I’ve just sold my .22-250 rifle and informed the police. Do I have to apply for a variation to buy another one of the same calibre?
Advice
How do I shoot crow clay pigeon targets?
I hate crow targets! I struggle to judge where the apex of their flight path will be and try to kill them when they're on the way down. What advice can you give me?
Which ferret finder?
Q) My father has been given two ferrets by a friend and I have been delegated to look after them and work them to be shot over. I have been advised to use a Deben Mk1 ferret-finder set, but I have looked everywhere and cannot find anyone selling them other…
Are flock coated decoys worth the extra money?
Do you reckon flock coated decoys are worth the extra money, and if so why?
Will drink driving lose me my shotgun certificate?
I have been done for drink driving. I was caught after a shoot and was about twice over the limit and had my guns in the car. I know I’m going to lose my licence but what about my shotgun certificate?
A Lynx’s favoured prey
Q) If lynx were introduced to the Scottish Highlands what would their likely prey be and would they kill sheep? D. BARKER By email
How old is my Miroku MK70 shotgun?
I have acquired a secondhand Miroku MK70, and wonder how old it is. I enclose a note of the serial number. Also, I wonder if it is a handmade gun?
INCREASE IN WATER DEER
Q) The number of Chinese water deer trophies recorded in Shooting Times’s Review of muntjac and other species (February 10) suggests that the species is either increasing or is attracting more attention as a sporting quarry. Should we be culling them more heavily if the first is true, or protecting…
Is my shotgun stock covered by the guarantee?
I recently bought a shotgun and about a week ago noticed a small split in the wood near the action. I rang the dealer who told me the importers said the wood was not covered under the guarantee and there was nothing they could do about it. Is this lawful?
Why don’t we drive deer to the guns in this country?
Deer stalking: On the Continent they drive deer to the guns. Why don’t we do it in this country; surely it would be great sport?
Migrating Woodpigeon
Q) I was brought up in the belief that every autumn, flocks of woodpigeon migrated to eastern England from the Continent, and that these foreign birds were smaller and darker than our native pigeon. I’ve since read that this is not true. Is that so? R. THOMAS By email…
Do high-tech products increase rifle accuracy?
Deer stalking: A friend has treated his rifle with some high-tech aftermarket product that is supposed to reduce fouling and increase both accuracy and velocity. He can’t honestly notice much difference but are you aware of any of these products that really do work?
Why do you fire three rounds before adjusting a scope?
Deer stalking. I have just been on a rifle handling course and the instructor said that I should fire at least three rounds before deciding to adjust my scope. Why not just one round? Surely if it lands in the centre of the target there is no need to waste…
How can I tell if my gun is shooting too high?
How can I tell if my gun shoots high, or if it has the right amount of cast off for me?
Is gundog training in the dark really useful?
I heard about a gundog that had been trained by its breeder to retrieve dummies, then cold game, at night. Is this a recognised ploy in the dog-training world, and does it actually work?
Distinguishing birds
Q) During a skiing holiday in Finland last winter I saw a number of completely white grouse and I assumed they were ptarmigan. However, a Finnish friend told me that they were willow grouse. Is there an easy way to tell the two species apart? B. MORRIS By email…
Do you ever use more than two rotary machines?
Pigeon shooting: I’ve seen you sometimes use two rotary machines. Have you ever used more than two, and if so why?
Where can I get 12-bore black powder cartridges?
I have been left an old side-by-side which was part of a collection and has not been shot for many years. A gunsmith tells me it has only black powder proof. However, I am assured it is safe to shoot. Where can I get 12-bore black powder cartridges?
Legal age for firearms
Q) I am 17 years old and a shotgun and firearms certificate holder. I was recently down for a variation and the firearms officer told me that I could not go out with a rifle by myself. Is this correct and, if so, what is the minimum legal age? G.…
Would an Anschutz match rifle be suitable for rabbit shooting?
I noticed one of your writers uses an old single-shot BSA 12/15 target rifle for his rabbit shooting. I have had the offer of a much more recent (1980s) Anschutz match rifle, and wonder if it would be suitable for the same purpose?