In 2008, we started the exciting project of creating our Over & Under shotguns. We set out to find a partner Gunmaking company who possessed the same passion for quality and craftsmanship as we did, and who would be prepared to work with us to build guns specifically for the English market. Led by Peter Powell, our team spent some considerable time looking at gunmakers in Spain and Italy. After extensive research we formed an alliance with Battista Rizzini from Gardone, the centre of the Italian gun trade. Battista Rizzini & Co. is a family business employing 40 people, with Mr Rizzini senior, his son Giuseppe and two daughters, Moira and Pamela, all involved in the business. They have a fabulous factory set in this historic gunmaking town, where they produce a wonderful range of high-quality shotguns. They are also partners in Rizzini & Tanfoglio Gun & Rifle Makers, which is one of Italy’s most prestigious gunmaking firms, building only a small number of handmade guns each year. The Rizzini family certainly understand what goes into making a great gun and we are delighted to have developed our four models of Over & Unders with them.

Let us start with the Perdix model, one of our most popular Over & Unders which frankly offers unbeatable value for money. It is available in 12 and 20 bore. The fully sideplated action, machined out of Battista Rizzini’s own specification solid steel forging, features beautiful inflight partridge engraving, sketched by the renowned wildlife artist Ben Hoskyns. With a solid top and mid rib as standard, this gun effortlessly swings through the air and is a pleasure to shoot, providing exceptional performance and handling. A range of bespoke options, including a made to measure stock, are available on this model at a surcharge.

Next is the Phoenix, our incredibly graceful round-bodied shotgun, also available in 12, 16 and 20 bore with 28”, 29” or 30” barrels. Beautifully hand-engraved with deep scrollwork and stocked with quality walnut with a horn capped Prince of Wales grip. The Phoenix combines refined elegance with strength and performance.

The Prestige is our magnificent High bird gun, designed specifically for the ultimate performance and available in 12 bore with either 30” or 32” barrels. Built to your bespoke measurements at no extra cost and finished to the highest standard with deep scroll engraving and an oil finished Turkish stock. 

Our premier Over & Under shotgun is the Pegasus, which is a truly stunning gun. Hand-engraved with exquisite detailing, hand finished and stocked with exhibition grade walnut. The Pegasus is built to your bespoke measurements at no extra cost; a unique and beautiful piece of craftsmanship creating the perfect game gun for the discerning sportsperson.

The William Powell Continental Over & Unders have the reliability that we have come to expect of Italian made guns and yet they are truly individualistic – there are not thousands of them elsewhere in the world as is the case with guns from the high-volume makers. As a result, the resale value tends to be significantly higher than their mass-produced counterparts. We carry in stock examples of each model, with options for customisation or instead you can have your gun custom built custom to suit an owner’s individual requirements. Available as singles or pairs and complete with a five-year warranty against mechanical defects.

Please call our Gunroom on 01295 661035 to discuss bespoke options or to arrange a viewing. We do advise that bespoke guns typically take 9 – 10 months from placing the order with the factory, to taking delivery of your new gun. However, due to the complex and unique nature of our guns, this can sometimes take longer. We believe the wait is certainly worth it, to have a gun that is entirely suited to you, and which will last a lifetime or more.