She Shoots 2 is sponsored by Crossbreed Holsters.
This year’s Mother’s Day gift ideas are inspired by my favorite television series, Downton Abbey, and my goal to become involved in the shotgun sports. When the lovely Lady Mary walked through the green fields of the estate wearing her tweeds, an air of sophistication surrounded her. Intrigued by her style and the English countryside, I began searching the Internet and found my first gift idea.
The Crawley Family of Downton Abbey. (PBS photo)
How great would it be to become a member of a group that does exactly what I want to be involved in? Even if the club is located across the big pond, I can still take advantage of some of its benefits.
Of course, I would also need a stylish shotgun, made for a woman who wants to shoot sporting clays. That’s where I came up with my second gift idea.
Not knowing much about shooting sporting clays, I went right to a professional source, Shaun Burkowski, the marketing director at Caesar Guerini USA. I asked, “What is the perfect sporting clays gun?”
If you are looking for the ultimate sporting clays gun, one might opt for the Syren Tempio Sporting ($4,380) or Syren Magnus Sporting ($5,500),” Burkowski replied. “Both of these models have an available adjustable comb option (in 12-gauge) and both come with a lifetime warranty. They also have a complimentary PitStop maintenance program, which allows the shooter to send in her gun for a free cleaning once a year (up to 3 times), allowing her to bring her gun back to factory spec for only the cost of shipping. It’s a great option for the serious competitor. The Syren Tempio and Syren Magnus models also feature a deluxe grade of Turkish walnut with a hand-rubbed oil finish. Their actions have been coated with a special Invisalloy protection for lasting beauty.
No matter which option a Mom chooses, she’ll still get chrome-lined barrels and 5 choke tubes, as well as a hard gun case with fit interiors, a choke case, choke wrench and stock and barrel sleeves,” said Burkowski. “Not to mention the Syren stock dimensions that are exclusively designed to fit a female shooter’s anatomy right out of the box.
The Syren Tempio shotgun.
With a club membership and shotgun taken care of, the next items on my list are clothing, all of which I found in the Orvis Continental Collection.
Although Lady Mary wouldn’t have worn pants, I know I could look the part in these classic moleskin field breeks. They’ve got a flat front, two pockets, and adjustable leg cuffs, with beautiful Hampton striped pocket and waist lining.
These British ladies’ cable-knit shooting stockings will go perfectly with the breeks!
Stylish yet comfortable, this soft, brushed-cotton vest has Amaretta shoulder and shooting pads to ensure durability. The large cartridge pockets will hold all I need for a day in the field.
Crafted from the finest Scottish sporting tweed, this coat will look perfect on those cooler days.
Finally, no outfit is complete without shoes. Which brings me to my final Mother’s Day gift suggestion:
The classic Dubarry Galway boot style is absolutely lovely. The best part is, they’re available in a wide fit to ensure extra comfort (yes, I have wide calf muscles).
I realize this list is a little on the expensive side, but a mom can dream, right? Imagine a year filled with shooting sporting clays, using the perfect shotgun and dressed like our sophisticated neighbors across the pond. Perhaps someday I’ll have the opportunity to travel there! If not, at least I can continue to watch reruns of Downton Abbey.
~Cheers!
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and GTM Original. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
