Q: I wanted to upgrade my gun safe security and buy a fireproof safe of some sort. Do you have any recommendations? A: Many people go for the minimum-security requirements in terms of gun safes, but if you total the cost of your rifles, scopes and sound moderators compared with the initial…
Advice
Can you date a gun from its serial number?
A: In an ideal world, all manufacturers would agree to incorporate the date in the serial number, in a mutually-agreed formula using plain language. For instance, at the end of the number the figures 03.2016 could indicate manufacture in March of this year. The fact we have to live with,…
How to deal with poorly poults
The only real way of finding out what’s wrong with your birds – if you are picking up dead ones or they look off-colour – is to take them to a vet. You must do this as soon as you spot something is wrong. When you suspect there is a…
What sort of deer stalking rifle should I buy?
Our expert at Sporting Gun advises: A: Well, your budget is decent. That’s good news because a suitable rifle with quality optics is usually about £1,500 for each piece of kit to ensure you get a sound combination. So with this budget you’ve got some money left over to spend…
Shotgun certificates – 10 frequently asked questions
1. How long will it take me to get my shotgun certificate through? This is probably the question we’re most frequently asked. A lot depends on where you live – read on for the full story … 2. How can I apply for my shotgun certificate? A…
Is shooting rooks a crime?
When reader Ian Taylor emailed to say he was being charged with shooting corvids, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Corvids such as rooks are on the general licence and may be shot for crop protection, protecting wild birds and a number of other reasons. The licences specify the methods which…
Why is the back bird so hard to master when grouse shooting?
A. You are not alone with this. Many of my grouse shooting clients say the same and I would agree that it’s one of the hardest game birds to shoot. Why? I can break this down into three main reasons: footwork, movement and connection. Footwork is an important part of…
A change of primer
A: It’s amazing what does and what does not influence the combustion and propulsion of a bullet on pulling the trigger. Sometimes, even the smallest tweak can make a big difference, but other times you can change a load significantly and it will show very little alteration. That’s why it’s important…
Shooting advice: Help your friends shoot accurately
Seeing the shot is one of the most important parts of any shooting instructor’s armoury when giving shooting advice. If you can’t see the shot then I believe it’s very difficult to teach properly. The good news is you can teach people to see the shot, but sadly this often…
Have you booked your Shooting UK Event?
Shooting UK has now launched three exciting new events for the readers of Sporting Gun, Shooting Times, Shooting Gazette and The Field – and of course, visitors to the Shooting UK website. Whether you want to find out what jobs a gamekeeper has to do throughout the year, how you have a…
Why is it important to practise clay shooting in summer?
Edward Watson: Once the driven game shooting season closes, it’s very easy for even the most passionate of sportsmen or women to clean their shotgun and then place it carefully in the cabinet until just before their first day of the following season. I think everyone reading this will know…
How do I stop my gundog from whining?
Mark Whitehouse says: Making noise and whining are major eliminating faults in field trialling events, and this could be one of the reasons he has been sold as a shooting companion You would expect him to have undergone a reasonable amount of patience training, but it is never too late…
How do I stop my gun dog from whining?
I was told he had not made the grade for field trial competitions when I picked him up. I am thrilled with how he has fitted in to his new life with us, and with how sharply he responds to my commands, hunts with conviction and retrieves with passion. The…
Where is the best place to shoot redleg partridges in the UK?
Edward Watson: My favourite part of the UK in which to shoot redleg partridges is the area off the A303 down beyond Stonehenge in Wiltshire. Four out of my top 10 shoots are in this area: Ashcombe, Brixton Deverill, Stockton and Rushmore. The reason I love these places so much…
Do I need a general licence or a game licence?
Game licences and game dealers licences were abolished in Scotland with effect from 7 April 2011 when the new Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill was passed
Which instructor will improve your game shooting technique?
Edward Watson: Nobody, no matter how good their game shooting technique, should ever forget that practice is the best way to improve maintain a polished game shooting technique. It is so important that everyone who has a game shooting lesson comes away happy to have spent the money and, most…
Which are the best chokes for pigeon shooting?
Edward Watson: Now the season is over, it is so important to keep shooting. Most of you will break some clays in the off season, but if you do get the chance to shoot some pigeons, then please do. It is a wonderful way to shoot at live birds while…
Should you wear a hat when shooting pigeons over decoys?
Pigeons can see your face peering up at them, but there are alternatives to wearing a hat or veil if you find them uncomfortable
How do I clean a shotgun?
Don't be heavy-handed when cleaning a dirty action, as discolouration is only skin deep
What weight trigger pull should i get?
Originally published June 2007 MIKE GEORGE says: Most shotgun triggers are set to fire with a pull of about 4lb, and on a well set up Browning that should give a nice, crisp pull consistent with safety. You can go a bit lighter than that, but anything below 3lb isn’t…