Beretta has been crafting its S-series shotguns since the 1930s. This year's update is the SO10, a beautifully engraved over-under suitable for both hunting and competition. $115,000.

Guns and Votes: The right to own a gun is considered by many to be central to the American identity. This stems in part from the nation's frontier history, where guns were integral to America's westward expansion. The importance of guns also derives from the role of hunting in American culture, which remains popular as a sport in the country today.

This year the presidential candidates have largely avoided the issue of gun control. But because it may be an important issue to you, Portfolio magazine (Feb. 2008) gives us the lowdown on how their positions compare: Barack Obama: Supported a ban on semiautomatic weapons in Illinois. * Mitt Romney: Previously supported a federal ban on assault weapons. * Rudy Guiliani: Favors letting indivdual states set gun-control policy. * Dennis Kucinich: Favors licensing for gun ownership of any kind. * John Edwards: Favors most gun control. * Hillary Clinton: Favors most federal requirement for state-issued photo licenses for guns. * Fred Thompson: Supports some local bans on concealed weapons. * Ron Paul: Opposes all forms of gun control, including federal laws baning guns on planes.