The A-10 American

Submitted by Bruce Buck on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 9:05am.

As usual, the Order of Edwardian Gunners’ Vintage Cup at Pintail Point, in Maryland, was great fun. What made it even more enjoyable was that Lou Frutuoso, Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Co.’s marketing and sales manager, was there with the first sample of the new CSMC A-10 American sidelock O/U.

This is a very impressive gun, especially at the surprisingly low introductory price of $3,995. For a thumbnail detachable sidelock? Gotta love it. Lou was kind enough to give us a video interview here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIN7cAn2-b4

I want to thank Roland Leong, my partner at www.ShotgunReport.com, for shooting the video.

Naturally, we’ll be getting an A-10 to review in Shooting Sportsman down the road, but check out the clip for starters.

But I need some help selecting the review gun. Which one would you like to see covered: 12-gauge frame or 20-gauge frame? Barrel length? English or pistol-grip stock? Field or target forend?

My next blog will be on Argentina guns, as promised, but I thought you’d be curious about a first live glance at the A-10.

That’s it for now. Boots off. Beer open.

A-10 American

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 3:52pm.

There are two basic versions, one on a 12 gauge frame and one on a 20 gauge.
I suppose that this requires two guns and, therefore, a couple of reviews.
Since I ordered a "target" gun: 12 gauge, 32"bbls, PG, BTFE, I am interested in this gun first.
I fairness to the 20 gauge frame owners, it would be nice to get some feedback on what to expect from these guns, too.
I saw the video and have talked to the boys at CSMC on a couple of occasions about the gun. From what I've seen, I won't be disappointed.
There are two big questions about both guns: (1). weight, and (2). engraving. Any comments on them at this time?

A-10 American

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/14/2010 - 4:27pm.

I was at the Greenwich gun show 1/9/10 to see the new A-10. Very attractive with nicely figured wood and the metal to wood fit to finish is well done. They had a sidelock plate removed so one could check it out. Fine workmanship and felt very solid. I mounded the 12 gauge and swung it a few times, very neutrally balanced and if the gun weighed 8 pounds (forgot the weight) did not feel it. All in all very well made and should do well in the market place. I was a bit surprised by the tinny lenght of the choke tubes, as they reminded me of the short chokes in early Beretta's and the CVC (or Winchester 101). All in all a great American made shotgun that should fine many people wanting one. If you are in the market for a new classic this might be the gun for you. Looking forward to shooting one to see how it behaves

28 gauge on a 20 gauge frame

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 10/07/2009 - 1:11pm.

I was told by CSMC that the A 10 in 28 gauge on the 20 gauge frame with 28" barrels will be 6.5 to 6.75 pounds. We will have two guns built for high volume dove shooting in South America and fully expect that they will stand the test.

Along with a lot of other shooters, that I have read about, we brought a CSMC RBL 20 gauge on this years dove shoot. The gun had 6000 rounds put through it without a flaw. I would expect the same level of performance from the A 10.

I would agree, from what I have seen, you will not be disappointed with a gun built by CSMC.

A-10 review........

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 09/30/2009 - 11:51pm.

I would suggest that you review the gun that CSMC is touting--the A-10 standard--the gun one may purchase for $3,995.00. You could then expand, during your article, on the delux model, the 20ga smaller frame model, and then on to two gauge models, guns with extensive engraving, etc.. That is the way I would handle it. Just my .02 cents. Doug

A-10 review -- some additional questions

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 2:08pm.

One thing that I have not seen mentioned is the weight of the 12 gauge A-10 or the other bores. Also, I am not a particular fan of back walnut stocks -- can the A-10 be had in English or French walnut? (If so, how much?) Finally, I have a strong preference for fixed choked shotgun barrels -- especially in a double gun. Will Connecticut Shotgun be willing to honor this request of the more traditional shooters? Otherwise I look forward to hearing more comments on the new A-10.
Regards,
Keith