Miroku MK70

[sandersj89]

Having been thinking about a new shot gun for some time and toying with the idea of an over and under rather than my normal side by sides I have been doing some research and trying a few guns out.

 

A couple of weeks ago this culminated in a 2 hour session in a gun shop working my way through various makes and models of guns to see if I could get a feel for one I liked. Having set out thinking that a Beretta silver pigeon might be the gun for me reading the reviews I was a little surprised when I mounted one to feel it was too short in the stock for me and I felt I was having to roll my head to the right to get a decent sight picture along the rib.

 

I tried various models of silver pigeons and also other Beretta models but did not feel comfortable. After trying a few other makes I picked up a Miroku MK60 and this immediately felt right in the hand and to mount, good cheek weld on the butt, good sight picture.

 

I then tried a Browning, basically the same as the Miroku as they come out of the same factory and again it felt right, so it looked like this is were I should concentrate my efforts.

 

I then heard about a MK70 Miroku for sale via a member on the shooting community web site and we arrange to meet up and pop a few cartridges through it along side a SP. This confirmed my earlier thoughts, the Miroku was for me and I made the call in the week to finalise the deal.

 

Whilst not a true out and out game gun it is also not an out and out clay gun either. A hybrid that should see me well for many years to come.

 

Today Simon brought the gun around to the farm for me to take possession of it and also to have a go busting some clays using his trap.

 

We placed the trap on the top a a fairly steep hill and took up a firing position below on a track out of sight of the trap. Debs acted as trapper and was given a selection of normal and midi clays.

 

We then spent a good 90mins taking turns, clays were presented as straight on driven birds or we moved to one side to shoot them as quartering birds. Debs would randomly mix in a midi clay to alter speed and angle.

 

The Mk 70 was set up with ¼ and ½ chokes, 1/4 on the the bottom barrel.

 

My main worry was adapting to a single trigger having shot for the best part of 30 years with double.

 

First few birds went by unscathed, first time I tried the second barrel my finger slipped back to find thin air. A little thinking was required and we try again and dust the first clay with the gun. Nice smile on my face now so I carry on and get a nice rhythm going and start to consistently hit the clays.

 

So, in review.

 

I love the way the gun feels as it comes to my shoulder, it drops into the pocket well and my head naturally drops into place.

 

Trigger is sweet and nice weight, no issues at all.

 

Safety, this is also the barrel selector. It is crisp and in a good position for me thumb, however it is not an auto safety so you have to remember to reset it upon breaking the gun.

 

Scroll work, this is very nicely executed, clean and sharp.

 

Woodwork, this is a grade 5 model so the wood should be good, and in this case it is very nice, it wont challenge the wood on my very old English side by side but it is not far off. The finish is nice and fore end feels good to my hand.

 

Weight, well it weighs more than my SXS but that is to me expected with slightly longer barrels, but I hardly noticed it and my swing was smooth and consistant.

 

Chokes, I did not change the chokes whilst shooting but have since tried and it is a doddle, simple system and nice tight fit.

 

But at the end of the day how did it shoot, well I should maybe let Simon say as an independent witness but I think I shot as well today as I have ever shot, and seeing that this was a new gun for me I hold high hopes for it.

 

The last session of 20 clays were all hit, 80% on the first barrel and the rest with the second. The rate at which you can take the second shot with a singe trigger was a revelation, I was impressed.

 

So, for my first foray into the world of over and unders I am very please.

 

 

 

[Trussman]

Beauty

[tulkyuk]

Cracking little review that Jerry - i used to own a MK38 grade 5 and it was a cracking gun ( stupidly sold it ).

They feel real nice to shoot and are heavy enough so you dont feel the recoil but light enough to carry all day.

[Windknot]

I have two Mirokus in the safe (and my wife has a Browning)- I love the way these guns handle- very smooth and controlled.

 

I'm giving serious thought to getting an MK60 20 gauge next year.

[sandersj89]

Cracking little review that Jerry - i used to own a MK38 grade 5 and it was a cracking gun ( stupidly sold it ).

They feel real nice to shoot and are heavy enough so you dont feel the recoil but light enough to carry all day.

 

First real test in 2 weeks time when I get my first day at my new Syndicate in Devon, will be interesting to see how I get on with the high birds they present!

[Miroku Mike]

You have done well there, you cant go wrong with the Miroku.

 

I have two. Lovely guns to shoot.

 

As for your first test, well i hate to say it, if its not a good outcome its you and not the gun

 

You will have a good outcome though, you already have confidence in your new toy, that speaks volumes.

 

All in all just have a really good day and enjoy yourself and that fine looking piece of kit you have.

 

Mike

[sandersj89]

You will have a good outcome though, you already have confidence in your new toy, that speaks volumes.

 

Real confidence will come later this week when I have a chance to do some more pratice with it, then I will have a better idea that the first try was not a fluke.

 

But, as you say, any duff shooting is down to me and not the gun, which I do enjoy using.

 

Many thanks

 

Jerry