Vintage rifles can still be viable
Legal restrictions make owning and using an old rifle harder than ever, but Diggory Hadoke explains how vintage can still be viable
![Rifle shooting](https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SHT288.oldrifles.3dbv5263.jpg)
The .577 Nitro Express inspires confidence when big beasts are the target
![deer stalking in Scotland](https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/01/SHT288.oldrifles.gettyimages_3418592_rm.jpg)
11th September 1951: Deer-stalker Jim Turnbull takes aim during a deer-stalking expedition in Inverness-shire.
The firearms we are allowed now are limited in number. If you buy a new .22 rimfire or another .308 stalking rifle, you will probably have to sell your current one first. Given that most people who use a rifle will consider it a serious piece of kit, if they are allowed only one for each purpose, they will probably make sure it is exactly what they want. That means buying new.
![vintage rifle](https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/01/SHT288.oldrifles.copyright_john_rigby_co_13.jpg)
Legislation is now a barrier to keeping and using vintage guns, such as this Rigby
![Rook rifles](https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/01/SHT288.oldrifles.holland_rook_rifle_029-573x430.jpg)
The use of .300 Rook rifles declined after World War II as ammunition was no longer widely available
Small calibres
![Vintage rifles](https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/01/SHT288.oldrifles.img_0112-598x430.jpg)
The mini Martini .22 rimfire is renowned as robust, accurate and aesthetically pleasing