Would having an adjustable shotgun improve matters? The shotgun is evolving. Most shotgun manufacturers are developing new designs, models or features for their guns. We are the other part of the equation in that we probably believe that if we have the latest gun we will shoot better. We are…
Gun buying guide
Are adjustable gunstocks a worthwhile investment?
Adjustable gunstocks – definitely not worth it Robin Scott says: Most guns with adjustable stocks can only be altered for length, drop and cast. These are important, but they are but a part of the bigger gunfit picture. For instance, adjustable gunstocks don’t let us make minor changes to such…
Getting a first air rifle
My parents bought me a second-hand Diana Model 23 .177 air rifle in 1984 as my first air rifle. The bluing was well on its way out and the cheap beech woodwork bore the marks of a life of hard graft. A series of hatches were etched into the stock,…
How to pick the right gun for you
Whether you’re looking to buy a brand new gun or second-hand, what should you be considering? Visiting any gunshop you are faced with racks and racks of guns, so how do you pick the right gun for you? The one that is going to enable you to shoot to the…
The evolution of an Italian design classic
It’s one of the best-known, best-selling shotgun designs of all time, but does that make the Beretta Silver Pigeon or 68 series one of the best guns of all time? Gunmaking is a little like the industrial version of Darwin’s theory of natural selection. The most adaptable survive. The best…
What would be the best all-round shotgun for you?
How to choose your best all-round shotgun If you had to have one gun that would work for you in all your shooting, what would it be? This would not necessarily be your dream gun and some tough choices would have to be made. We are talking here about someone…
Should I get an air rifle or a rimfire?
Air rifle or a rimfire Q: I am thinking of buying an FAC-rated air rifle for pest control. Would this be better than a .22 rimfire? A: I like FAC-rated air rifles for certain pest control duties. They offer a significantly higher energy rating over the legal standard 12ft/lb energy.…
Here’s what you need to know about fixed-barrelled guns
Semi-auto and pump-action shotguns have been around for a long time but have not been as popular in the UK as they have in the USA. Shooters shy away from them mainly because of the uncertainty of how to operate and handle them in a safe way. Those that use…
Choosing the right stalking rifle
Perhaps you have already done a bit of stalking, possibly as a guest using the estate rifle, and now you have been truly bitten by the deer bug. It’s time to choose a stalking rifle – but where to start? Your biggest decision, and one you need to make even…
What to look for when buying a gun
It always amazes me how many people are seduced by the aesthetic of a gun before they’ve even analysed how well it’s built and given some serious thought to how it handles. I suppose, in many ways, that’s the point. We all like pretty things, it’s simply human nature, so…
How to buy a gun that will hold its value
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
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.