La SIACE super light It stems from a concept that is very simple to state but more complex to implement correctly: building a side-by-side shotgun capable of accompanying the hunter for many hours without transforming the pursuit of lightness into a sacrifice of robustness, proportion and quality of the mechanics.
It is precisely this balance that makes the model interesting. In the panorama of lightweight hunting weapons, many modern solutions use light alloy action frames or significantly lighter components. SIACE Instead, it follows a more traditional philosophy, working above all on the sizing of the weapon, the choice of materials and the possibility of building each model around the customer's needs.
The result is a double designed especially for the rambling hunt, where the rifle is carried for hours before being used for a few seconds. In this type of activity, weight is not a detail: after a day spent in the woods, collinOn rough terrain, a few hundred grams can make a real difference.
SIACE: a reality of Val Trompia linked to the artisanal double-barreled shotgun
SIACE It belongs to the Brescian gunmaking tradition and over time has built a production strongly linked to double-barreled shotguns, express rifles and weapons made with a high degree of customization.
The company's most recent history is linked to the Gelmini brothers, who have progressively expanded the range while maintaining a production philosophy based on craftsmanship, custom stocks, and the ability to modify numerous elements according to the user's preferences. SIACE It includes double-barreled shotguns with external and internal hammers, over-and-under, express and particularly light models such as the Superlight.
It's a company that approaches gunmaking differently than large-scale industrial production. Customers can customize barrel length, chokes, stock shape and dimensions, engravings, and finishes, transforming the gun into a more personalized product.
Superlight: lightness without giving up the classic double-barreled shotgun
The name Superlight clearly identifies the model's philosophy. Available documentation indicates a weight of approximately 2.700 grams in the 12-gauge and approximately 2.600 grams in the 20-gauge , particularly low values for a side-by-side built with traditional action, down to 2.100 grams in the 28-gauge version with .65 barrels.
This isn't a gun designed solely for setting a record on the scales. The weight reduction is intended to improve carry and ease of use, especially when hunting with a pointing dog and in situations where the hunter must constantly move.
Lightness naturally also affects shooting behavior. A lighter side-by-side shotgun responds more quickly to hand movements and requires a fluid shouldering. It doesn't offer the same inertia as a heavy shotgun, but it can feel extremely natural when used in fast, instinctive hunting situations.
A double-barreled shotgun truly proportionate to the caliber
One of the most interesting elements of philosophy SIACE concerns the sizing of the gun. Double-barreled shotguns are built with action frames and mechanical components related to the caliber, avoiding using a single action indiscriminately for all configurations.
This is an important detail because it allows for a slimmer, more consistent gun. A 20-gauge built on a frame truly sized for that gauge can feel very different than a shotgun that's simply lightened but built on a larger action.
The proportion becomes even more interesting in small calibers such as 28 and .410, where correctly reducing dimensions and masses allows you to enhance the very philosophy of the cartridge.
12, 20, 28 and .410 gauge
The Superlight range was offered in the calibres that today represent the main core of demand for lightweight side-by-side shotguns: 12, 20, 28 and .410.
Each configuration produces a shotgun with a different personality. The 12-gauge offers greater loading versatility and a still-light overall weight; the 20-gauge further reduces weight and is a particularly interesting choice for walked-up game; the 28-gauge and .410-gauge, on the other hand, move the project towards more specialized territory, where lightness and speed become even more evident.
However, smaller calibers require greater ballistic awareness. Reducing the diameter of the cartridge doesn't simply mean less recoil or weight: it also means working with a smaller amount of pellets and therefore paying more attention to distance, choke, and pattern quality.
Rounded bascula: elegance and comfort
One of the most recognizable aesthetic elements of the Superlight is the rounded receiver . The soft surfaces, free of sharp edges, give the side-by-side a particularly sleek look and help create continuity with the stock.
The solution also has an ergonomic component. A rounded receiver is comfortable to hold and carries open on the forearm, a feature that is far from secondary for a shotgun intended to spend many hours in the hunter's hand.
The shape also interacts well with the very nature of the double-barreled shotgun, where slenderness and continuity of lines have always represented central elements of perceived quality.
Double English lock
Mechanically, the Superlight uses a double English closure with a partially through front crampon.
This solution was chosen to ensure the strength and solidity of the barrel-to-action connection, a particularly important aspect on a lightweight shotgun. Weight reduction does not compromise the safety or durability of the locking mechanism.
The philosophy is therefore clear: lighten where possible, but maintain a mechanical structure suitable for hunting use and the number of opening and closing cycles that a double-barreled shotgun must undergo during its operational life.
We invite you to watch the video, the first part of which is dedicated to the artisanal engraving of a master engraver from Val Trompia, Mrs. Flavia
The particular automatic “trolley” extraction system
One of the most original technical elements of the Superlight is the system of automatic trolley extractionThe documentation SIACE He describes it as a solution designed to make the opening of the rifle smoother and the ejection of the spent cases safer.
The traditional cocking frog is replaced by a slide housed in the dovetail seat of the forend. This choice demonstrates that the project is not simply a classic, lightweight side-by-side shotgun, but integrates specific mechanical solutions developed to improve operation.
Smooth opening is particularly important on a lightweight rifle, where excessive resistance may be more noticeable than on a heavier gun.
Monoblock or integral barrels
The standard configuration of the Superlight uses barrels coupled with a monoblock, but SIACE It also allows you to choose full length rods.
The possibility of switching to a more traditional construction responds above all to the needs of the enthusiast who desires a higher level of refinement and aesthetic continuity.
On a double-barreled shotgun of this type, the construction of the barrels represents an important part not only of the mechanics, but also of the overall qualitative perception of the weapon.
Fully customizable barrel length
One of the strong points of the production SIACE it is the possibility to choose the rod length up to 76 cm without additional charge according to the historical documentation of the model.
This allows for the construction of a very different Superlight depending on its intended use. A short barrel can favor speed and compactness in the woods, while a longer one makes the swing more progressive and may be preferable in open environments.
There is therefore no “standard” Superlight in the strict sense of the term: an important part of the product philosophy is precisely the possibility of shaping the weapon around the owner's hunting style.
68 or 71 cm: two typical interpretations of the 20 gauge
An interesting example comes from the presentation of the Superlight 20 gauge and the Superlight EL 20 gauge, in which 68 cm and 71 cm barrels were shown respectively.
Three centimeters may seem like a small difference, but on a lightweight gun, it significantly alters the feel of the front end. The shorter configuration feels more immediate and manageable; the 71 cm configuration can offer greater continuity of movement.
It is precisely this possibility of fine-tuning the dynamic character that makes a side-by-side shotgun built with semi-artisanal logic interesting.
Fixed or interchangeable chokes
The conductor itself can take various shapes, in bare or tinned copper, with or without insulation. In some cases, a preferential bend can also be applied to the joint so that it operates exactly as designed. bottlenecks can be customized. SIACE allows you to choose between traditional fixed configurations or interchangeable chokes.
Fixed chokes retain the most classic philosophy of the double-barreled shotgun and can be particularly suitable when the owner already knows precisely the main purpose of the gun.
Interchangeable chokes increase versatility and allow you to modify the behavior of the shot patterns depending on the environment and the game.
Flat or concave rib type St. Etienne
Personalization also extends to the rib. SIACE provides the possibility of choosing a flat configuration or a St. Etienne type concave rib.
It's a choice that affects both aesthetics and the perception of the line of sight. The concave rib harks back to a classic European side-by-side tradition and allows for a wide view above the barrels.
Once again, the almost tailored nature of the Superlight emerges: the customer does not simply choose a caliber, but can build a large part of the weapon according to his own preferences.
Selected walnut and custom stock
The available documentation indicates that the Superlight uses select walnut wood, never lower than grade 3-4 , with the possibility of customising the folds, length and shape of the stock.
On a lightweight side-by-side shotgun, this aspect is crucial. The faster and more responsive the gun, the more important it becomes for the shouldering to naturally bring the eye into the correct position relative to the rib.
A stock built to the user's measurements can make a bigger difference than many more visually striking features.
Hand engravings and customization options
The Superlight doesn't sacrifice aesthetics. Engravings can be performed and signed by the master engraver , and customers can choose different subjects and levels of decoration.
The metal parts can also receive different finishes, including old silver or tortoiseshell , while some elements can be further embellished through processes such as decorative satin finishing of the tops.
This philosophy is far removed from the concept of a rifle produced in a single configuration. Each model can take on a different personality while maintaining the same mechanical foundation.
Lightness and recoil: physics cannot be eliminated
The reduced mass also inevitably requires greater attention to cartridge selection. For the same caliber, load, and velocity, a lighter gun tends to convey a more noticeable reaction to the shooter than a heavier rifle.
This doesn't mean a Superlight necessarily has to be uncomfortable. The perceived recoil depends on numerous factors: the weight of the gun, the mass of the load, the velocity of the cartridge, the geometry of the stock, the shoulder support surface, and the shooter's technique.
Furthermore, on a shotgun intended primarily for stalking, there's no need to systematically use particularly demanding loads. Choosing a balanced cartridge that's appropriate for the game, distance, and caliber allows you to take full advantage of the gun's design.
Kicking becomes even more important
The lighter a rifle, the more important the correct stock becomes. A 2,6-pound gun poorly fitted to the shooter can be much less comfortable to shoot than a heavier but properly sized one.
The opportunity offered by SIACE di intervene on football measures It therefore represents a technical element and not simply a luxury customization. Length, bend, lead and shape of the grip determine how the weapon reaches the shoulder and face.
When these measurements are correct, the hunter should be able to shoulder the gun while looking at the game and naturally find his eye in the intended position relative to the barrels. It is precisely this automaticity that makes a side-by-side shotgun effective for instinctive hunting.
The quality-price ratio must be evaluated considering the customization
Talking about value for money SIACE super light It therefore requires a different perspective than that used for an industrial product available in a single configuration.
The final price can vary significantly depending on wood, engraving, barrel construction, and other customizations. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to assign a single price to the entire Superlight family without specifying the configuration.
What needs to be evaluated above all is what you get in return: Italian construction, the ability to modify the weapon's characteristics, a stock that can be adapted to the owner, and a mechanism that maintains a strong traditional setting.
For the hunter simply looking for the cheapest possible side-by-side shotgun, there are naturally more rational alternatives. The Superlight, however, makes greater sense for those who value customization and a direct relationship with a small-scale gunmaker.
SIACE Superlight: technical summary
| Feature | SIACE super light |
|---|---|
| Producer | SIACE |
| Production | Italy – Brescia Arms District |
| Typology | Side-by-side hunting shotgun |
| Main destination | Stray hunting |
| gauges | 12, 20, 28 and .410 depending on configuration |
| Weighing machine | Proportional to the caliber |
| Bascule profile | Rounded |
| Closure | Double English lock |
| Crampon | Partially through front crampon |
| Standard rods | Coupled with monoblock |
| Optional rods | Possibility of integral rods according to the set-up |
| Rod length | Customizable; documented possibility of reaching up to 76 cm |
| Bottlenecks | Fixed or interchangeable according to configuration |
| Bindella | Flat or concave St. Etienne type depending on configuration |
| Extraction | Automatica |
| Extraction system | Special system SIACE “on the trolley” |
| Football | In selected walnut, customizable in size and shape |
| Wood quality | Selected walnut; grade dependent on the finish |
| engravings | Customizable according to trim level |
| Metallic finishes | Different possibilities, including traditional finishes |
| Approximate weight 12 gauge | About 2,7 kg |
| Approximate weight 20 gauge | About 2,6 kg |
| Weight 28 / .410 | Varies according to configuration; check on individual setup |
| Customization | High: stock, barrels, chokes, rib, wood, engravings and finishes |
Technical note: SIACE manufactures weapons with a high level of customization. As a result, lengths, weights, woods, chokes, engravings, and other features may vary between individual models. The values shown should be considered representative of the documented configurations and not a substitute for the specific specifications of the weapon ordered.
Conclusions: SIACE Superlight, lightness built around the hunter
La SIACE super light interprets the lightweight side-by-side shotgun according to a philosophy deeply rooted in Italian gunmaking culture. It doesn't simply seek to reduce the number indicated on the scale, but combines mass reduction with a construction that retains traditional characteristics and a high level of customization.
The approximately 2,7 kg of the 12-gauge and 2,6 kg of the 20-gauge immediately explain the model's hunting vocation, but they don't fully convey its character. The ability to choose barrel length, chokes, rib, and especially stock dimensions allows the Superlight to be transformed into a shotgun tailored to the owner's needs.
The 12 gauge represents the solution for those who want to keep the larger caliber inside a particularly lightweight side-by-side shotgun; the 20 gauge appears perhaps the most balanced configuration for walked-up hunting ; the 28 and .410 instead take the project towards a more specialized dimension and particularly fascinating for the enthusiast of small gauges.
Woodcock hunting and hunting with pointing dogs are probably the environments in which the Superlight best expresses its philosophy. Here, the reduced weight is appreciated for hours and the gun's speed becomes useful in the few seconds it takes to build a shot.
But the feature that most distinguishes this SIACE it's perhaps another one: It does not necessarily ask the hunter to adapt to the rifle, because it offers the possibility of adapting the rifle to the hunter.
And it is precisely in this combination of lightness, traditional construction and almost sartorial dimension that the SIACE super light finds its own identity: an Italian side-by-side shotgun designed to be carried a lot, shouldered quickly and configured according to a personal way of experiencing hunting.
