In the expansive world of firearms, Briley Manufacturing
Company emerges as a beacon of precision, innovation, and quality. Established
in 1976 by Jess Briley, this Texas-based enterprise has transformed from a
modest machine shop into a global force in firearms accessories. Renowned for
its commitment to precision and excellence, Briley has left an indelible mark
on shotgun sports, supporting various disciplines such as trap, skeet, and sporting
clays. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the origins of
Briley, examine some of its notable products, and focus specifically on the
mastery behind their renowned choke tubes and tube sets.
Origins:
Briley Manufacturing's journey began in Houston, Texas, where Jess Briley founded a small machine shop in 1976. Jess Briley envisioned a company that would combine his expertise in machining with a commitment to quality craftsmanship. As Briley gained recognition for its precision and innovation, it expanded its product offerings to become a trusted name in the firearms industry.
Jess Briley embarked on a transformative journey in the
shotgun equipment market, driven by a conviction that there was a superior and
distinctive approach to be explored. As a machinist and seasoned oil field
veteran, Jess's unique perspective went beyond conventional metalwork – he
approached the craft as both a practitioner and a shooter. Drawing upon his
inquisitive nature cultivated during his student days at U.T., Jess, in
collaboration with his son-in-law Cliff Moller, conceptualized the renowned Briley
screw-in choke system and the equally celebrated Briley sub-gauge tube set.
This innovative initiative quickly gained traction, capturing the loyalty of
U.S. skeet shooters and subsequently expanding its influence to trap and
sporting clays enthusiasts. Unfazed by initial success, Jess and Cliff remained
discontent with the status quo. The reputation of Briley chokes and tube sets
for quality and performance fueled the company's commitment to imagination,
innovation, and technical excellence. What began as a two-person endeavor
burgeoned into an enterprise boasting over 80 skilled machinists, technicians,
and support personnel. The driving
force behind Briley's success remains their perpetual pursuit of a better,
different way to enhance shooting experiences by delivering superior products.
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Product Examples:
While Briley Manufacturing offers a diverse range of
products, its shotgun accessories, particularly choke tubes and tube sets, have
become synonymous with the company's commitment to quality. Let's explore the
intricacies of Briley's choke tubes, tube sets, and their impact on various
shooting sports.
Briley's Choke Tubes: Precision Perfected
At the core of Briley's success lies its exceptional
choke tubes. These devices, installed at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel,
play a pivotal role in shaping the spread of shot pellets. Briley's choke tubes
are distinguished by their precision machining, utilizing high-quality
materials to ensure durability and consistent performance.
Spectrum Series Choke Tubes:
Among Briley's notable offerings is the Spectrum Series
choke tubes. Designed with a unique conical shape, these tubes are engineered
for optimal shot distribution, catering to the specific needs of competitive
shooters. The Spectrum Series is available in various constriction options,
providing shooters with a level of customization that enhances performance in
different scenarios.
Helix Choke Tubes:
A groundbreaking innovation from Briley is the Helix
choke design. The Helix incorporates helical grooves on the inside of the choke
tube, a feature that effectively controls shot pattern and reduces recoil. This
design breakthrough has garnered praise for providing shooters with tighter,
more uniform patterns, ultimately enhancing accuracy and overall performance.
The Helix choke is a testament to Briley's commitment to pushing the boundaries
of choke tube technology.
Customization for Every Shooter:
One of the key strengths of Briley's choke tubes is the
emphasis on customization. Shooters can choose from a variety of materials,
finishes, and constriction options to tailor their choke tubes to specific
shooting scenarios. This level of customization ensures that whether engaged in
trap shooting, skeet, or sporting clays, every shooter can find the perfect
choke solution for their needs.
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Briley's Tube Sets: A Complete Solution
In addition to individual choke tubes, Briley
Manufacturing offers tube sets, providing shooters with a comprehensive
solution for multiple shooting scenarios. These tube sets are meticulously
crafted to meet the demands of various disciplines, offering versatility and
adaptability.
Fitted and Companion Drop-In Sub-Gauge Tube Sets:
For those who enjoy shooting sub-gauge shotguns, Briley offers tube sets tailored to specific bore sizes. These sets typically include a variety of fitted or Drop-In tube sets which have changeable chokes to cover diverse shooting scenarios. The primary reason this provides a huge benefit to the shooter is that it allows a shooter to compete in multiple gauge events utilizing the same gun with the same ergonomics. The advantages that a shooter using Briley tube sets has against someone switching guns are very apparent. Shooters can easily interchange the chokes within the set to match the requirements of specific events, providing a versatile solution for those engaged in skeet or sporting clays. Whether it's a 20-gauge, 28-gauge, or .410 bore, these tube sets provide the same level of precision and customization. Sub-gauge tube sets are particularly popular among competitive shooters who appreciate the flexibility of using different bore sizes within a single shotgun platform.
Support Briley Provides to Clay Target Shooting
Disciplines:
Briley Manufacturing actively supports and participates
in various clay target shooting disciplines, reinforcing its commitment to
advancing the sport. The company's involvement goes beyond manufacturing
products; it includes sponsorship of events and organizations dedicated to
trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Examples of events sponsored by Briley
Manufacturing include:
National Trap Shooting Championships:
Briley Manufacturing proudly sponsors the National Trap
Shooting Championships, an event that brings together top trap shooters from
across the country. This sponsorship reflects Briley's dedication to supporting
the pinnacle of trap shooting competition and fostering excellence in the
discipline.
Skeet Shooting Tournaments:
Briley is a consistent supporter of major skeet shooting
tournaments, contributing to the growth and development of the sport. The
company's sponsorship extends to events that showcase the skill and precision
required in skeet shooting.
Sporting Clays Competitions:
As a key advocate for sporting clays, Briley sponsors
major competitions that highlight the dynamic and challenging nature of the
discipline. These sponsorships contribute to the success of sporting clays
events and underscore Briley's commitment to the diverse world of clay target
shooting.
Photo Credit: Jereme P. Tayamen
Conclusion:
Briley Manufacturing Company's evolution from a modest
machine shop to a global leader in firearms accessories is a testament to the
vision and expertise of its founders. The company's impact on shotgun sports
extends beyond products to active support and participation in various shooting
disciplines.