Since we already have a bit of thread drift present, I'd posit that Tony G. & CSM has perhaps one of the the better business plans for a small shop today. They do some spectacular high end work as well when desired and charge accordingly, plus they back all of their work up to the hilt. For those with a 'buy American' bent, we should be very proud that it is working well for them. I am.
Kolar is another small shop player that has become a presense in the American target gun market, though mostly skeet from my perspective. There is at least one flyer shooter of note using one.
Back to the Italian gun scene, Caesar Guerini is making a good name for themselves on many fronts here w/serviceable & reliable target guns. I personally do not think of them as high end, but I know several people who are doing their best to wear some of them out & they continue to perform and they have a 'balance' in some models that makes them lively for the intended use. Guerini are also spending 'tons' on advertising & doing the usual things to get some 'name' folks to shoot them. Time will tell if they become lasting players in the target gun market.
I find Dig's remarks on A&S both polite & spot on. It is a shame, quite. In the same breath, A&S made 'exquisite' for an ill definded carriage trade and the few top end guns I know of that got heavy use were not up to it.
On the P-guns, Chuck said it. Short & sweet.
P&V, OTOH, do near zero advertisment, but the discerning know what they are capable of and go to them willingly. Small shop, good guys, funny and fair. No pretense. They have a dif bidness model & they are proud. I think they will continue to be around. Wot's not to like about that?
