Got a letter from my pal AYA Jeff today with a photocopy of said article reviewing 12 gauge field doubles. Reviewed were a variety of then current doubles, including Atlas 200 and 206 models, the Beretta Silver Hawk, AYA Matador II, Fox B-DE, Charles Daly 500 V/R, Sears 162, Stevens 311A, Noble 420-H, Zephyr Woodlander, Centaure, Abercrombie & Fitch Mark 1, Sarmco IZH-54, and a lowly Darne R10. Jeff noted the days of doubles being reviewed was well into the past, and he was as surprised with their conclusions as I was. They noted that the Charles Daly was similar to the AYA Matador II but had LESS DESIRABLE double triggers! The Darne was considered to be not acceptable due to it's safety, which they thought could be moved off if brushed against the shooter's clothing (?). They panned all of the guns with a splinter forarm, including the A&F, Darne, Noble and Sarmco, since it "reduces the effectiveness of the shooter's forward arm in reducing kick". The patterns of the Sarmco and the Darne were noted to be several inches above center at 35 yards, which, was a no-no also. Acceptable trigger pull by CU was considered to be "5-10 pounds"(!) The top picks were, the Atlas 200, the Beretta Silver Hawk, the AYA Matador II, and the Atlas 206. Interesting to note the only model tested then that is available today was the Darne.
I guess there is a reason you don't want the same people who test peanut butter testing guns. It was, from this juncture in time, an eye opening piece. Many Thanks to AYA Jeff, for thinking about me, and giving me the best laugh in 2008, so far, anyway.
Best,
Ted
