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gberinger

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have stumbled across different names for various models of Zoli guns- there is a clear difference between the Zoli Z gun/Z sport, Z extra and the “game” gun. But I have also seen some labeled as “Z game”.

Does anyone know or confirm if:
1.) the “game” is the same as the “Z game”
2.) the game or z game has the same action as the other Z guns. (Noting shorter barrels, stock dimensions etc because one is a game gun vs a sporting gun.)

Thanks!
 
I am very curious to the answer to this as well. My understanding is that the Zoli series (Z-gun, Kronos, Expedition, etc.) are mechanically the same in terms of barrels/receivers/triggers, excepting some refinements. The differences - as I have been led to believe- is in the stock dimensions.

Very curious to see the true answer!
 
I think you'd be best served by calling Jason at Zoli USA or a dealer like Rob Carlson. Go to the Zoli Italia site and download the catalog and see the references to most of the versions and their differences.

Different configurations have been offered over the years so there's not really an always-true definition. The primary differences are really only between the game/Expedition, Pernice and sporting.

The Pernice is a newer field gun offering and the differences are rather obvious.

Expedition is the term used for the other game gun but is sometimes called in advertising as the "Expediiton game gun." I'm otherwise not aware of any distinction. The Expedition has typical field stock/barrel differences. Compared to the sporting, it has a smaller forearm, usually a narrower stock, grip is Woodward or Prince of Wales, a field slope from comb to heel, and, a wood or smaller butt pad. The forearm and stock are therefore lighter to reduce overall weight. The barrel has a very narrow rib at about 5mm. Flat rib only. Different filing pattern. May or may not have a mid bead.

The action is the same as the sporting version. The trigger of the Expedition and Sporting/Kronos are the same except it may or may not be TiN coated. Sometimes, but not always, the Kronos trigger isn't TiN coated. The same trigger is used in both the 12 and 20 gauges (Zoli only has two receiver sizes). In fact, the double trigger used in the rifles will also fit in the shotgun with Norbert making some tweaks to eliminate inertia block and making the safety just be a safety.

The Ambassador, Lusso, Extra, Anniversary, Columbus, Dakota, etc. are wood grade and engraving differences only. The Expedition and sporting have had different engraving over the years. Mid rib on the Expedition may be solid or vented.

If the majority of the shooting is going to be at clays, you really need to go that way. The lighter weight, steeper drop from comb to heel (more cheek slap), thinner wood (sharper cheek slap), and grip style will all combine to make the game version be less pleasant in terms of felt recoil.

Just to point out that there is no always-true, my primary hunting gun is a 20 gauge Expedition but it has a pistol grip stock but otherwise field dimensions.

All the above may be wrong. So, ask Jason or Rob. Just do not get into why the extended chokes on the sporting versions have different color bands from one gun to the next.

. . . more than you asked but there it is. Misinformation is free.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Thanks- lot of good information there. The game gun ( which I believe is different from the expedition/Columbus with a game dimension stock) is apparently a crossover between a game gun and a sporting gun. Sounds similar to your setup with the pistol grip. This is the description I pulled off of Cheshire gun room in the Uk-

Zoli Game Gun Standard
The groundbreaking Zoli Game Gun is a hybrid between a Technical Sporter and a Classic Game Gun, allowing it to be used for both sports.

While the gun’s exterior is aesthetically attractive, this is a serious product designed with optimum functionality in mind – they are the only shotguns in their class to feature a detachable trigger unit and silver soldered barrels. Perfectly balanced, with a well-placed pistol grip, their low energy efficiency gives noticeably low recoil, enabling shooters to concentrate on the target.

There’s a science to manufacturing, and there’s a science to shooting, and shot after shot, Zoli understand what it takes to ensure that all the technical elements of their shotguns interact with their owners in such a dynamic way, that the benefit is indisputable.
 
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