Q: I just bought a second hand Japanese 12ga over-under with the name “Nikko.” It looks to be in good condition inside and out, having had little use by the previous owner who did hardly any hunting or clay target shooting. The model is stamped EVB712. What can you tell me about this gun?
Owen Winters
A: The Nikko is in most respects a copy of the famous Browning Superposed over-under shotgun. Action design, including the square lug with single wide underbolt, the breech, exterior shape, the combined safety and single trigger selector, the pistol grip and characteristic Superposed contours and form are all copied. Some mechanical details are not identical. The single trigger is differently constructed, though it works the same way. The forearm takedown lever is unlatched and swung down as in the Browning, but its action is the conventional hook with easily detachable forearm, and is easier to operate than the Browning sometimes proves to be. The ejectors mounted in the forearm are extremely simple. Fit and finish is very good. The copy I reviewed back in 1962 was engraved with pheasants on the left side of the action and ducks on the right with a scroll surround. My summation was: that handling and use were very pleasing.
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