The company of engineer Ernesto Breda became famous during the First World War. The talented Breda first organized the production of various equipment (including locomotives, agricultural vehicles, artillery shells) in Milan. In the post-war period, Ernesto developed machine guns No. 30, 31 and No. 37 jointly with Fiat. This weapon was actively used in the Italian army during World War II.
After a while, Breda's company began to invent all-wheel drive tractors, military trucks. The cars of this company had a feature - each drive wheel was equipped with a separate drive. This ensured their durability and survivability.
In the second half of the 20th century, the export of semi-automatic shotguns began.
Experienced users' opinions
Among the general characteristics, experts highlight:
- Ease of performing all operations (loading, reloading, changing cartridges). Users claim that all manipulations can be done with one hand.
- Optimal layout. The absence of unnecessary parts for control makes a hunting rifle"Breda" is convenient and safe to use.
- High speed of operations due to the absence of unnecessary elements on the body.
Among the reliability characteristics, wedge locking is noted. On any Breda semi-automatic (if locking is installed), a spontaneous or accidental shot will not occur. Such a shutter has many fewer moving parts, so it is considered reliable.
Trunks are made by drilling. Therefore, the channel profile is almost ideal (in contrast to the trunks, which are made by drawing or rolling with subsequent welding). Thanks to the use of cryo-treatment in the muzzle, residual stress is practically not noticed.
Durability is ensured by the special manufacture of the receiver: for this, a part of the steel pipe is first crushed into the desired shape, and then holes are cut (by laser). There is also steel between the trigger case and the cartridge feed window in the receiver (most weapons do not have this).
The Breda Xanthos shotgun is the leader in safety. When the shutter opens, any button press becomes impossible. The weapon is also brought into a combat state in a few seconds, for this it is enough just to return the shutter to its original position.
Limited Edition "Delirium"
The well-known company continues to develop exclusive styles for its weapons. A distinctive feature is the application of engraving using sputtering with precious metals. The brand of the company is made of gold, and the placeproduction (Italy) - from silver. Even the action of the limited edition shotgun has a special feature, namely chrome plating and fine engraving.
The Breda Xanthos Gold shotgun was made in limited quantities - 150 pieces. Each rifle comes with a special certificate that confirms the use of precious metals and their nominal weight in the design.
The butt of the weapon is also unusual, because it is made of walnut wood and treated with special oil.
For connoisseurs of "Breda" there is an opportunity to choose the desired barrel length - from 61 to 76 cm. The weight of the weapon is 2 kg 900.
Currently Xanthos is the most technically advanced inertial machine on the market.
Technical description and characteristics of the gun
The controls are arranged in this order: on the left - the safety button, on the right - the shutter foot and the safety button on the trigger guard. The absence of a forced supply of a cartridge to the feeder is a feature of the Breda Xanthos gun. Owner reviews about this weapon are only positive, because the entire control system consists of a shutter foot, fuse buttons and a contactor. Safety is guaranteed by an automatic slide stop. When opening the shutter, regardless of the presence of cartridges in the magazine, the gun automatically blocks a possible shot.
The rigidity of the receiver is increased due to the fact that the trigger guard body is spaced apart from the feeder window.
In Xanthos, the magazine tube is soldered toreceiver box. Thanks to this, no shock loads occur during the shot.
Main specifications:
- Total length: 1280mm.
- Barrel length: 760 mm.
- Caliber: 12 mm.
- Chamber length: 76 mm.
- Magazine type: tubular underbarrel.
- Number of triggers: 1.
- Weight: 3kg 300g
The Breda hunting rifle, according to users, does not cause inconvenience when equipping a magazine. In the process, it is not necessary to sink the feeder each time, because when the cartridge is placed in its base, the contactor is squeezed out, and the feeder rises, which clears the way to the magazine.
Comfort in shooting is also ensured by the presence of a damper. It is made of polyurethane and is located inside the receiver. This device takes on the blow of the bolt frame in the rearmost position, which facilitates the shooting process.
Hunting rifles of a well-known company
The Breda Chiron guns are quite popular among professionals. This model is more affordable in the price category, but at the same time quite reliable and technically well thought out.
Trunks are made by deep drilling. Thanks to this manufacturing feature, it is possible to achieve a perfectly even profile and avoid residual stresses. The gun has a high level of safety and durability.
There are only two operations you need to perform to fire: use the bolt foot and the cartridge chambering button.
The gun has similar characteristics"Breda I-Fest". This model stands out for its special accuracy, reliability and stability. The duration of charging or recharging operations takes only a few seconds for experienced users.
The aesthetic side of the issue also does not leave hunting enthusiasts indifferent: the design of weapons uses classic shades, calm and concise. Each model of the Italian company's shotgun is a unique design solution.
The Breda Antares gun is not left without attention either. Single barrel shotgun chambered in 12 gauge chambered for 76mm rounds. The casing is made of special steel, which includes nickel, chromium and molybdenum. A set of these impurities provides increased wear resistance of the mechanism.
The barrels are made of chrome-vanadium steel. Such material has a high resistance to damage during a shot. The receiver and moving parts are hardened and also plated with chrome. All barrels are equipped with a ventilated rail.
Review of Brad models
Fans of extreme hunting highlight the guns of "Brad Grizzly". This powerful inertial semi-automatic rifle is designed for use in the most adverse conditions. "Grizzly" is suitable for various types of hunting: approach, ambush and driven. In addition, a powerful device can fire standard ammunition - 70 mm. In addition, powerful 76mm and super powerful 89mm ammunition can be used.
To a regular store thatdesigned for 4 + 1 cartridge, it is possible to install an extension cord. At the same time, the capacity with the extension reaches 9 + 1 ammunition. The weight of the rifle is 3 kg 300 g. Even with such a significant weight, the weapon does not cause inconvenience in use, because it is distributed and balanced along the entire length.
The Breda Echo self-loading automatic shotgun is known for its simplicity, reliability and efficiency. The weapon has a classic simple design and is equipped with an inertial reloading system. The barrel lengths range from 610 to 760 mm, and the weight does not exceed 3 kg. Available in 12/70, 12/76 and 20/76mm.
The gun is loaded with both bullet and shot loads within the caliber. This model is suitable for beginner hunters, as it has good range, lightness and convenient aiming. Among the shortcomings, a large return when shooting stands out.
Used "Echo" in almost all types of hunting, because the accuracy is maintained at a distance of up to 100 meters. For running hunting, it is better to use the Breda 20-gauge. The weapon is resistant to moisture and dust.
Reviews from beginners and experienced hunters
Breda guns have earned the trust of hunters. On the Internet, you can find reviews of each series of weapons. Below are some of them:
- Users are confident in the good design of the package. At the same time, at the first shots, undershot cartridges occur. Over time, this phenomenon disappears and the gun works perfectly. This review concerns the Delirium Echo T-9 series. The owners note the densityscree: when shot with a shot, the scree at the point of impact is even and without bald spots.
- Popular among professionals is the Breda Iffirst shotgun model. Owner reviews are mostly positive, and attention is paid to the barrel and the quality of shooting. Receiver tubes, which are made by deep drilling, have an ideal geometry of the longitudinal and cross section of the bore. Internal stresses are absent. The chokes are enlarged. These parameters ensure perfect alignment of the choke tubes with the chamber. The slight roughness of the barrel reduces the deformation of the shot. The guns of this series are adapted for many types of bullets. Shot is always steady.
- The process of shooting with Breda guns is also comfortable. Hunters' reviews report the following: the accuracy and quality of combat largely depends on the care of the weapon. Compliance with care (cleaning, lubrication) and storage rules will ensure sharpness of shooting and applicability. If maintenance operations are not carried out, misfires may occur and the shutter may jam.
Italian Breda guns
Italian firearms are ideal for professionals. For example, in the guns of "Bred Ifirst" all modern trends in gunsmithing are embodied. The Italian company has developed unique processes for the manufacture of individual parts of the gun, due to which high quality and reliability of all series of guns are achieved.
Unique design is the hallmark of the company. In addition to elegant design solutions, guns are characterized by an increased degree of safety.
"Deliriums" of any series are ergonomic, because you can bring weapons to combat readiness in a few seconds. Shotguns are ideal for sport training and hunting.
The Italian company is engaged in the manufacture of engines for ships, locomotives, as well as metallurgical production. But the Breda guns deserve everyone's attention. Reviews of prestigious weapons (some models are made exclusively to order) are positive. The range of the company includes various types of devices for hunting: semi-automatic, horizontal, side flints.
All side flints are produced with a vertical arrangement of trunks and a selector (a device that allows you to change the sequence of trunks). The gun is equipped with only one trigger, non-automatic safety, ejectors and single wedge locking.
Semi-automatics are made taking into account the replacement of barrels. The shutter can be easily disassembled, and the lock box is made of alloy. The basic model of such a gun works on the principle of rollback of a movable spring-loaded barrel from the feed when firing.
Both side flints and semi-autos weigh up to 3500 g, barrel lengths range from 600 to 750 mm. Each gun has its own finish: standard, slightly engraved, deluxe and extra deluxe.
Gun pickup tips
Before purchasing weapons, you need to pay attention to the following questions:
- Kind of hunting. After determining the further occupation, you can pick up a gun according to tacticalspecifications.
- Physiological parameters of the hunter (height, weight).
- Environmental parameters (humidity, temperature, season).
Based on the answers received, the necessary parameters are determined, and then the make and type of the gun.
For example, when hunting ducks during the transitional season, the Breda First shotgun will be suitable. Reviews of the smooth-bore inertial semiautomatic device confirm this. The gun of this brand has moisture resistance, and it is this parameter that is important when firing in thickets and swamps. Also, "Breda First" has a relatively small weight, so hunters with a small build will be comfortable moving with the device over long distances.
Tough choices for left-handed hunters. Due to the inconvenient location of the bed and the fuse, the quality of the hit is deteriorating. Therefore, the shooter must choose a weapon with an adjustable stock. This feature is possessed by semi-automatic devices, such as the Breda I-Fest shotgun. Reviews about this weapon in most cases are positive. Experienced hunters explain that shooting from the left shoulder with a right-handed gun is ineffective, uncomfortable and dangerous. With the wrong tab, the butt plate of the gun gets into the left pectoral muscle, this is a dangerous factor. In addition, without adjusting the stock, the left cheekbone falls under the blow of the crest.
Also, when choosing a gun, it is important to consider the possibility of replacement parts and repairs. All "Breds" are distinguished by the quality of assembly and fitting of parts.
Safety measures fordealing with Breda firearms
Before purchasing weapons of any kind, you should obtain permission from the relevant authorities. In addition, it is necessary to study the basic rules of use and precautions during its use. The rules of conduct with firearms also apply to Breda guns. Both beginner and amateur should:
- Know the device and mechanisms of weapons, use them only in good condition. First of all, the locking, trigger and safety mechanism is checked.
- Charge the mechanism just before firing.
- Activate the weapon just before firing.
- Do not point the muzzle at people or pets, regardless of whether the gun is loaded.
- Carefully check the barrel and mechanisms for blockages and rust.
- Transport weapons in special cases or cases, pay special attention to fixation.
- When shooting, take into account the range and trajectory of the flight, the damaging effect depending on the type of cartridges.
- Carry your gun upside down (except in bad weather).
- After falling, passing through swamps and thickets, the mechanism should be inspected for damage and clogging.
- Storage is made only disassembled and discharged in a specially equipped safe.
The safe should be installed in places with acceptable humidity and temperature range. Mounting on suspended structures is prohibited. Before being placed in the safeany firearm should be inspected for damage and cleaned. At the end of the events, the gun is placed in a case or case.
Be aware that access to weapons is limited. Use by third parties may result in criminal liability.
Rules of conduct with weapons in motion
When transporting Breda rifles and fighting on the move, you must:
- Check equipment and readiness to use transport, clothing, etc.
- Perform safety procedures for all participants in the shooting.
- Do not go on the route in particularly adverse weather conditions.
- When passing through fords and frozen ponds, keep a safe distance (at least 5 meters from the person in front).
- Respect the location determined by the team leader.
- Collective hunting is not carried out in conditions of limited visibility (in fog, heavy snowfall, at dusk).
When using firearms, including Breda guns, while hunting, it is strictly prohibited:
- Leave the sector of fire (with the exception of providing first aid to the victim).
- To make a shot for other purposes (to create noise, to obscure the flickering of the target, etc.).
- Leaving your sector, you should unload your gun.
- Fire at an acute angle (less than 45◦).
- Approach prey from the front (even if there are no signs of life).
- Fire atobject that passes under the adjacent number.
Before leaving for a group hunt (exercises), each participant must undergo a safety briefing, and confirm familiarization with a signature. The chief instructor is responsible for the behavior of the group, as well as for causing harm to the he alth of the participant in the firing zone.
Do not neglect the annual psychological examination and the issuance of a permit to carry firearms.
