Beretta’s SL3 EELL Tutankhamon
SCI’s auction gun for 2024 took center stage, quite literally. On display behind glass in the middle of the convention floor and up for auction at the final evening’s gala, this one-of-a kind shotgun was built to honor the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the Pharaoh Tutankhamon’s tomb. The artistic marvel is, at its base, a Beretta SL3 EELL 12-gauge shotgun with 30-inch barrels and Exhibition Grade 5 European walnut stocks.
Related: Beretta Captures Ancient Lands via Handcrafted Exhibition Shotguns
The Beretta Tutankhamon was originally purchased by EuroOptic CEO Alexander Roy, but he donated the piece back to SCI for 2024. The bespoke one-off carried an estimated value of $500,000, and actually sold for $435,000 plus taxes and auction fees, which equates to major funds raised for SCI’s mission to protect the freedom to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation worldwide.
Westley Richards
All the big names in firearms history were in Nashville, including fan favorite Westley Richards. The company was showing off a select number of unique long guns, including a “Heavy” .500 droplock double rifle with exceptional wood, case color, and engraving. There was what the company calls “the finest Westley Richards .425 magazine rifle ever built" in the Modele de Grande Luxe, this one a bolt action with exceptional inlay and engraving, highlighted by the golden elephant on the baseplate.
And of course, the iconic Westley Richards .425 belonging to Captain F.C. Selous, the practical takedown .425 that could fill books with stories of Selous’ safari adventures. Lastly, something for the shotgunners, with a pair of fine 20-gauge “American” Game Guns, a cased set of side-by-side double guns with relief engraving, game scenes, sharp cut checkering, and a classy custom case.
Magnum Research Desert Eagle
Is any flashy gun conversation really complete without a gold tiger-striped Magnum Research Desert Eagle pistol? Built in Pillager, Minnesota, under the steady hand of master gunsmiths Brett Pikula and Jesse Tertin, the massive rotating-bolt semi-automatic pistols come to life alongside the company’s similarly tank-built stainless-steel BFR revolvers.
It was the gold that attracted a crowd, though. The larger-than-life pieces drew a steady flow of shooters and collectors eager to snag a Desert Eagle, as seen in the movies. Chamberings include .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .429 Desert Eagle, and .50 Action Express, with uppers interchanging for sweet caliber modularity.
Parkwest Arms SD-22
If ever there were a more beautiful rimfire, I’m not sure what it might be. Parkwest Arms, formerly Dakota Arms, launched its SD-22 model .22 Long Rifle bolt gun at SCI. Though there’s a more standard model, this particular piece instantly had our heart. The color case hardening pops, especially against that Bastogne special select walnut stock. There’s an ebony forend tip, skeleton buttplate and grip cap, and inletted Ken Howell swivel studs.
Aesthetic aside, it’s the shockingly short throw bolt that wows, along with the look and feel of a big-bore hunting rifle. Surely, Parkwest Arms wins the award for most beautiful items coming out of Sturgis, South Dakota. The SD-22 rifles are brand-new and sure to be in high demand. They join a full contingent of centerfire bolt action and falling block hunting rifles.
K.L. Shelton Custom Kentucky Rifles
In a safari world of double rifles and shotguns from around the globe, we found K.L. Shelton in a quieter booth showing off the most gorgeous muzzleloading Kentucky-style long guns we’ve ever seen. He handcrafts only four or five pieces a year, mostly rifles, but also including pistols and smoothbore Fowler shotguns. Each is custom-fit to the client, with an approximate year-long wait.
The booth was filled with photographs of big game animals and birds harvested with Shelton’s flintlocks. The attention to detail is immaculate, and the wood grain on each catches attention from afar. Shelton spends upward of 200 hours constructing a single piece. He specializes in the “Lancaster School” recognized by historians as the birthplace of the American rifle, with his current home base in Tucson, Arizona.
Connecticut Shotgun A10 American
Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company (CSMC) A10 is still gaining steam, but the relatively young A10 double shotgun designs continue to turn heads. The Anthony Galazan company doubles down, quite literally, on its full side-lock O/U platform for 2024 at SCI, showing off the new 28-gauge and .410 additions to the existing family of 12, 16, and 20-gauge options.
We fell hard for the slim A10 in 28, a low-profile shotgun that feels natural in the hands, not to mention looks amazing. There’s a leather-covered buttpad, single selective trigger, and trademarked Tuffbores that allow it to fire any shot type. The guns are 100 percent made in America, with a madly beautiful array of options and engraving patterns.
Kreighoff International
Some of Kreighoff’s best hunting guns were on display at SCI, including the classic Big Five, Hubertus single shot, Essencia double rifle, Semprio inline repeating rifle, K-80 O/U, and K-20 line of O/Us.
Some stunning new custom engravings stole the show, though. The Eternity mates modern diamond lines with a more classic aesthetic, while more traditional deep relief styles appeal to the masses. Whether rifle or shotgun, the German manufacturer continues to turn heads.
William Larkin Moore & Sons
If you want to drool (and shop at the same time), check out the William Larkin Moore booth at SCI. The company stocks and sells some of the highest-grade new and pre-owned firearms, namely doubles.
Our walk-through turned up Piotti, Rizzini, Armas Garbi, Fausti, Arrizabalaga, Arrieta, and more. There are Brownings alongside Rigbys, with engraving and walnut to suit the most discerning palate. The artistry on display is impressive, and while we were merely admiring, everything is for sale.
Chapuis Armes
The French gun builder known for premium quality firearms has greatly expanded its American presence since coming under Beretta Group holdings. While Chapuis shotguns are both lovely and useful, it’s the company’s expanding lines of double rifles that have our attention. The X4, Elan, and Iphisi are all set up for big-game success with old-school looks.
We fell for the Iphisi (Zulu for “big game hunter”) chambered in .375 H&H. In a move welcome to U.S. hunters, the rifle is regulated for Hornady DGX ammunition, can be readily tuned by almost any gunsmith, and accepts Talley rings. Plus, that killer case color and AAA-grade walnut don’t hurt, either.
Holland & Holland
The British gunmaker has been turning out iconic rifles and shotguns since 1835. Those pieces garner a crowd no matter the who or where, though it’s the latter that’s proven to be bigger news these days. Beretta Holdings recently completed the full acquisition of Holland & Holland, adding the luxury brand to its portfolio of Beretta, Benelli, Tikka, Uberti, Franchi, Sako, and Chapuis.
With Beretta based in Italy and H&H in London, England, it will be interesting to see what transpires, with Beretta taking the reins after over 30 years of ownership by French luxury fashion powerhouse Chanel. Of course, while company steerage stole the news, those classic “The Royal” over-under and side-by-side rifles and shotguns impress at every glance.
Barrett MRADELR
Admittedly, this one is eye-catching in a different manner: size alone. That’s a 36-inch heavy barrel on a bolt-action repeater chambered in .416 Barrett. The tank tips the scales at 23 pounds even, with an overall length of 62 inches or over 5 feet.
Related: First Look – Extreme Long-Range Answers with Barrett MRADELR
Barrett’s MRADELR is glamorous in a newer sense of distance accuracy. A user-changeable barrel system opens the door for extreme long-range, off--the-shelf, military-grade precision. Manufacturers like Barrett, alongside dozens of booths of the opposite – ultralight mountain rifle manufacturers – offer ample modern wishlist fodder for new school shooters.
