Investing in a gun might seem daunting but if you know what you’re looking for and what you want, it’s a good start, says Simon Reinhold
Gun buying guide
Our experts have written about all aspects of buying a gun. Whether you’re looking for your first-ever shotgun or whether you’re looking for a second-hand bargain. Read our gun reviews which will give you an informed opinion and where you can search by manufacturer, price or type.
Perhaps you’re considering buying a rifle for stalking or upgrading your favourite over-and-under. Or maybe you need an air rifle for pest control.
No matter what your interest, we’ve got it covered. Browse through our comprehensive list of articles, hints and tips on buying guns to make sure you’ve got the background research covered.
Shotguns | Rifles | Over-and-Under | Side-by-Side | Air rifles | Buying a gun second-hand | Budget guns
Italian shotguns
The superb value offered by Italian shotguns If you’re looking to buy a gun then it’s definitely worth considering Italian shotguns. Buy Italian and you will be the proud owner of a well-built, good quality gun that will cost far less than a new English gun. Long and proud history…
Is it time to buy an English classic gun?
Always wanted an English classic gun? If you are anticipating a drop in the price of English guns in the wake of the announcement that lead shot should be phased out over the next five years, and are considering taking advantage of the situation, there are some considerations you need…
What’s a good budget shotgun for clayshooting?
The first thing to consider when buying a first clay gun It’s crucial that you buy a gun which fits you. Otherwise your shooting will suffer and you might as well not be out on the clay ground. If you’re buying your gun at a gunsmith’s they will check it…
20 popular secondhand all-rounders
So you’re on the hunt for a reliable, good quality secondhand over under shotgun. Which is going to suit you best? Our experts recommend taking a look at the selection below. Why would you choose an over under shotgun? Many consider that an over-and-under delivers a better and more consistent…
10 best shotguns for clay pigeon shooting
All the shotguns for clay pigeon shooting listed here are worthy to be mentioned. I’ve picked them out for a variety of reasons, from the budget-busting ATA right up to the mighty wallet bashing Krieghoff. Prices as reviewed. Blaser F16 £2550 This was voted shotgun of the year in 2016…
Should his first gun be a Baikal?
We recently had a query from a reader, Tomasz Dojnikowski, who asked: ” Hi guys. I’m looking to buy my first shotgun but do not have a big budget. I’m looking at second-hand Baikal 12g 27E-1C. Are these any good as first shotguns? Not much experience with it. Been using an air…
Seven of the best airguns for under £300
One of the greatest attractions of airgun shooting is that it’s such an affordable sport to take up. Here are seven reliable full-power air rifles under £300. Webley VMX Classic £163.99 (without scope) This traditionally styled spring-powered break-barrel has a muzzle energy close to the UK legal limit and features…
8 of the best game guns
We’ve picked out eight of the best game guns around. Tips for buying a shotgun for gameshooting First, you will want something durable that handles well and you feel comfortable shooting with. Second, it is a good idea to have something lightweight if you are going to be doing a…
So why would you want a lightweight gun?
I find my 12-bore is getting a bit too heavy to carry game shooting all day, so I’ve changed to a lighter 20-bore.
How to buy a decent shotgun for under £500
If you're looking to buy a cheap shotgun, make sure you read this guide first
What to AVOID when buying a gun (and what to look out for)
Advice on what you shouldn't do when buying a gun
How to buy a used air rifle
You can save a fortune by buying a second-hand air rifle. But if you don’t know what to look out for, it can also end up leaving you out of pocket. Here’s what to look out for so you make the right decision when it comes to acquiring a pre-owned air rifle.…
English boxlock shotguns for under £5000
If you are looking for an individual, well balanced side-by-side that is good to shoot, then inexpensive English boxlock shotguns always represent value for money. They represent a great way of owning a good quality English shotgun by a recognisable name for a more reasonable sum of money than might…
What novice shooters should look out for when choosing a first gun
Step one in buying your first gun is taking advice from someone you can trust. Most gun shops are reliable but I know of one in the Midlands that sold a right-handed gun to one of my friends, for his left-handed son, with the recommendation that it fitted him well.…
Turkish shotguns – definitely worthy of consideration and here is why
Buying your first gun is a genuinely exciting feeling and one of the great pleasures of taking up shooting as a new hobby. A first gun is almost always bought at the budget end of the market, which is now dominated by Turkish guns. It is a shift of power…
Looking at the Miroku MK 6000 SP-1 – a timeless classic
Visit any clayshooting lines or look more closely at the guns being used in international competitions and you will almost inevitably encounter the name of Miroku. This should not come as a surprise as it is one of the undisputed world leaders in firearms manufacturing. That the company would achieve…
Guns for women shooters
Shooting has becoming increasingly popular – and accessible – in the last 20 years and the number of female shooters has risen too. The number of women joining the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has risen by a third over the past four years and BASC now has…
How I chose my first gun
Kaylie says: “I think when it comes to gameshooting, often a girl’s first experience will be attending to accompany a Gun, rather than shooting herself. In my experience, if you’re fortunate enough to be given a shot or two, typically you’re handed a spare which is the least favoured in…
How to choose a foxing rifle
Choosing which foxing rifle best suits your needs is not necessarily straightforward as varying circumstances will dictate different choices. The first basic decision has to be whether you intend to shoot from a truck or from foot, and that will be determined by two basic factors – a) the nature…