Miroku Universal shotgun review

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Miroku Universal shotgun review

In the reviewer's opinion the standard of engraving beats that of Browning.

By Jason Harris

Thursday, 06 September 2007

Here we cast an an eye over the evergreen Miroku Universal - a shotgun that's reinvented itself as a very useful all-rounder for the clay and game shooter.

There's no such thing as the perfect gun for all occasions, but a few do come pretty close - and the Miroku Universal is one of them.

There's no prizes for guessing that this updated model is based on the good old MK60, which first saw light of day here in the mid-1990s - a worthy successor to the model 6000 which had held court for almost 20 years.

The MK60 was initially made in both Sporting and game configurations, the main difference between the two was the Sporter was heavier with a slightly deeper stock, and the barrels came with a 10mm rib. The game version had a shallower stock and 6mm ventilated sighting plane.

The Universal is a combination of the two. True, its weight is virtually that of the original Sporter at around 7.1/2lb, but the barrels have been fitted with a midi rib of around 8mm, an ideal compromise for both forms of shooting. In my view the weight means this gun can be used quite comfortably for game shooting as well as Sporting. Its other plus is the new rib gives the gun a pleasant game look and feel.

Miroku specify the weight at a little over 7lb but like all specifications they vary from gun to gun. The test gun with 30in barrels was a case in a point.

Physical appeal
Mechanically, the Universal shares the same mechanical design as the MK70, MK38 and the Browning 525/425 range so any buyer can rest assured in its well proven pedigree for standing up to hard wear and tear.

The engraving on this model (grade 3) is very good and I don't mind admitting that it is much more attractive than the patterns found on such offerings as the Browning B425 and B525.

The Universal comes in Grades 1, 2, 3 and 5 with the first three being given a nice scrolled engraving that's etched onto the metal. The Grade 5 is a real eye catcher thanks to its more elaborate engraving with its hand cut appearance. Whichever grade you choose you can guarantee the monoblock built barrels will come in a deep blue gloss that really has been done to a high standard.

You can take your pick from 28in or 30in barrels but both come supplied in the same 2.3/4in (70mm) chambers and fixed choke combination of 1/4 and 3/4. Bores and chamber have been chrome lined for easier cleaning and the barrels have been fitted with a matt-coloured ventilated top rib to reduce glare, and solid side ribs.

The finish and appearance
The wood quality is usually good for the grade and the same applies to its fit to the metalwork. As you can see, the gun has been fitted with a pistol grip stock and schnabel fore-end, both comfortable to hold. Woodwork on the Grades 3 and 5 are invariably oil finished whereas the lower grades are treated to a coat of light lacquer which can be removed easily at some later date and treated to an oil finish.

One of the most noticeable things on this gun is the stock dimensions; particularly the drop. At heel this is around 2.1/4in compared to around 2in on most other guns. Drop at comb is 1.3/8in with little or no cast along the comb, but a slight amount of right hand cast at toe. The effect of this is to create a very low line of sight so the gun shoots to point of aim more easily, rather than slightly high.

This, of course, won't suit everybody but many of the people who do pick up this gun and try it, like the arrangement.

Neutral measurements such as this also benefit left handed sportsmen, the reason being they find it relatively easy to get their head onto the stock properly. In the Universal's case its extra drop compensates for lack of cast.

JASON'S VERDICT:

This is a very good value for money gun that's been made to a solid and proven design. The Miroku has had a prominent place in the British market for many years and continues to live up to expectation.

Shooters are rarely disappointed by these guns and the Universal will prove no different.

Build quality: 8/10

Handling: 8/10

Styling: 7/10

Value for money: 9/10

More information from: Browning Guns International on 01452 812525.