Q: A friend is staying with me and will be using my gun on a formal shoot. He will not be bringing a shotgun. Can I lend him one and do we need a visitor’s permit or simply a letter from the shoot owner? A: Your friend can take advantage…
Advice
What you need to know about shotgun choke
First, what is a shotgun choke? Choke is a narrowing or constriction at the muzzle end of the barrels that reduces the breadth of the shot charge or pattern, so increasing the density of pellets to achieve a more effective result. It’s important to understand the implications of choking and…
How to use traps for pest control
Using traps for pest control to control small predators such as stoats, weasels and rats is time-consuming, but is nevertheless important for those of us who want to try and nurture some wild stock. Foxes and crows might be at the top of the list but, once their numbers are under…
How not to be a stick in the mud
Tyres are something that most of us don’t tend to think too much about until they let us down. Literally. In fact most of us don’t know too much about tyres. We tend to think that it’s the quality of the vehicle that provides performance over terrain, when the reality…
What you need to know about the gralloch when stalking
Deer stalking: I am told you should bury it but if that is true, then how deep does it have to go?
Why you should always pattern your shotgun
Shotguns and cartridges are, ballistically speaking, highly inefficient.
How can I legally send a gun to the USA?
Q: I have three shotguns that once belonged to my father. I hold the licence for them, but wonder if you could tell me how I would go about sending them to my brother in the US? Send a gun to the USA A: If you are a shotgun certificate…
Do Hungarian vizslas make good family pets?
I am thinking of buying a Hungarian vizsla as a hunting/hawking dog and which would also be a family pet, but I know little about the breed. Is there a good book on this breed and a trainer or breeder in Somerset whom I can contact?
How to gain a permission to shoot land
If you have a pressing need to stop one or more foxes from killing your livestock you probably already have somewhere to shoot, but let’s suppose that you don’t know any landowners. How on earth do you go about getting someone to agree to let you on their property? Well,…
Clay pigeon shooting: The perfect ready stance
Mark reveals why a correct ready position when shooting increases your chance of hitting more clays.
Why do people worry when my gun is safely in its slip?
You don't have to carry your certificate but a photocopy has no legal status
At what age can I apply for a shotgun certificate?
One of the commonest questions I get through Sporting Gun is from youngsters wanting to know what the minimum age is for getting a shotgun certificate.
How old do you need to be to go shooting?
I am applying for a shotgun certificate but am confused about the age you must be to go shooting by yourself. I'm 15 coming up 16 and have a keen interest in all country sports. I'd like to take up pigeon shooting as we have a pigeon problem on our
Beads on shotguns – are they actually useful?
Q: I am relatively new to both clay and gameshooting and am now into my second season. I have seen people using green or red beads on the ends of their barrels and am curious to know what the pros and cons of these are. A: You can shoot without a…
Sporting Gun remembers Mike George
Here is a list of some of the pieces he wrote for Sporting Gun magazine, which are read over and over again on Shooting UK. A true professional to the last, Mike always handed his copy in time, despite suffering from the effects of a serious illness. 12 of the…
I forgot to tell the police about my new gun in time. Now what?
Q: I recently bought a new gun and forgot to inform the police within the required seven-day gun notification period to add it to my licence. I have now sent the police the required paperwork but it is six weeks since I bought the gun. Should I call the police…
Should you clip your dog’s coat for the summer?
I own a working cocker spaniel that is 12 months old. Can you please give me advice on how to look after its coat, as some say you can cut it but others say not to. I do not know what to do for the best.
What is the best big rifle for shooting foxes?
In your opinion what is the best big rifle for foxes, taking into consideration the cost of the ammunition. What is the cheapest price I could buy one for?
Trigger freeze – or the ‘flinch effect’. Here’s how to cure it
A disconcerting affliction for many shooters
What does the law say about carrying a shotgun in public?
I'm a student living in the centre of Cambridge and quite regularly cycle to shoot on land on the outskirts of the city where I have rights, or to our local clay ground.