It is all very well saying that shooting is about the day and the size of the bag is almost an irrelevance. I agree that the number of birds in the bag is rarely related directly to how much pleasure we get from being out with our friends. But at…
Advice
Our magazines – Shooting Times, Sporting Gun and Shooting Gazette answer your fieldsports questions with advice from experts at the very top of their field.
Our tips include help with gundog training, gun maintenance, shooting skills, legal issues, licensing, technical gun information, ammunition advice, cooking tips, shooting etiquette.
New to shooting?
If you’ve just started shooting you’ll find answers to questions like what is the best first gun or how to buy a gun second-hand. Also what to wear shooting and the legalities you need to know about.
Or do you have a good few seasons under your belt?
If you’re a more seasoned shooter you might have questions about your shooting technique and how to improve it. Or queries about the legalities of gun cabinets and shotgun licences.
Beating and picking-up | Gundog queries | Starting shooting | Shooting etiquette | Shooting clothing | Shotgun certificates and firearms licences | Gun cabinets | Legal answers | Shooting answers|
Why should you move the gun with your whole body?
Why do you and other instructors make a point of stressing the gun should be moved by the whole body, particularly when shooting crossers and quartering birds?
What do when faced with protestors on a shoot
As unverified rumours of antis disturbing a shoot in Cambridgeshire spread like wildfire online, Shooting Times has some advice on how to deal with protesters
Should I tell the police about my gun?
Q: My shotgun has to go back for some work under warranty. The registered firearms dealer (RFD) I bought it from is sending a courier to my house to pick it up. Do I have to tell the police that the gun won’t be in my possession for a bit?…
Does cold weather affect rifle velocity?
If I use a variable magnification scope zeroed on the highest setting and in good light, would the point of impact change when the scope is turned down for a poor light situation? This is assuming both targets are at the same distance.
What’s the secret to snipe shooting?
I had never come up against walked-up snipe until I took a shooting holiday to Ireland in December.
Mycoplasma or ‘bulgy-eye’ disease is on the increase in pheasants. Here’s what you need to know about it.
Game farmers are being advised by vets to be extra vigilant this year in the battle against mycoplasmosis, commonly known as bulgy-eye.
Where am I most likely to find deer antlers?
Everyone's expressing concern at increasing deer numbers, but why do I never find cast antlers during my walks through the woods?
What’s the law on carrying a knife for hunting?
My son and his friend recently returned home with some un-paunched rabbits. When I asked him why he said they were concerned about carrying a knife in case they were stopped by police.
Can I get a shotgun certificate after having a stroke?
Several years ago I had a stroke but I have made a pretty good recovery.
Travelling with your guns – here’s what you need to know
What you need to know about travelling with guns If you are travelling by plane… First thing to do is check what the individual airline’s policy is on firearms as some companies do not allow any firearms on the plane. Local policies at the destination may also come into effect.…
How to repair a broken firing pin
Step-by-step photo guide shows you how to repair a broken firing pin for around £70
What’s the best way to dispatch an injured deer?
If I have to use my rifle to despatch an injured deer, what's the best way of doing it?
10 must-reads about beating and picking-up on a shoot
If it’s your first time out, then your fellow beaters and pickers-up will show you the ropes. In the meantime, here’s a selection of articles you’ll find useful to browse through … 1. 16 things only beaters know (and Guns should) Beating is tough work and challenging to get right.…
What was Rangoon gun oil? Is it still around today?
In a lot of old shooting books it says you should clean gun barrels with Rangoon oil. What was it, and who made it? These days you never hear it mentioned. Why?
How can my firearms cabinet be opened lawfully?
What arrangements should I make for the orderly disposal of my firearms after my death, and how can my firearms cabinet be opened lawfully?
What is the max killing range for a 100 grain .243 bullet?
Deer stalking: What do you reckon is the ethical max killing range for a 100 grain .243 bullet for a heart/lung shot on Roe?
How to measure your length of pull
Q: How important is length of pull of a stock on a rifle? It makes a difference on my shotguns in handling, so will it do the same with my rifle? A: That’s a good question. We all know that with a shotgun handling, fit and balance make an enormous…
When I am out shooting should I always carry my certificate with me?
Is it law that we should carry our shotgun/firearm certificates with us every time we go out with the gun?
What are the best barrel lengths for different shooting disciplines?
In this article we look at the most suitable barrel lengths for shooting different types of clay target and live quarry, and how the appropriate choice can help or, indeed, hinder a shooter. This is intended to be a guide for newcomers to the sport, who often struggle to understand…