A Break in the Action

Just ONE Shotgun?

If you could own just ONE shotgun... what would it be?It's one of the oldest—and most debated—questions in the shooting sports.Should it be a 12-gauge or a 20? A semi-automatic or an over-and-under? Twenty-eight-inch barrels or thirty? How much should it weigh? Which features actually matter, and which are simply a matter of personal preference?In this episode of A Break in the Action, Ryan Doughty tackles that question from a different perspective. Rather than asking what shotgun an experienced collector would buy, he asks a more practical question:If you were buying your very first—and perhaps only—shotgun today, what should it be?Drawing on decades of experience with fine shotguns, sporting clays, upland hunting, and conversations with gunmakers, guides, instructors, and lifelong wingshooters, Ryan builds his ideal all-around shotgun one characteristic at a time. From gauge and action type to barrel length, weight, choke tubes, and the features that truly matter, he explains not just what he recommends—but why.Finally, he names the new production shotguns that would be at the top of his list across three different price ranges, from around $1,000 to $5,000.Whether you're shopping for your first shotgun, helping a friend or family member get started, or simply enjoy discussing the finer points of shotgun design, this episode offers one thoughtful answer to a question every sportsman eventually asks.What You'll Hear in This Episode:Why a 20-gauge over-and-under gets Ryan's recommendationThe ideal barrel length and weight for an all-around shotgunWhy fit and balance matter more than brandThe features every versatile shotgun should haveRyan's favorite new-production over-and-unders in three price categoriesOne shotgun. A lifetime of memories. Which would you choose?Our Sponsors:The Beretta GalleriesHouse of BruarB&P ShotshellsDelaney & SonsNegrini CasesGuyette and DeeterCastellani USAGordy & SonsARMUR.orgShooting Sportsman MagazineHave a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)Support the show

From Rolex to Rizzini: How a watch enthusiast found wingshooting

What do fine shotguns and mechanical watches have in common?  It turns out, quite a lot.In this episode, Ryan sits down with Christian Zeron, founder of Theo & Harris and one of the most recognizable voices in the world of mechanical watches. Christian recently found himself drawn into an entirely new pursuit: hunting, wingshooting, and the sporting life.Together they discuss Christian's introduction to hunting, what he thought hunters were like before he became one, and the surprising realities he discovered after entering the community. They explore why so many watch enthusiasts seem drawn toward fine shotguns, the importance of mentorship and tradition, and how social media can introduce new audiences to hunting and shooting sports.The conversation also ventures into collecting, craftsmanship, family, heritage, and the objects we choose to keep for a lifetime.And then things get interesting.Ryan and Christian attempt to answer a question that has been months in the making: If the world's great shotgun makers were watchmakers, who would they be?Whether you're passionate about watches, shotguns, both, or neither, this episode is ultimately about something bigger: discovering meaningful pursuits, finding community, and preserving traditions worth passing along.Guest: Christian Zeron, Theo & HarrisOur Sponsors:The Beretta GalleriesHouse of BruarB&P ShotshellsDelaney & SonsNegrini CasesGuyette and DeeterGriffin and HoweCastellani USAHave a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)Support the show

Is the 12 gauge dead?

For more than a century, the 12 gauge has been the default answer in the shotgun world. It was the gauge that did everything—quail, pheasants, waterfowl, rabbits, and just about anything else a hunter might pursue.But today, sub-gauges are more popular than ever. Twenty gauges, twenty-eights, and even .410s have developed devoted followings, leaving some hunters to wonder: has the 12 gauge become more gun than most of us actually need?Joining me to explore that question is Gregg Elliott of Dogs and Doubles. Gregg is a dedicated grouse and woodcock hunter, student of vintage shotguns, and unapologetic advocate for the 12 gauge.Along the way, our conversation drifts well beyond gauge selection. We discuss why lightweight 12 gauges may be among the most underrated upland guns ever built, how modern ammunition has changed the conversation, the economics of vintage shotgun collecting, whether marketing has influenced the popularity of sub-gauges, and why some classic British and American 12 gauges represent tremendous value in today's market.We also dive into gun fit, barrel dimensions, stock design, and one of the strangest—and most interesting—Greener shotguns I've ever seen.Whether you're a dedicated sub-gauge enthusiast or firmly in the 12-gauge camp, this is an enjoyable conversation about shotguns, bird hunting, and the enduring appeal of a gauge many hunters may have overlooked too quickly.Our Sponsors:The Beretta GalleriesHouse of BruarB&P ShotshellsDelaney & SonsNegrini CasesGuyette and DeeterGriffin and HoweCastellani USAHave a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)Support the show

The Traveling Wingshooter: Building The Ultimate Bird Hunting Rig

In this episode of A Break in the Action, Ryan takes listeners inside the process of building what he believes is the ultimate modern bird hunting rig (for the way he hunts) — not as a showcase of gear for gear’s sake, but as a thoughtful system shaped by years of traveling to hunt upland birds with dogs. From choosing the right platform and topper to organizing equipment with a DECKED drawer system, Dakota 283 kennels, and modular storage solutions, this episode explores how comfort, simplicity, organization, and dog safety ultimately became the guiding principles behind the build. Along the way, Ryan reflects on the realities of long highway miles, changing weather, hunting camps, early mornings, and the countless small details that shape life on the road during bird season.But this episode is about more than just trucks and equipment. It’s really a conversation about the traveling wingshooter lifestyle itself — the routines, systems, and lessons that slowly develop after enough seasons chasing birds across the country. Ryan also discusses transporting and caring for dogs during long trips, managing heat and cold, water storage lessons learned the hard way, and why consistency matters so much when traveling with bird dogs. Whether you hunt from a truck, SUV, trailer, or something entirely different, this episode is intended less as a blueprint to copy and more as an invitation to rethink your own approach to life on the road during bird season.In this episode:RSI SmartCapDeckedDakota 283Our Sponsors:The Beretta GalleriesHouse of BruarB&P ShotshellsDelaney & SonsNegrini CasesGuyette and DeeterGriffin and HoweCastellani USAHave a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)Support the show

A Sporting Weekend at The Preserve

In this episode of A Break in the Action, Ryan travels to western Rhode Island to experience one of America’s most unique sporting destinations: The Preserve Sporting Club & Residences. More than simply a luxury resort with outdoor activities, The Preserve is a true sporting-first destination built around driven pheasant shoots, walked-up upland hunting, sporting clays, fly fishing, fine guns, and life outdoors. Ryan shares his firsthand impressions from several days on the property, including a memorable driven shoot, a morning afield for chukar and quail, and time spent exploring the incredible on-site retail experience at The Sporting Shoppe.Ryan is joined by owner Paul Mihailides for an in-depth conversation about the philosophy behind The Preserve, conservation efforts across the property, the importance of thoughtful design and hospitality, and how the sporting lifestyle can be made approachable for families and newcomers alike. The two also dive into fine shotguns, premium sporting brands, and the remarkable gunroom that has made The Sporting Shoppe a destination in its own right.If you enjoy conversations centered around sporting travel, upland hunting, fine guns, and best-in-class outdoor experiences, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.In this episode:The PreserveThe Sporting ShoppeFAMARS USAOur Sponsors:The Beretta GalleriesHouse of BruarB&P ShotshellsDelaney & SonsNegrini CasesGuyette and DeeterGriffin and HoweCastellani USAHave a comment or suggestion? Text Ryan now! (please note: this messenger does not allow for replies)Support the show