensteiner of Guyette & Deeter joins Ryan to explore a handful of standout sporting guns and other fascinating lots from the firm’s upco...
Listen While You Still Can
After decades of shotguns, sporting clays, bird hunting, and other noisy pursuits, Ryan finally listened to his wife and visited an audiologist. The diagnosis: measurable hearing loss—and a realization that protecting your hearing is about far more than simply being able to hear the next bird flush.
In this episode, Ryan talks about the warning signs he ignored, what he learned during his hearing evaluation, the growing research linking untreated hearing loss with cognitive decline and dementia, and why his own family history made that connection impossible to dismiss.
He also gets candid about th...
Just ONE Shotgun?
If you could own just ONE shotgun... what would it be?
It's one of the oldest—and most debated—questions in the shooting sports.
Should it be a 12-gauge or a 20? A semi-automatic or an over-and-under? Twenty-eight-inch barrels or thirty? How much should it weigh? Which features actually matter, and which are simply a matter of personal preference?
In this episode of A Break in the Action, Ryan Doughty tackles that question from a different perspective. Rather than asking what shotgun an experienced collector would buy, he asks a more practical ques...
From Rolex to Rizzini: How a watch enthusiast found wingshooting
What do fine shotguns and mechanical watches have in common? It turns out, quite a lot.
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Christian Zeron, founder of Theo & Harris and one of the most recognizable voices in the world of mechanical watches. Christian recently found himself drawn into an entirely new pursuit: hunting, wingshooting, and the sporting life.
Together they discuss Christian's introduction to hunting, what he thought hunters were like before he became one, and the surprising realities he discovered after entering the community. They explore why so many watch enthusiasts seem drawn toward f...
Is the 12 gauge dead?
For more than a century, the 12 gauge has been the default answer in the shotgun world. It was the gauge that did everything—quail, pheasants, waterfowl, rabbits, and just about anything else a hunter might pursue.
But today, sub-gauges are more popular than ever. Twenty gauges, twenty-eights, and even .410s have developed devoted followings, leaving some hunters to wonder: has the 12 gauge become more gun than most of us actually need?
Joining me to explore that question is Gregg Elliott of Dogs and Doubles. Gregg is a dedicated grouse and woodcock hunter, student of vintage sh...
The Traveling Wingshooter: Building The Ultimate Bird Hunting Rig
In this episode of A Break in the Action, Ryan takes listeners inside the process of building what he believes is the ultimate modern bird hunting rig (for the way he hunts) — not as a showcase of gear for gear’s sake, but as a thoughtful system shaped by years of traveling to hunt upland birds with dogs. From choosing the right platform and topper to organizing equipment with a DECKED drawer system, Dakota 283 kennels, and modular storage solutions, this episode explores how comfort, simplicity, organization, and dog safety ultimately became the guiding principles behind the build. Along the way...
A Sporting Weekend at The Preserve
In this episode of A Break in the Action, Ryan travels to western Rhode Island to experience one of America’s most unique sporting destinations: The Preserve Sporting Club & Residences. More than simply a luxury resort with outdoor activities, The Preserve is a true sporting-first destination built around driven pheasant shoots, walked-up upland hunting, sporting clays, fly fishing, fine guns, and life outdoors. Ryan shares his firsthand impressions from several days on the property, including a memorable driven shoot, a morning afield for chukar and quail, and time spent exploring the incredible on-site retail experience at Th...
American Bests
When people hear the phrase American Best, it’s natural to think of a comparison— specifically to the traditional best guns of the London trade.
And in some ways, that comparison makes sense. The British defined the term. They built the guns that set the standard, and their influence still shapes how we think about fine sporting arms today.
But the more time you spend studying American doubles, the more you realize that comparison only goes so far.
American gunmakers weren’t working in the same world. They built for different customers, different markets...
Forgotten British Gunmakers with Simon Reinhold
In this episode of A Break in the Action, I sit down with Simon Reinhold of Holt’s Auctioneers for a deep dive into the history of the British gun trade and the remarkable craftsmen whose names have faded from common conversation. While makers like Purdey, Holland & Holland, and Boss are widely recognized today, the development of the modern sporting shotgun was shaped by dozens of inventors, provincial makers, and trade specialists whose work laid the foundation for everything that followed. Together, Simon and I discuss the extraordinary burst of innovation that took place in the second half of th...
Reviving a London Gunmaking Legend: Frederick Beesley
In this episode, I sit down with Bradley Davis of The London Gun Company to explore the legacy and revival of Frederick Beesley—one of the most influential yet often overlooked figures in British gunmaking. From Beesley’s groundbreaking self-opening action to the careful resurrection of his name in a new line of bespoke shotguns, this conversation examines heritage, craftsmanship, and what it means to carry a historic London gunmaking tradition forward today.
In this episode:
Frederick Beesley
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The Story behind the Stories: Shooting Sportsman magazine
I’ve been reading Shooting Sportsman for more than twenty years. For a long time, I assumed the magazine was the product of careful planning by fully staffed departments and committees responsible for long-range strategies mapped decades into the future. But the more I’ve learned about the people behind it, the more I’ve realized something else entirely.
What exists between the covers of Shooting Sportsman today is the result of good judgment and of restraint. Of primarily two individuals willing to move slowly, trust their instincts, and protect a standard—even when faster, louder options were ava...
Safe Queens (and why they’re OK)
There’s a tendency—especially among hunters—to feel a little uncomfortable about the guns we own but don’t use, as if a shotgun that isn’t carried in the field is somehow failing its purpose. Or worse, that we’re failing it.
I like to think that January has a way of softening that self-accusation. Because when the season is over, and the pressure to choose is gone, you realize something important: not every gun is meant to earn its place through miles walked or birds taken. Some earn it by staying exactly where...
Between Flushes: Chris P.
We can probably all agree that most of what we love about wingshooting doesn’t actually happen when the birds are in the air… it comes in the preparation, in the walking, and in the listening pauses. In the quiet moments between flushes—when the gun is open, the dog is working, and there’s time to notice where you are and who you’re with. It happens when the day is finished and, with a tired dog by your side, you reflect.
I'm titling this series, Between Flushes, and I plan to ad...
Stuff and Things 2025
Shotguns usually have the limelight on A Break in the Action, but today’s episode is dedicated to the unsung heroes of the hunter, and not just what you carry into the field, but also the well-made pieces that fit into the rest of your life. The kind of items that earn their place over time: a knife that feels just right in the hand, boots that have stepped off almost as many miles as your dog, hand crafted leather accessories that you won’t find in the big box store, a briar pipe that’s become part of you...
Hit or Miss with Jonny Carter
If you look back through the history of the double-barreled shotgun, nearly every significant step forward — every design change that eventually became a standard — started out as something that at first might have looked or sounded a little odd. When the first hammerless actions appeared, traditionalists thought they were unsafe. When over/unders began to replace side-by-sides on the gun line and the competition circuit, some swore it was the end of elegance. Even things we take for granted today — like sub gauges, interchangeable choke tubes, or single triggers — once struck people as gimmicks destined...
America's Wingshooting Traditions: Ruffed Grouse
Today, we are discussing grouse hunting —specifically in the Upper Midwest—where a century of wingshooting tradition runs deep. If you drew a map around America's prime grouse cover, it would definitely include a huge swath stretching from northern Wisconsin across northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula and into the timber country of Minnesota… Finding a good general area to hunt is pretty easy, but how do you dial in on the best spots to spend your time?
Joined by Ben Brettingen of OnX and a professional grouse hunting guide - we'll learn how to maxi...
CÆSAR GUERINI with Wes Lang
My guest today is Wes Lang, President of Caesar Guerini. I am excited to bring you this fascinating story of Wes’s background, some of his philosophy, and ultimately what led to the creation of such an impactful and popular brand.
Our Sponsors:
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Have a com...
Wild Game: From Field Care to Flavors with Hank Shaw
Hank is a great ambassador for wild food and his books serve as a good reminder that from field care to flavor, cooking wild game can be just as thoughtful, meaningful, and rewarding as the pursuit itself. If you haven't already, check out all of his great books. A perfect gift to yourself or your hunting buddies.
Find Hank's books here:
www.honest-food.net
Amazon.com
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Buying Shotguns at Auction
You may have heard me mention Guyette and Deeter as a sponsor throughout the year. Today, I am joined by Jon Deeter and Josh Loewensteiner to guide us through the auction buying and selling process. We’ll learn how they settle on lots that will be included, the inspection and description process, and the guaranteed accuracy they offer. By the way, this is a particularly timely episode, as Guyette and Deeter will be holding their second Fine Sporting Arms auction of the year on September 11 and 12.
In this episode:
Guyette and...
Shotgun Stories VI: Will Primos
Will Primos is an icon in the outdoors industry, but as you’ll hear, it didn’t come without a massive amount of hard work, focus, and a solid work ethic. Will did more than build a brand - he educated, outfitted, and entertained. Today, Will is enjoying the fruits of his labor - but he hasn’t stopped giving back. His mind is on conservation and awareness today—and with the same high level of focus.
I got to spend the weekend with Will where we shot together and sat down to hear how shotguns h...
Modern Side by Side Buyers Guide (and I bought a new gun - actually, two!)
Whether you’re new to bird hunting or have been chasing birds for decades, there’s no denying the timeless appeal of a side-by-side shotgun. This episode covers six of what I believe are the most interesting, mid-priced, modern side-by-side shotguns available today. Our lineup includes guns from Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing (CSMC), Fausti, Rizzini, Chapuis, FABARM, and Beretta. My goal is simply to introduce you to these guns, highlight what makes each special, and hopefully give you some valuable details to consider if you’re in the market for a side-by-side.
In this episode:
...
Shotgunning and a Secret Bunker at The Greenbrier Resort
We are right at the front edge of summer, and whether you’ve already got your summer travel plans set or are looking for a new idea, I think you will like this episode. This is now the third time that I have brought you a destination where you can break out your shotgun and shoot challenging targets on a beautiful course - but also fill the rest of your itinerary with endless enjoyable activities and exquisite dining, all while enjoying top-level accommodations. In this episode, we’re heading back to the lush Allegheny Mountains, this time to southe...
On Location: The 2025 Southern Side by Side
I am excited to be outside of my home studio for this episode. A few weeks back, we heard all about the Southern Side by Side at Deep River Sporting Clays in Sanford, NC. I am hoping that you made it a point to be there - if not, you are really missing out. A Break in the Action tried something new at the Southern this year - we were all set up, and we had our own physical space. Join me as we sit down with a dozen or so manufacturers, retailers, outfitters and friends to recap and get...
A Guide to the Gauges
A listener requested an episode about the origins of common shotshell gauges, and I thought it was a fantastic idea. However, did you know that there are also several lost gauges? In this episode, we will explore the shotshell gauges we are familiar with and discover others that have been lost to history.
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...
Shotgun Stories V: Reid Bryant
This next installment in our Shotgun Stories series features Reid Bryant. Reid is the director of wingshooting services at Orvis and hosts the Orvis Hunting and Shooting podcast. He has contributed numerous articles to popular magazines such as Shooting Sportsman, Gray's Sporting Journal, and CoveyRise. Additionally, Reid has authored, edited, and contributed to several books.
Despite his celebrity status in the wing-shooting community, he remains one of the most humble and appreciative people you'll ever meet. It was truly a pleasure to include this conversation with Reid in our Shotgun Stories series.
In this e...
The 26th annual Southern Side by Side Championship and Exhibition - you need to be there!
The Southern Side by Side Championship and Exhibition is undoubtedly a must-attend event for shotgun enthusiasts. Now entering its 26th year, this event has become not just a regional but a national success. In this episode, I am joined by Bill Kempffer and Ed Strickland. Bill was instrumental in bringing this event to life back in 2000, and Ed is committed to ensuring it remains the can't-miss gathering for side-by-side shooters and double gun enthusiasts.
In this episode:
The Southern Side by Side Championship and Exhibition
John Woolley Shooting...
Shooting driven and walked-up birds in England
It has been a dream of mine to shoot driven birds in the UK for years. Last year, I checked that off the bucket list (twice actually)! In this episode I recount my December visit to the wonderful Branches Park Estate in Suffolk, England and the full week of shotgun sights and experiences that I had with three traveling friends.
Joining the discussion is Jake Woolf (Kudu River Gundogs/GunsOnPegs podcast) and Peter Bailer (Branches Park Estate) - two new friends who introduced me to a whole new way to look at shooting in England.
I h...
A history of Beretta SO shotguns + introduction to Beretta's Shotgun of the Year
Beretta first released their over and under shotgun design in 1933 named in the catalog as Mod. S1 Fucile da Caccia Sovrapposta. Sovrapposta is Italian for "overlapped" and refers to the barrel arrangement, think over/under or superposed. The newly released S1 featured a true sidelock design with premium specifications. Beretta immediately went head-to-head with Browning, openly criticizing their Superposed shotgun as "very high, heavy, and ugly," a chiding that would be echoed by the Italian trade for the next 70 years.
In the 90 years since, Beretta has continued to refine and expand its over-and-under models. Th...
An exciting and unique shotgun announcement with Rich Cole
Rich Cole joins me to announce a unique new shotgun project!
Rich Cole is a key figure in fine shotguns and precision gunsmithing. From his early days at Beretta to establishing himself as an authority in the field, Rich has devoted his life to repairing, building and customizing exceptional firearms. His journey reflects an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.
Well over a year in the making - I'm excited introduce the Cole Special Beretta 687 Double Selective to you. It is a bird hunter's dream over and under.
In this e...
Shotgun Stories IV: Jonny Carter
In this episode, we get to know popular YouTuber Jonny Carter of TGS Outdoors. I've known Jonny for a few years now. I am an enormous fan of his content, where he shares information about shotguns and shooting in an approachable, informative, and interesting way. Jonny is modest about his vast knowledge of shotguns and his shooting ability, friendly, and even self-deprecating. Of course, he admires best quality shotguns, but he also finds things to appreciate about modest shotguns. In this Shotgun Stories episode, we pull the curtain back a bit and hear how Jonny first became interested in s...
MacNab Challenge
John Buchan’s 1925 adventure novel, John MacNab is the story of three friends who have lost the zest for life. They hatch a plan to, under the collective pen name of 'John Macnab', write three landowning neighbors informing them of their intention to kill a stag or catch a salmon on their land without permission between two specified dates (keep in mind poaching in England at this time was a very serious offense). If ‘John MacNab’ fails he will pay the landowner £100, and if he succeeds, he will deliver the animal in person to the landowner and pay £50 to charity.<...
London Best: Holland and Holland
We are further exploring best guns in this episode and today we highlight Holland and Holland, where craftsmanship, heritage, and passion come together to create some of the finest shotguns and rifles in the world. In this episode, we’ll explore the remarkable rise of the gunmaker, from its humble beginnings in 1835 to its status as a luxury brand synonymous with quality and prestige. I’ll delve into the company’s innovative designs, renowned clientele, and how it continues leading in today’s shooting sports landscape.
Gregg Elliott joins me to discuss why the H&H Royal model is...
Anthony Matarese Jr and Will Primos discuss their new book 'Straight Shooting for Hunters'
Anthony, one of the world's best competitive shooters, and Will, one of the most famous hunters in the US share their secrets to finding more success in the field.
Straight Shooting for Hunters is a comprehensive reference for hunters of all skill levels. From practical advice to true stories from the field, this book is a must for every hunter's bookshelf.
In this episode:
Straight Shooting for Hunters
M & M Hunting and Sporting Clays
Submit your questions for our up...
Dove hunting at Hollywood Farms and review of the Rizzini Venus
By far what I love and look forward to the most when dove season comes in is the time in the field that I spend with my dad, my daughters, my wife, and good friends. We hunt near and often. It’s an informal affair and each hunter can be as serious or as social as they choose. It is also a perfect opportunity to introduce someone to wing shooting. A few weeks ago, I got the chance to travel south to shoot doves with my daughter, Lydia. She and I have shot doves together for almost 15 years. This trip had...
London Best: James Purdey and Sons
How do we define a BEST shotgun maker? Obviously, they need to be capable of producing best guns but the definition doesn’t stop there… They need to only produce best guns. Their lineup of models shouldn't include entry level or mid-tier models, these aren’t in the DNA of a BEST gun maker. Without concern for how long it will take or how much it will cost, they are committed to only producing the very best - period.
Without doubt or debate, there are just three in the world today - and each is in London. Purdey, Hol...
Shotguns, sporting clays and steaks at Nemacolin Resort
There is a place in the Allegheny Mountains outside of Pittsburgh that began as a private grouse hunting and fishing retreat but over the past 35+ years has transformed into a world-class resort. Nemacolin Resort has a list of activities and amenities too long to list here - but of special note, it is home to the Nemacolin Rod and Range Club. My youngest daughter, Liza joined me for a weekend of shooting fun as we took part in their 'Dine and Blast' event.
In this episode:
Nemacolin
Rod and Range Cl...
Shotgun Stories III: Larry Potterfield
This next installment of Shotgun Stories is a very special one. I knew Larry Potterfield was a 'gun guy' but was delighted to discover how deep his appreciation for shotguns and wing-shooting was. In this episode we learn about the early shotguns in Larry's life, some of the shotguns he shoots with currently, and what shotgun he has in his sights.
Larry launched Midway USA almost 50 years ago. Today, the company is a giant but still prioritizes and values each customer. Larry and his family are doing more for shooting sports and for introducing youth to shooting sports than...
A weekend with Griffin and Howe at the Hudson Farm Club + Longthorne Victory Sporter shooting review
This feature episode begins by tracing the company's origin and its nearly 50-year association with Abercrombie & Fitch. The Griffin and Howe company's story didn't end with the closure of A&F - instead, it allowed them to add volumes to it.
Griffin and Howe at the Hudson Farm Club in New Jersey is an amazing place for the shotgun and rifle enthusiast. Listen along as I describe all that there is to see and do there. As is typically the case, we will also describe and shoot an interesting shotgun... the Victory Sporter from Longthorne Gunmakers of Engl...
Shotgun Stories II: Dania Vizzi
My guest today is champion skeet shooter, Dania Vizzi. In just a few weeks, she will represent the United States Olympic shooting team in Paris. Shooting sports of one variety or another have been part of almost every Summer Olympic Games since 1896, with the current shotgun events being Olympic (or International) trap and Olympic skeet. Dania shares how she got started shooting and the shotguns that have joined her on her journey.
Follow Dania on Instagram
Stream every Olympic event this summer and cheer on Dania on <...
Beretta DT11: A six month review + recap of our listener's event
The Beretta DT11 is a serious, built-for-purpose competition shotgun. In this episode, we will look at its features and heritage and I share my DT11L shooting experiences now six months in.
In the second half of this episode, we will recap our first ever A Break in the Action Listener's Event - a Downton Day simulated shoot. Put simply the day was epic and I was lucky to have my wife and one of my daughters along to participate.
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