Punching well above its price
Paul Miller enjoys another Yildiz triumph
When I opened the plush green velour-type gun case and put the Yildiz Pro Black Sporter together, I was reminded of the old saying: “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck.” Well, this gun looks and feels almost identical to a black-actioned Perazzi MX8. I can only imagine Yildiz were ‘inspired’ by Perazzi and, rightly impressed, have designed and manufactured a gun so similar, though in this case looks deceive as it’s not exactly a Perazzi.
Gun actions have been copied for generations around the world, as manufacturers opened their doors and looked at what was the best action at the time (presumably where the patents had expired) and found ways of incorporating those features into their guns. Miroku in Japan is a fine example of this, having closely copied the Browning B25 guns developed many years before in Belgium. This was one of the finest actions of the time and is still hugely popular in Browning and Miroku guns sold globally in vast numbers.
The same has been said of Spanish high-end maker Kemen, whose barrels are reputedly interchangeable with Perazzis. Of course, Perazzi are one of the world’s finest gunmakers who build to the very highest standards – you can even visit the factory and be hand-fitted at extra cost. The basic Perazzi, albeit with detachable trigger unit, is about three times that of this Yildiz.
The company was started in Turkey in 1974 with a small shop producing a side-by-side shotgun. They soon added a self-loader to their production then, in 1994, started making over-and-under shotguns. Remarkably, they now make around 55,000 guns a year in roughly 70 models and action types which are exported worldwide, undoubtedly like an impressive growth and success story.
Action
This Yildiz Pro Sport has the same low-profile, Boss-inspired action that’s pretty much identical to the Perazzi MX8. It’s black with deeply carved fences, features and fine border engraving that’s highly tasteful to my eye. The single selective and second barrel recoil-actuated trigger pulls are nicely crisp at around 3lbs, the trigger well placed and comfortable to use though not adjustable for length of finger comfort. You won’t be surprised to hear the trigger group looks a lot like a Perrazi and the coil springs contributed greatly to those crisp pulls.
The action locks up like a bank vault and appears well made in terms of fit and finish, the top lever extremely comfortable to use. The ejectors are perfectly timed, throwing spent shells out cleanly and quite a distance. I normally don’t do this when shooting, preferring to catch them in the action, though it was interesting to see the timing so good and ejectors so powerful.
Stock and fore-end
When I took the gun from its case I was amazed at the quality of the Turkish walnut in both stock and fore-end – it’s said to be Grade 4 but looked even better – certainly way better than you’d find on a comparable Perazzi without a wood upgrade. I can only assume the team at Yildiz have access to some excellent walnut at reasonable prices, so are able to offer it in their guns with relatively affordable retail prices in Australia.
Length of pull was exactly 14.75” which would certainly suit most average-sized shooters. The stock has a comfortable degree of ‘cast off’ at heel and toe for right-handers and my right-handed friends who tried it found it just right. I could still shoot the gun, though the same amount of ‘cast on’ would’ve been perfect for me.
The wood-to-metal fit is excellent and laser checkering perfect. The fore-end is of that modern slim design we’re seeing more of in quality sporters, as a change from the typical Schnabel fore-end. Not necessarily better but very comfortable and certainly contributes to that ‘Perazzi’ feel as well as look. The stock itself has a full competition-style pistol grip with a palm swell which was equally comfortable for my right-handed mates and aligned the trigger finger well for a good straight line pull.
An easily adjustable comb is also included and, for many shooters, this gun could be patterned and tweaked for use a Trap gun as well. I left it alone as it shot nicely for me in its lowest position flush in the stock. Recoil is well absorbed by a nicely contoured thick rubber pad which I found sat comfortably in the shoulder pocket.
Barrels
The Pro Sporter has 32” barrels weighing 1.56kg, beautifully blued and incorporating five extended choke tubes in the usual constrictions from Skeet to Full. These effectively add another ¾” to the barrel length though not visible when shooting. A single red tube sight at the front provides a good reference point, though I’d like to have seen a centre bead as this is very much a competition shotgun.
The barrels are bored 18.6mm (.732”) and the gun is chambered in 12-gauge. These barrels are a little heavier than the 30” ones offered in this gun, though the extra length and weight is definitely a benefit for smoothing down your swing on longer targets, yet no disadvantage on closer ones. This contributed to a precise feel (dare I say like a Perazzi) and a sensation of being in control of the targets rather than the other way round.
Shooting impressions
As I write about my impressions I feel I should apologise for using the P word again, yet I was amazed by how much the Pro Sporter handled and ‘felt’ like a Perazzi. You can copy something or be ‘inspired’ by someone else’s design, yet that doesn’t mean you experience that mysterious feel of a shotgun the same. Just stressing again, this gun isn’t made to the standard of a Perazzi but certainly feels like one.
From the gun-down position it seems effortless to mount this quite heavy 8.5lb affair and attack the line of clay targets very quickly – and this with longer 32” barrels. As usual I had a couple of friends try it, one of whom went out and bought a 32” Pro Sporter the following week.
You’d obviously not expect a removable trigger group in a gun retailing for just less than $5000. Yet when you look at the fit and finish and extremely beautiful Turkish walnut in the stock and fore-end, it’s hard to imagine how they can make them at the price. Had I been a right-hander and not had too many shotguns already (how many is too many), I’d have been sorely tempted to buy this gun. At the price offered in the Australian market I can’t recommend it too highly.
- Thank you to the team at OSA for dispatching the Pro Sporter so quickly and for Rod Laidlaw’s sound technical advice as always. More at www.osaaustralia.com.au
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Yildiz
Model: Pro Black Sporter
Gauge: 12-gauge, 3” chambers.
Action: Boxlock ejector
Trigger: Single, selective inertia
Barrel length: 32” (1564g) 30” also available
Chokes: Five extended Skeet to Full, described as mobile chokes
Stock and Fore-end: Adjustable Monte Carlo, oil-finished, Grade 4+ Turkish walnut
Drop at comb and heel: 38mm and 60mm (1.5” and 2.25”)
Weight: 8.5lb
Warranty: Five-year limited
Accessories: Stock-removal tool, Allen wrenches to adjust comb, choke tool
RRP: About $4998
Importer/sistributor: Outdoor Sporting Agencies