Many upland hunters consider a round-bodied shotgun the epitome of
elegance and handling. The softened edges on the receiver feel natural
to the hand, enhancing the instinctive mount for flushing birds. Even
gun makers ostensibly believe the round-body is a special breed of field
gun, since you’ll find that the action is often adorned with refined
engraving.
Think round-bodied shotguns and the number that comes to mind is five
grand for a decent specimen. But newcomer Baserri Shotguns continues to
upend the price/performance expectations of shooters – this time with
its round-body HR over/under field gun priced at only $2,395 MSRP.
The affordability of the HR captures the spirit of Baserri boxlocks.
The Baserri buzz all over the
Internet can finally be addressed with the arrival of their modestly
priced shotguns stocked alongside Beretta, Browning, Fausti, Caesar
Guerini and other stalwarts in the category.
Baserri’s patented Tribore process implements three drilling passes
through the chrome molybdenum steel barrel stock. The unique
triple-drilling process eliminates the abrupt constriction of forcing
cones. Baserri’s Tribore process progressively tapers the bore from .740
inches to .724 inches. The elongated tapering is designed to deliver
lower felt recoil and higher shot velocity.
Moreover, Baserri claims that their Tribore barrels surpassed all
others in the U.S. by testing to 1,630 BAR – the equivalent of 23,640
psi (the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturing Institute
established a minimum standard of 11,500 psi for 12-gauge shells in 2¾
and 3-inch lengths).
Although the Tribore method is applied to both the Mari Elite and
Mari HR, Baserri outfits the HR with an aluminum receiver that lightens
the field gun by some two pounds over the Mari Elite and further
distinguishes it from the well-known, over/under rivals.
The round-body receiver on the Mari HR featured a satin gray finish –
like the Blaser F3 – embellished with a floral scroll. A titanium
coating inhibited rust and corrosion. The 28-inch barrels are chambered
for 3-inch shells and accommodated five standard extended chokes. Baserri outfitted the Mari HR with a grade of wood that’s
typical for a $2,395 field gun. Likewise, the pistol grip was standard
fare. Trigger pull was a lovely and predictable 4.1 pounds.
Baserri’s Mari HR weighs 6.2 pounds.
