Is there any difference in internal fit and finish between the A&F Zoli Rizzini boxlock and the A&F Zoli Rizzini Extra Lusso boxlock made in the 1960's? The actions appear identical except for the engraving, filed rib etc on the extra lusso.

I have an A&F Z/R boxlock non-ejector in 28, barely used. I would characterize the fit and finish is slightly below average. I suspect the extra lusso was finished to a higher standard. My gun is very hard to load. I have to force the barrels down while holding the action firmly in order to remove or insert a shell. Perhaps this fault accounts for its underutilization.

I have an almost unused A&F Zoli/Rizzini 28b BLNE as well, and mine seems to be pretty well fit and finished, IMHO. I does utilize some apparent cost saving measures, it doesn't have a split bottom/trigger plate, it is all one piece, similar the the Ugartechea boxlocks. The barrels appear to be shoe lump construction. The tumblers and cocking limbs pivot on screws instead of pins, like the AYA boxlocks. Mine is similar to Owen's in that it does not seem to open quite far enough either, but mine is not really difficult to load, you just have to get used to it.

I have never handled the Extra Lusso, so I cannot offer an opinion on how they compare.

Internal or external fit and finish?

I paid a visit to my gun safe to refresh my recollection of the little Zoli. I may have been a little too harsh earlier. The stock inletting is quite nice and Stands slightly proud at the wood to metal junction. The finish is not oil, but is nicely done and uniform. The case coloring is a little blotchy to my taste, but OK. The barrel striking is actually decent with just one wiggle detectable. Checkering is hand cut and functional. My big gripe remains—The barrel to action fit (assume cocking levers) are simply not properly regulated.

Those Z-R side by sides from A&F used to be real sleepers on the used gun market. Not so much any more, especially the 28's. And some of the 20's are also very light. A&F started importing them after Francotte prices had taken a pretty steep jump and they were looking for a less expensive alternative "knockabout" gun to offer their customers. I recall reading that Guido Rizzini (now deceased) was the member of that family responsible for the project.

There was also a Zoli-Rizzini over and under. Not encountered as often as the side by sides.

My A&F Z-R 28b weighs 4 pounds 14.5 ounces and it has very lightweight barrels @ 2.0 pounds, which is lighter than any of my Birmingham 28s.

Wow, that is impressively light.

Mine is 5-1 and my daughter loves it.

fallschirmjaeger,

My apologies for getting a bit off topic, but my Jeffery 28b weighs just 4 pounds 5 ounces. It's my go-to early season grouse & woodcock gun.

But the barrels on that little Jeffery weigh an ounce and a half more than my A&F R-Z barrels do.