Q: I have recently switched from a sub-12ft/lb air rifle to an FAC-rated pre-charged model producing muzzle energy of around 40ft/lb and my results have so far been very disappointing. My old air rifle is capable of grouping pellets within half an inch at 30m, whereas the high-powered one is…
Guns
Would a lighter load improve your shooting standard?
Having taught hundreds of new and experienced shooters over the years, I’ve seen lots of examples of how excessive and unnecessary recoil can adversely affect some people. In many cases (particularly with long-term shooters) these can often go unnoticed or, worse, become accepted as part of the sport and a…
A close look at the Perazzi MX8 – a blast from the past
If you want to make money out of gun ownership, then go for a new “London Best” (preferably a Purdey, Holland & Holland or Boss), don’t shoot much — or not at all — and live long. This idea came to me when I reviewed a second-hand Holland & Holland…
A short history of the shotgun
A very long time ago, some enterprising person decided to fill a tube with gunpowder, put a rock or something equally solid on top, light the blue touch paper and stand back to see what would happen. At this point the firearm began its evolution, though the shotguns we use…
10 gun care tips every shooter should know
Never neglect gun cleaning. A little effort will keep your guns safe, reliable and rust-free Do not put a gun in a gun slip into a gun safe. You want air movement Do not put a heater or a lightbulb in your gun safe. Your stock will over-dry, warm…
7 legal things about gun cabinets you need to know
1. Do you need to heat your gun cabinets in winter? If the temperature is plummeting outside will your guns suffer if the cabinet is in an unheated room that’s a bit damp? Is there a danger of the cabinet rusting? Coldness on its own does not cause rust, but…
Air rifle ballistics – what works, what doesn’t and why
The airgun industry, like any business has to reinvent itself on a regular basis. Styles come and go, upgrades are introduced and so called ‘game changing’ enhancements announce. Recently all it’s been about bullpups and tacticool design, next year it will be something else in the endless effort to keep…
Will coated cartridges make you a better Shot?
It is the latest trend in cartridge production for both clay and game shooting. Coated cartridges — or, to be more accurate, lead shotgun pellets that have been coated with copper or nickel — are today headlining the cartridge manufacturers’ billboards. Are coated cartridges new? Well, no; as far back…
How to oil and clean your shotgun
There are a number of accessible working parts on a shotgun that need lubrication.
Air rifles – does more power mean greater range?
When set up properly, legal-limit air rifles are extremely accurate tools, and that precision can more than compensate for their modest power when coupled with a sound knowledge of fieldcraft. Get in close and shoot with precision, and delivering a lethal strike to the small kill zones presented by typical…
What’s the best camo pattern for airgun hunting?
Q: I’m new to airgun hunting and plan to invest in a camouflage suit so I can get closer to my quarry. What’s the best pattern to go for? A: It’s difficult to recommend one camouflage pattern over another, but it makes sense to choose one that gives a close…
Finding the one – your perfect gun
Buying and selling guns is part and parcel of the enjoyment of shooting. It’s all about finding “the one”. All I can say is count yourself lucky if the first gun you clap eyes on fits the bill perfectly and that, shunning all others, you stay faithful to it ever…
Three secondhand lightweight 12-bores
“I have turned 70 and, although I can still walk fair distances, the 8lb Sporter I use for all of my shooting has become rather too heavy. I am therefore looking for a lightweight 12-bore – either O/U or semi-auto. Recoil doesn’t bother me too much as nowadays as I…
A gunsmith’s guide to buying guns second-hand
What’s the best way to go about buying guns second-hand though? What do you look for and what are the potential pitfalls? To find out more I visited The Country Sports Shop in Devon to speak to the experts. I met shop manager Chris Lamb, himself a keen shooting man…
Three impressive PCP air rifles for under £500
PCP air rifles are relatively cheap, easy to shoot and given a decent backstop you can even practise in the back garden. Perfect for pest control and ideal around a farm yard if you need to get rid of vermin with little risk of damage to property or stock. Why…
Four of the most popular rimfire rifles – taking a closer look
There is a distinct range of rimfire rifles available on the market for anyone looking to buy today. When somebody comes into the shop asking about rimfires I ask them two questions. Firstly, what will be the rifle be primarily used for and secondly, how much do they want to…
Cartridge safety rules
Reloading your shotgun cartridges is popular in places like America but nobody in the UK (with the possible exception of a few wildfowlers) seems to bother. Why is this?
What’s the right cartridge for red deer?
Deer stalking: I plan to get involved in deer stalking on my father’s farm and two neighbouring Estates where there are Roe, Fallow and a few Sika. Can you recommend a calibre that will cope equally well with all three species?
How to check your scope
As the bullet is the last thing to have contact with the barrel as it leaves and is the first thing that hits your quarry, the uniformity of the projectile is paramount in achieving good, consistent accuracy.
Secondhand Browning – three of the best for an all-rounder
“I have always wanted to own a Browning, and now I believe some models may fall within my budget. I shoot pigeons and game, and I am also a member of a clay shooting club not far from where I live. In other words, I am an all-rounder.” Specifications Max…