Questions, questions....

chesterdog · Feb 17, 2006

I've only recently become infatuated with O/U shotguns. Previously I knew about and even shot a few Brownings and Berettas. I always knew of Perazzi and Krieghoff but was completely unaware of some names like Rizzini and Guerini until just recently.
After reading the info about the four different Rizzini's I'm wondering...
How does the quality of the Caesar Guerini's compare to the B. Rizzini's? Since the head of B. Rizzini is nearing retirement,and there may be some uncertainty of their future, would it be a safer bet to buy a Guerini instead (I'm thinking future repairs or warranty work)?
If anyone has had a chance to own or at least compare a Rizzini, Guerini, and Beretta (or any two of those), how would you say they compare in terms of mechanical solidity. Does any one of them seem built stronger than the others? I know they're beautiful guns but I'm wondering about long term durability.
Thanks

Seamus O'Caiside · Feb 17, 2006

I could be wrong, but I think the locking bolts of the B. Rizzini and Guerini are sronger and will last longer before needing service than Beretta's will. That is based on my experience with Berettas and B. Rizzinis, but I don't have much experinece with Guerini.

But remember, if the locking lugs of any of those brands wears excessively, it can easily be replaced.

As far as the rest of the gun is concerned, they are probably all equally strong.

I'm sure B. Rizzini will be around for a long time. Even if the company runs into hard times (it can happen to any of them) parts will be available for the rest of my life, and probably yours.

I think you should get the one that you like the looks and feel of, and don't worry about relative strength or parts and service. There isn't that much difference.

speed3 · Feb 19, 2006

I've handled them side by side and will say that both are very well built firearms. I don't think you could go wrong with either.

SShooterZ · Feb 20, 2006

I think with the Guerini you're paying a lot for the aesthetics of the gun. They are really ornate and engraved and are just beautiful samples of workmanship. I think the Rizzini is a lot more no frills in comparison and therefore, can be sold for less. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

JohnBT · Feb 21, 2006

I haven't run across any of the less expensive B. Rizzini guns to compare them to the numerous Guerini guns I've seen. The local B. Rizzini dealer only seems to have the more expensive ones in stock, like the sporting clays models that run $4k to $7k. Exceptionally nice guns even without the upgrades on some of them like the Artemis Deluxe Sporting I've been eyeballing for weeks. So far I only have a basic entry-level Guerini Woodlander 28 ga., but I'm saving my pennies.

Here's a partial price list from www.williamlarkinmoore.com/prices.html

RIZZINI B. O/U:
AURUM CLASSIC (Standard Dimensions Only) 2,190
AURUM LIGHT 16 GA. (Standard Dimensions Only) 2,310
ARTEMIS ( Standard Dimensions Only) 2,490
UPLAND EL, AURUM LIGHT EL, TEUTONIC EL (Standard Dimensions Only) 3,900
ARTEMIS DELUXE (Standard Dimensions Only) 5,400
ROUND BODY EL 6,300
S780 EMEL w/ Nizzoli Case (Custom Dimensions Available) 12,000
S790 EMEL w/ Nizzoli Case (Custom Dimensions Available) 11,000
S792 EMEL w/ Nizzoli Case (Custom Dimensions Available) 10,000
S782 EMEL w/ Nizzoli Case (Custom Dimensions Available) 13,000
PREMIER SPORTING w/Multi-choke & Case (Standard Dimensions Only) 2,900
EXPRESS 90 L (Standard Dimensions Only) 4,900
EXPRESS 92 EL w/ case (Standard Dimensions Only) 10,000

EL Finish & Wood for Artemis, or Express 90L 1,400
Gold oval in stock 370
Upgraded Wood Grade 3 XXX 1,200

ROGER OVER UNDER · Apr 1, 2006

Thanks. After looking at the Rizzini 792 photo on that website
I realize that the Sig Rizzini TR40 and TT45 are one hell of a bargain.

You can get one still new in some cases
for $2000-2400.

They look identicle to the $7-10 thousand Rizzinis
that are being sold today. Ornate, upgrades and all.

FIND YOURSELF A SIGARMS RIZZINI
I just keep loving these shotguns more and more.

MGF · Apr 1, 2006

I bought my SigArms TR20U (a B.Riz 20 ga., Grade I, 28" tubes, straight-hand stock) when they first came on the market. Not much had been written about them yet and I bought it solely on my impressions. Laid down 18 one-hundred bills (you can do much better on a price these days.) At the time, the fit/finish, wood and lovely "pointability" on that gun just just struck me as a buy. Frankly, I thought it was, dollar for dollar, a better buy than the comparable B-guns. (And I own and thoroughly enjoy two Berettas.)

Nothing's changed my mind since. I'm not a great lover of the 20 ga., and every once in a while I think about selling that gun. I'll take it out for one last dance and, sure as god made little green apples, shoot a 23 from low gun skeet or get two pheasant with two shells. I've reconciled myself to the simple fact that that gun and I are staying together for the long haul. Such is life.

With all that said, I've yet to hear a single bad word about the Guerinis, and the ones I've handled at a couple shops seem very well made and are just gorgeous.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either choice.

Adirondack · Apr 2, 2006

ROGER OVER UNDER said:
Thanks. After looking at the Rizzini 792 photo on that website
I realize that the Sig Rizzini TR40 and TT45 are one hell of a bargain.

You can get one still new in some cases
for $2000-2400.

They look identicle to the $7-10 thousand Rizzinis
that are being sold today. Ornate, upgrades and all.

FIND YOURSELF A SIGARMS RIZZINI
I just keep loving these shotguns more and more.

Roger Over Under,

The TT45s have been really hard to find, especially anything new. Seems like there are quite a few new TR40s on GunsAmerica but only one TT45.

I did find a nice TT45 that was up for auction on gunbroker. It was described as having less than 200 rounds through it and being in perfect condition. I was bidding against someone right to the last minute and it must have been that his limit was $25 less then mine because he stopped bidding after I put in my last bid and turned the computer off.

Chesterdog,

I agree with the others, B. Rizzini parts will be around for a long time to come even if the company closes which I don't think is going to happen. Also, from what I've heard from someone who needed service, Sig Arms will continue to support the B. Rizzini models made for them despite the split between companies.

I think you can't go wrong with any of those shotgun manufacturers. I've shot Berretas quite often and think they are well made. Comparing my friend's Beretta 687 along side my TT25, I do think the Rizzini has an edge on quality and it also cost less too. I'd like to see and handle a Guerini someday soon; wouldn't mind adding one of those to the collection if the price is right.

ROGER OVER UNDER · Apr 3, 2006

I placed a Guerini Magnus next to my Sigarms TR40.

They are so similar in look, feel,engraving & game scene that I had to really pay attention to which was which.

The store owner asked if we could try and fit the forend of one on the other. No fit there. But so similar they MUST
be shopped-out to the same hands in italy.

I'm going to have a hard time NOT purchasing one in the next
few months.

I have a Beretta 686E as well..and I have to say...the overall quality of the Beretta is still amazing for the price.

onefunzr2 · Jul 15, 2006

I have a B. Rizzini Aurum light 16ga. All 16 Rizzini's have fixed chokes. That's fine with me as I\C and Mod work for upland game. The 20ga C.Guerini I fondled had choke tubes but they were not flush fitting. They were knurled. Fine if you intend on screwing them in and out all the time, but I found they detracted from an otherwise fine looking O\U equally on par with my B. Rizzini. Guerini does not make any 16ga.

perazzi01 · Jul 17, 2006

B.Rizzinis may be here for a long time but not necessarily in this country,parts and or service could be an issue in the future.I know Rich Cole will service them but you may have to wait till Italy sends the parts.I don't think they can compete with the Guerini's,they are very agressively marketing there product and have a very good front man that knows the industry and knows what American shooters want,I hate saying this because I own and love my Sig tt25.But two gun companies practically selling the same product to a very small market,one of them is going to fall.This is exactly why Sig Rizzini's are no more,they where the sole importer till the parent company decided to hit these shores,they knew or didn't want to compete, the Guerini Bro's,...nephews of B.Rizzini are going to probably do the same thing to there Uncle or more correctly there cousin who is now running the Co.

If money is an issue any of the Sig line is a super bargain,the tt25 is basically the same as the Rizzini Premier or now I think they are calling them the BR320?You could possible save a grand on the same gun.But if you are worried about the longevity in the company buy the Guerini or better yet a Beretta.

Questions, questions....

chesterdog

Seamus O'Caiside

speed3

SShooterZ

JohnBT

ROGER OVER UNDER

MGF

Adirondack

ROGER OVER UNDER

onefunzr2

perazzi01

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