Need some help. Have chance to buy a 20 ga sxs by Antonio Zoli Here are the markings, what I would like to know is what the chokes are, and what length the chambers are age would help if possible. both barrels have stamped on the top antonio zoli-gardone v.t.-(brescia)- made in italy, on the rib is ARIETE, the underside of one barrel is special nickel chrome steel nitro proved, there are two stars stamped on this barrel, there is also an G THE underside of the other barrel says canne inter chromate it has three stars stamped there is an S . On the barrel flat for the first barrel is XIX AR( 5digit serial #) then there is a symbol that looks like the point of a double edged knife with a straight line in the middle there a couple of proof marks under the XIX but they are faint look like a crest with crossed rifles?? The other barrel flat has PSF and under that is FINITO there is the Antonio Zoli bow and arrow stamp and then Cal.20 The water table has the same marks as the barrels along with what look like proof marks. It has double triggers.A non automatic safety, Silvered receiver and splinter forearm, pistol grip stock with plastic grip cap and plastic butt cap with bow emblem on it, the engraving appears to be machined. Did a long search but could not find any mention of a 20 ga. ARIETE so no other info either. The STARS are the chokes but how do they translate to MOD, I/C etc. CAN ANYONE HELP??? Thank you

My guess is that one star * is full choke ** imp. mod and *** modified **** Imp. cyl and ***** cyl or skeet. Miking the bores and choke area is the only way to know for sure. Italian guns tend to be bored tight!

I have a 1958 Antonio Zoli SxS in 16ga. I have looked far and wide but never heard of another one like it. My buddy does have access to one(same era)in 12ga. though, with simple, and not so good, scratching of a dog.

Here are some pic's of mine - http://s984.photobucket.com/albums/ae325/Dolapsch/

Thanks D.A.L. Mine is much the same but your engraving is way nicer, Any idea what the XV stands for on yours?? I don't have all the stuff you have on the barrel s. I only have the stuff about special steel etc.

Thanks Bill I was hoping the chokes may be MOD and I/C so I could shoot steel. Did't know they had imp mod. until just a few years ago.

That's the date code I believe. Denotes 1958. I'll be back with the typical Italian date stamp codes, and some other info. Dinner first.

Search for my posts here, and follow the responces.

Don

Sorry, mine is from 1959. I've searched, and I guess they don't archive posts from a couple years ago. The gents here gave me a wealth of info regarding my gun. I've shot five grouse with it so far. I'm making 16ga. non-tox bismuth loads for the upcoming duck season.

I e-mailed Zoli Italy and they told me Antonio made the gun, but they stated 'it was not a standard model'.

Don.

I'm thinking that's what I have ( non-standard).All the ARIETE models are 410 unless the are M1,M2 etc which are 12Ga. Pretty sure this one is European says Cal 20 not 20 ga and it has what looks like factory sling swivels I really want to shoot ducks over decoys with it and would like to use steel. Any ideas if the i/m would allow that. If two stars means i/m??

Steel shot through a 1960's SXS? Hmmmm...I'm very new to this game, but I would say definitely not.

Others will surely chime in now.

Don.

My Standard Catalog of FA says; Ariete M2, 12 ga boxlock with non-selective trigger and ejectors, engraved. EX. cond $500; year 2007.

Would like some opinions. The Zoli has been established at 1963, and the chokes at i/m & mod. They are chrome lined like Ithaca and it is recommended that you don't bore them out as it ruins the chrome finish. Soo can I use steel shot in the i/m to hunt waterfowl/ Steel does not seem to bother mod chokes but I don't know where the line is drawn.

Google - 'shooting steel shot through and older shotgun' or something similar, will/should give you more than a few 'opinions', such as mine.

Try this link, simular topic - http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=214014