Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing is proud to state we have an in-house laser in our Naples, FL Location!

Our CO2 Laser delivers exceptional etching and cutting quality, that we use to customize stocks, cups & more! We continue to grow and find new things to introduce to the laser machine never endlessly. We do everything from checkering wood sets in unique patterns to etching the QR codes on the back of our Cole Premium Gun Grease!

In-House Laser Operator

Our Laser Operator, Trask Sloan, can help you bring your shotgun next level with some cool designs that he will create himself through multiple computer software’s (unless you already got one for us! All design files need to be in Vector form to use in our laser software). Have an old family picture or or specific design you don’t have in Vector? No problem – reach out to Trask and he will create a vector version of your current file for you. Make your custom stock a true custom stock.

So far, we have done many customized stocks to show our Texas Lonestar Love! We have also done laser-checkered patterns, which is a bit coarser and sharper than hand-done checkering and allows for a better grip (although we can go softer on the checkering pattern if preferred – we will always consult before etching). We can laser designs at different LPI’s too – you’ll get a preview before it’s done to make sure it’s exactly what you’re looking for!

How A Laser Job Works

All laser checkering jobs are proofed out digitally with hand-drawn patterns and then tested multiple times to ensure accurate placement on customers stocks and forends. Each piece of material to be laser checkered is manually photographed, resized and plotted out in computer software. From start to finish and depending in the complexity of the job in question, a job can be done in roughly 3-4 hours.

Example of Proof Trask will send during a Laser Checkering Job

The Fleur-de-lis pattern on the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I really brought the entire look together. For Forend checkering, we are currently limited to 2-Panel & 3- Panel artwork, and working towards being able to do wraparound checkering on forends in the future. Check out the checkering video at the end of the blog!

Want something a little more subtle? Let us laser-etch a design into your grip, a perfect personalization for those not looking for anything too big.

Laser Engraving Gallery

Not only have we used our Laser to customize Shotguns & Merchandise – We’ve also begun creating Cole Custom Acrylic Grind-To-Fit Spacers in a fine selection of colors! These laser-cut acrylic

shotgun stock spacers offer superior shatter resistance and are guaranteed to meet your exact specifications. Get the most customization out of your shotgun with Cole’s immaculate design and unbeatable quality. They are available in 1/8″ or 1/4″ thick and a wide variety of colors!

Below is a video of some Behind-The-Scenes Laser Cutting work – including one of the earlier designs being laser-cut from acrylic sheet. Our Operator, Trask, had to go through much trial-and-error before landing on the current design we sell today. Trask worked closely with the Naples gunsmiths, Brandon Cole and Casey Deth, to perfect and alter his design until it became our current Grind-To-Fit pattern.

Cole Grind-To-Fit Orange Spacer on Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Cole Exclusive Upgrade

Have a TSK and feel left out? Don’t! We can laser engrave a design onto your TSK to truly customize your fully adjustable stock! Most of the TSK Stock Parts are eligible to be engraved – so you can choose to go subtle or go big! The Universal Laser System can process thousands of different materials – including leather also!

Ask about Laser-Engraving Your Leather Gun Case Today! Rock your initials or your favorite photo of your hunting dog – with the use of Vector files, the possibilities are just about endless.

With our Laser Machine, There are so many new customization possibilities we can help you achieve. Call 800-650-2653, Press 1 & Ask for Trask Today to begin your Laser Design Journey!

Behind-The-Scenes Videos!

Love seeing Behind-The-Scenes? Subscribe to our Youtube – where we are sharing our extensive gunsmithing knowledge tips and tricks! 

We get this question a lot— how can I be sure I’m picking the right shotgun? There are a lot of choices, answering some basic, fundamental questions will help narrow things down. Decisions, decisions….let’s take a look at all the things to consider!

Consideration #1: What will be the primary use of the shotgun?

Answering this question will help determine the type of shotgun as well as gauge. Clayshooting? Trap, Skeet, International games, sporting clays. The Ideal shotgun for each discipline may vary in terms of rib height, barrel length, gauge. 

There are different types of shotgun models that vary in performance and price and are designed for certain uses while not ideal for others. Single Shot & Pump-Action, although generally the least costly models, except for certain disciplines (home defense/waterfowl hunting) are not always the best choice for clay sports. At Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, we specialize in sales and repair of primarily over- under and semi -automatic shotguns.

We understand the importance of offering a wide range of price points and a depth of inventory from standard, to premium and custom. Double Barreled Shotguns, as the name suggests, have two barrel chambers- the side-by-side style, or the under/over style. Selecting one or the other is certainly left to the personal preference of the shooter, with over-unders being more widely used and certainly preferred for clay shooting endeavors. Many clay shooters select semi-auto shotguns for a reduction in recoil (gas operated) and because of the attractive price point.

Choice #2: What barrel length is ‘best’?

The most popular shotgun barrel lengths in hunting disciplines are 26’, 28’, with many folks opting for 30″& 32″ depending on the gauge and type of bird and terrain. Clay shooters today, generally opt for 30, 32, or sometimes 34”. Rule of thumb, for smooth swing, the shooter will typically select barrel length based on their height, build and upper body strength. This decision is primarily based on what type of shooting you envision yourself doing and your comfort level- shoot the longest barrels you can COMFORTABLY manage.

The height of an individual must be taken into account for proper balance of the shotgun; if one has a shorter stock length of pull the shotgun will balance better with a shorter barrel. Stick to a longer barrel if you’re seeking a smoother swing & working with predictable targets (clays). Longer barrels are also more accurate as they give a longer distance from the end of the barrel to the shooters eye, theoretically offering a more concise sight picture. If your passion is bird hunting – working with a shorter barrel aids in maneuvering quickly in tight spaces & are quicker to point.

Choice #3: Interchangeable Chokes or Fixed Chokes

Personal preference. Some competitive shooters prefer fixed chokes as the barrels can be kept lighter and their perceived success is not dependent on ‘choke changing’ or variable constrictions. Chokes are designed to change the shot of your shotgun depending on the target presentation- for example, in certain circumstances creating a tighter pattern allows your shot to travel further for far away targets. Fixed chokes are actually part of the barrel design itself. Screw-in chokes offer flexibility for different types of target presentation and come in two styles – flush and extended. The most common choke constrictions are CYL, SK, IC, LM, M, & IM. More on this in an upcoming blog!

Choice #4: Does My Gun ‘fit’?

Having a gun actually fit to your anatomy, stance and shooting style is one of the most vital aspects to consider when selecting a shotgun. There are a few different ways to go about understanding your correct fit & achieving the correct dimensions. The first thing one could do is have a gun fitting. Gun fitting is not an exact science and is actually quite subjective depending on the ‘fitter’s’ approach and knowledge. We do offer Gun Fittings at Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing – Call one of our shops (Florida/Maine/Texas) today to get on the calendar!

One quick and easy way to evaluate fit for yourself, is to shoot your gun on a pattern board. This will tell you whether your gun is shooting where you think or where you intend based on your mount and fit. More on the process in an upcoming blog!

There are upgrades and modifications a gunsmith can perform on your shotgun to aid in achieving correct fit. An adjustable comb is an upgrade that allows the user to make fine adjustments that may be necessary with weight gain or loss, change in shooting style/ mount or changing disciplines where a shot pattern change is desired. Adjustable combs, 4-way & 6-way provide the ability to manipulate the top piece of the comb to assist in proper fit and alignment of the eye to the rib of the shotgun.  Want to learn more about adjustable combs? Read our “Introduction to Adjustable Combs” Blog!

Looking to be able to make additional modifications to improve the fit of a shotgun? Look no further than the TSK Fully Adjustable Stock. The TSK Fully Adjustable Stock allows for a wide variety of adjustability with many components of various sizes. TSK Stocks are extremely popular with younger shooters, as they allow the gun to adapt with the shooter as they grow.

Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing is the Exclusive TSK Dealer for the USA – call our Naples Location today & ask for Pedro! In Texas? Call Andre and the Team in San Antonio. The fine folks in our Maine shop can also assist with getting your TSK set up correctly.

Finally, some shooters opt for a custom stock, built to their exact dimensions and shooting style. This is the most expensive option, but likely the best for the competitive shooter who has finished growing and is looking for the best fitting shotgun. The second or two one might spend trying to work their shotgun into the correct position (aka fitting the shooter to the gun as opposed to the other way around) can distract momentarily from the mental focus that should be on calling for and seeing the target. 

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing offers this service on certain models, which involves fitting with an expert gunsmith or when appropriate, CNC scan and machine for an exact duplicate of an individual’s existing stock.

Choice #5: Budget

Shotgunning is an expensive endeavor. Some say it’s best to get the ‘right’ equipment early on, the ‘one and done’ mentality. Some say, get an entry level gun and work out fit and feel issues, enjoy it for a bit before ‘pulling the trigger’ on an upgrade. Although we are in the gun trade,  we routinely tell people to buy for quality and serviceability. Buying an expensive gun will NOT make one a better shooter. Buying the least expensive or inexpensive gun that has no service resource or parts availability is just throwing money down the drain and can lead to frustration. Before deciding on a brand, ask around about the availability of parts, service, warranty repair options etc. 

There are certainly more considerations, sometimes in the final analysis (after narrowing down the budget and basic platform) it comes down to ‘feel’, so we urge people to try before they buy whenever possible. Find a demo center (Cole San Antonio, Maine, Sarasota) that offers demo opportunities. Oftentimes, large sporting clays shoots will have vendors on site offering demo guns. We have demo options in a wide range of the some of the most popular shotgun makes and models including Beretta, Blaser, Caesar Guerini, Perazzi, Rizzini, Zoli. In most cases our team of talented gunsmiths service what we sell; at the very least we facilitate correct repairs for our clients should they encounter any problems. 

We believe there is a tremendous benefit to our one-stop-shop model, providing a depth of expertise and knowledge, ability to guide, fit and modify, troubleshoot and repair. 

Call Today & Speak to a Salesperson about finding the right gun for you!

Harspwell, ME – (207)-833-5027

Naples, FL – (239)-352-0345

San Antonio, TX – (210)-906-0857

Sarasota, FL – (207)-800-4667

1526

Beretta was founded just shy of 500 years ago, in 1526 – by Mastro Bartolomeo Beretta. Their first sale was to the Arsenal of Venice – who paid 296 ducats for 185 arquebus barrels. The small sheet of paper with the scribbled totals serving as the first “official invoice” sits today in the state archives of the Venetian Capital. However, due to the title written on the invoice addressing “Mastro” Bartolomeo Beretta, there is evidence that could suggest the company had been active long before the transaction, as much as two full generations earlier.

Bartolomeo went on to pass down the company to Jacopo, his son – starting the wave of the Family Legacy that would only continue to grow in size and stature as generations pass. In the 1800’s, Pietro Antonio Beretta travelled vastly through Italy to spread awareness of their products. This proved to be a very difficult task due to foreign domination. Pietro collected many orders during his tour in Italy.

Birth of Beretta

At the same time, the official name of the company was registered as Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta. His son, Giuseppe, then went on to create the Beretta Headquarters to aid in expansion of the company, still in operation today. Giuseppe began to steer the company into a narrower focus in their production of premium firearms.

It was the turn of the twentieth century that became a vital moment for the company. A small company with a mere 130 employees, transformed and grew faster than it had ever before.

Propelling themselves forward, Beretta began filing patents for many different devices, mechanisms, and technologies. Expanding their specialties and growing from 130 employees to 1,500. Pietro also created the first semi-auto pistol, which later became adopted by the Royal Army. Then one of their first models of machine guns became a staple for the Italian Army. This is just the introduction to their multiple models being utilized by the Military. As centuries pass, their products continues to serve as a staple for both the Army and Police Forces today.

Making A Name

1975 – the 9mm Semi-Auto Model 92 Pistol was born. Known to be one of the most successful firearms in history, this model can be found being used throughout numerous Armed and Police Forces all around the world. In 1985, The 92FS Pistol became the official firearm to the US Armed Forces – a tradition and legend that is still being continued today. Today, there are over 4,000,000 units in circulation and are continued to be produced.

In 1995 – Management decided it was time to go directly to customers again. The first Beretta Flagship store was unveiled in New York City, right on Madison Ave. Today, that idea has grown to 9 Flagship stores all over the globe – reaching Dallas, Memphis, London, Paris, Buenos Aires, Milan & Moscow.

Today

Beretta is currently managed by the 14^th generation – Cavalier Ugo Gussalli Beretta. A company office opened in the United States, thanks to Ugo. However, in recent years – the leadership role has fallen onto Ugo’s son, Franco. Franco continues to devote investments and research into his company to provide new and upcoming products for customers.

Rich Cole began his professional journey with a position at Beretta. He was hired in 1979, and spent a number of years working with them in Accokeek, Maryland. He also apprenticed in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, where he received extensive gunsmith training, he continues to pass along to his gunsmiths today.

Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing is also one of the only Beretta Warranty Centers in the US, and we carry a high volume and variety of Beretta Premium Shotguns. Fill out a Gunsmithing Work Order Today & Send Us Your Shotgun!

Custom DT10 EELL

At Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing we are always pushing the envelope when it comes to creating truly custom and one-of-a-kind pieces of functional artwork. Whether it be a simple upgrade wood set from out huge inventory of upgrade wood sets, a custom stock built from one of our exclusive Turkish Walnut blanks or even a modular TSK Stock, there is very little we cannot do to please our customers and give them a custom fitting gun for life.

Just last month our own Rich Cole completed this incredibly gorgeous custom stock for a Beretta DT10 EELL. By combining both old school technique and skill with new age technology, we were able to use a combination of 3D scans of our customers hands and CNC machining to develop a perfect fitting glove style grip.

Cole Gunsmithing Custom DT10 EELL with Exhibition Grade TSK Unit

This is just one of the many unique pieces that out Cole Gunsmithing Team completes each and every year. We offer everything from Gunsmithing and shotgun maintenance to cosmetic upgrades, fittings and custom stocking, sales and customization and everything in-between. We truly are your one stop shotgun shop!

Call one of our locations today and let us help you on with all your shotgun needs. Or come see us in person at one of our showrooms in Harpswell, Maine – San Antonio, Texas – Naples, Florida or Sarasota, Florida!

Interested in seeing our selection of Premium Shotguns? Click Here! 

Want to see the process behind Creating a Pattern Stock? Click Here! 

Why TSK?

The shooter and the gun should be a perfect fit – literally. Everybody’s measurements are different – different lengths, different proportions, different preferences. The stock that comes with a shotgun you purchase, was shaped, and created based off a large average of measurements to the human body. With shooting becoming a sport for all ages, gender, sizes, etc. – that becomes a lot of different bodies to fit.

The TSK Fully Adjustable Stock allows for the fit of your guns stock to be perfect, over and over and over again. The TSK is fit with an Adjustable Comb, allowing for the shooter to adjust it side-to-side, up and down, or tilt it – creating a more parallel stock. The Avional or Carbon Fiber Pipes allow for the length of pull to be a range rather than a fixed number. The TSK unit is best used for Trap, Skeet/Sporting, or Double Trap.

Not only does the TSK Fully Adjustable Stock allow for higher performance and a better fit – it can give you a better look. There are plenty of options of colors, styles, & materials – something for everyone.

First thing to do is decide on the model of adjustable stock – there are a few different types to fit the needs of every majority. One of our salesmen specializes in TSK Units and can assist you in picking out the perfect type for you – contact our Naples location and ask for Pedro! You can also begin to build your own unit on our website!

Then to choose is the length, type, and color of the TSK pipe. The Carbon Fiber Pipe is not colored and has a stand-alone sleek design. The Avional Pipes come in a variety of colors to help you stand out on the team or on the field. The sizes of the pipes base off the LOP goal – there are 4 sized in total.

• Super Short (120MM) LOP: 12 7/8” to 14”
• Short (140MM) LOP: 14” to 15”
• Medium (160MM) LOP: 15” to 16”
• Long (180MM) LOP: 16” to 17”

The bridge covers the pipe and structures the entire TSK Fully Adjustable Stock, and the options can vary based off the model of TSK you choose. It comes in a few different colors to best compliment the look on your shotgun, the metal type in the receiver, and other portions of the TSK.

There is a number of options for materials and colors for the Adjustable Comb. They designed varying amounts of wood combs at different heights, with a few bound in leather for a smoother, more refined look. There is also a wooden comb featuring  a rubber padding.

Then lastly there are various types of recoil pads to fit to the end of your TSK. Different styles to fit different looks. There is a selection of Microcell Pads – but also resin and wooden pads to change it up.

Types of Guns that a TSK can be fit to:

Beretta

• • A400
  • 682, 686, 692, 694
  • DT10, DT11, ASE

Blaser

• • F3

Browning

• • 425, 525, XS, XT
  • 725

Caesar Guerini

• • Summit

Krieghoff

• • K80

Perazzi

• • MX8, MX2000
  • High Tech

Zoli

• • Z-Gun
  • Kronos

Contact us today to begin designing your TSK Unit!

Family Clay Shooting

Nothing feels better than getting out of the house early on a weekend and spending the day clay shooting. Waking up the kids, grabbing the spouse and heading to your nearest Clay Shooting Club.

Mike Wilgus with his daughter, Kayla

Clay shooting can be a great hobby to bring the entire family together. With the help of clay shooting clubs all over the nation – clay shooting is becoming a very accessible sport.

Everyone of all ages should have the basics of gun handling and safety down before taking the field. Take some time to familiarize everyone with the gun if its their first time out. Give them time to find comfort in a hold, get their mounting down. Determine their dominant eye. Especially if you are borrowing equipment from the club and not using a gun that has been fitted to the shooter. If you do have your own gun but have not gotten it fit yet – Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing offer gun fittings from our highly skilled gunsmiths and salesmen.

Anthony Matarese with his daughter

Clay shooting is a great way to bond the entire family – dads, daughters, sons, moms, everyone will have a blast. Its challenging, its fun, and it can be competitive. Keep the whole family connected with this group hobby!

There are clay shooting clubs all over the country with resources to help you get started today- here are some of our favorites:

• Gulf Coast Clays – Naples, FL
• National Shooting Complex – San Antonio, TX
• Sarasota Trap Skeet and Clays – Nokomis, FL
• Blackjack Sporting Clays – Sumterville, FL 
• Thundercloud Gun Club – Parrish, FL
• Fishhawk Sporting Clays – Lithia, FL
• Meadows Gun Club and Shooting School – Forsyth, GA
• Back Woods Quail Club – Georgetown, SC
• Rocky Creek Sporting Clays – Richburg, SC
• Cherokee Rose – Griffin, GA

Get out there with the family today! From our family to yours – Happy Holidays and Happy Thanksgiving. We are grateful for you all!

Take a look at our Customer Gallery to see plenty of Clay Shooting Families

Daniele

Daniele Perazzi became an apprentice to a local gunsmith when he was 14 years old, and by 20, was working completely on his own. The first success Daniele came into was the designing and patenting of a trigger design he then sold to other companies. At age 25, Daniele founded Armi Perazzi and built a factory in Italy to begin the production process.

Daniele worked with gun designer Ennio Mattarelli to design a gun that was later used to win Gold in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, by Ennio Mattarelli, with a world record score of 198/200. Since then, Perazzi guns have won 62 Olympic medals (21 gold), holding the record number of medals in the history of clay shooting Olympic events. Unfortunately, Daniele passed away in 2012, and his company  he built was taken over by his son and daughter afterwards to continue Daniele’s legacy.

Perazzi SC3 Gold Sporting

Perazzi is like no other

Perazzis are known for being a truly customizable gun, with no generic guns in production. To purchase a Perazzi, you need to pick the gauge of the shotgun, the blank and grade of wood for the stock and forearm, barrel length and diameter, rib height and width, the trigger group, and receiver engraving.

Perazzi SC3 Gold Sporting

Perazzi is based in Brescia, Italy – but serves the American market through its subsidiary Perazzi USA. Perazzi USA is located in the suburbs or Los Angeles, California and is the importer and distributor for the US market. The Perazzi factory in Italy offers a public viewing area of the shotgun production. There is also another option to visit the nearby family-owned restaurant for homemade pasta and wine.

Now for over 50 years, Perazzi has been combining tactics of traditional gunsmithing with new technology and high-end raw materials to create guns that are a world leader in clay shooting. Perazzis use a type of assembly-line process to craft their customizable guns, and only 7 are made each day (totaling under 3,000 a year). The warranty given with Perazzi guns lasts two years after purchase date. Check out Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing selection of Perazzi firearms here.

Want to learn more about Perazzi – visit their site!