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Rizzini Falcon shotgun review

By Jason Harris

Wednesday, 13 June 2007

Most people recognise the name Emilio Rizzini, but what about Fausti Stefano? It's time to sit up and take notice as the two are now one and the same.

The gunmaking name of Fausti Stefano is not widely known to the British shooting public, but a lot of people will recognise the name Emilio Rizzini.

The firm of Fausti Stefano began in 1948 in workshops in the heart of the Italian gunmaking area near Brescia. Today the company has very modern premises employing the latest in manufacturing technology and produces around 12,000 shotguns each year.

Until recently E. Rizzini was a separate company from Fausti, but through a family marriage these two companies were brought together. Fausti now manufactures the E. Rizzini range of guns as well as its own.

Garlands of Tamworth, Staffs, who made a very successful transition from retail into importer and distributor, are now representing Fausti in the UK and are having guns made to a specification that should be attractive to UK sportsmen.

Called the Falcon, this over-under gun comes in a choice of 28in and 30in barrels. The one constant is the 3in chamber length and a ventilated top rib, measuring 7mm across. The barrel set is made to a monoblock construction and the internal bores have been chrome lined for ease of cleaning and corrosion resistance.

The gun has a silver action body with game scene engraving that also carries the engraved maker's logo on the belly of the action frame. This model sports a shallow action with barrels hinging on stub pins and a lock-up that centres on a substantial bolt and full-width bite at the bottom of the action frame.

The trigger is selective with the selector button placed in the middle of the manual safety catch in much the same style as a Beretta. The safety operation is good, crisp and positive.

The most noteworthy thing about this gun is its woodwork. A coated skin has been applied to the surface of the stock and fore-end to give the appearance of high grade walnut. It does look very realistic and, along the way, also gives a good degree of protection against the weather.

Overall stock length is 14.1/2in including a black ventilated pad of approximately 3/4in. Drops at comb and heel are 1.1/2in and 2.1/2in respectively; the heel measurement seems a little excessive to me but there's no denying the gun still shoulders well and shoots to the point of aim. The chequer is very good and is cut by lazer.

Overall weight of the gun is 7.1/2lb and this, coupled with the rib width, puts this more into the field/game category than an out-and-out Sporter. That said it should make a decent all-rounder for a first time buyer.

Each gun comes complete with an ABS travel case, a set of multichokes and corrosion inhibitor for peace of mind storage while the gun is in a cabinet.

Garlands tell me a 20-bore version called the Merlin should be available soon and the importers also have plans to sell an upmarket over-under for around £2,000. This will be an interesting venture - so watch this space.

Full recommended retail price of the Falcon is £899 but that, of course, will come down when the discount shops take delivery of it.

The verdict

The woodwork on this gun is a real eye catcher and the internal finish, I have to say, is better than many earlier E. Rizzinis. This gun should appeal to the beginner but it is up against stiff competition in the form of Lanber, Bettinsoli and Lincoln. Only time will tell if it wins the battle.

PRICE £899
Build Quality 6
Handling 6
Styling 7
Value for Money 6

Find out more information from Garlands of Tamworth on 01827 383300