Zoli Silver Snipe
Antonio Zoli S.p.A. · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1960
Also known as: Antonio Zoli Silver Snipe
Overview
The Zoli Silver Snipe is a 12- and 20-gauge over/under boxlock shotgun produced by Antonio Zoli of Brescia, Italy, from the early 1960s. It is built on a crossbolt-locking action with no underlugs and a satin chrome or nitrited silver-colored receiver, fitted with ventilated-rib barrels, a single trigger, extractors, an automatic safety, and a walnut stock. A popular field and clay gun of its era, the Silver Snipe helped establish Zoli's reputation for affordable, well-made Italian sporting shotguns.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1150 mm (45.28") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Engraved With Satin Chrome Receiver |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Safety, Crossbolt Lockup
- Features: Over Under Barrels, Ventilated Rib, Boxlock Action, Single Selective Trigger, Extractors, Engraved Receiver
Service history
Operators
- Sporting and field shooters
Production
Production years: c. 1960-1985
Produced during Zoli's expansion into over/under shotguns; widely imported into the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Antonio Zoli
Discontinued: 1985
Notes
Built with a crossbolt lock-up and no underlugs; offered with both single and double triggers depending on configuration. The companion Golden Snipe model added automatic ejectors and finer engraving.
Background
Antonio Zoli restarted his family's Brescia gunmaking business in 1945 after WWII; by the early 1960s the Silver Snipe and its higher-grade sibling the Golden Snipe had made the Zoli name known in export markets for distinctive, quality over/under shotguns.