I am a relatively new shotgun licence holder and shoot clays. I get on okay with my Browning but I have a shotgun at my brother’s house in the USA…
Sporting Gun
This is what you should know about shotgun barrels
What length shotgun barrels should I buy? I wish I had a pound for every time a newcomer to shooting has asked me that question. The answer is that it…
Should I buy a Nikko shotgun? Are they any good?
I have seen a Nikko shotgun for sale at a reasonable price. It looks good, but I have never heard of the make.
How to prepare for your dog’s first shoot day
Getting your dog fit both mentally and physically will help prepare your dog for the field and the rigours of his first shoot day. It is also important for you,…
How to match ammunition to your rifle using a chronograph
Every one of us wants to be able to produce nice tight groupings when we shoot. However, even if you invest in a top-of-the-line rifle and couple it with the…
Got a working cocker that’s struggling with big retrieves? Try this solution.
Here's how to overcome a small dog's retrieving problems!
What are the benefits of a laminate gun stock?
What does ‘wood-to-metal fit’ mean? How, for instance, can I judge if a gun is good or bad in this respect? Most of those I see have the wood standing…
Rifle shooting the .243 calibre
The .243 calibre is a user-friendly cartridge for shooting deer, mostly roe, and perhaps the occasional fox at ranges out to 200 yards...
What time of day are woodpigeons most active? When do they feed?
I'm just starting out shooting on my local farm and would like to know at what time of day are the pigeons most active?
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…
Thinking about making your own black powder cartridges? Read on …
Popping a few black powder cartridges through a vintage English shotgun is an unforgettable experience.
Black powder licences … what you need to know
Q: Is it difficult to get black powder licences? And what conditions do I have to meet regarding its storage? I have two lovely old Damascus barrelled guns – including…
How much are scopes for air rifles if I get one fitted?
Air rifles: I have an old Original Mod 35 air rifle and I would like to fit a scope to it. It already has a rail fitted, and I am…
How can I restore the shine to my gun?
Before going anywhere near oil, you need to establish how the stock was finished in the factory, advises Mike George
How do I keep my head on the stock?
Shooting technique and gun stocks Q: No matter how hard I try I can’t keep my head on the stock. According to a friend I invariably lift my head to…
How much forward allowance do you need to give?
Shooting tips from coach Mark Russell. Here he takes a look at forward allowance, and turning sight pictures into words.
Is your gundog ready for its first shoot day?
Rather than ask how old your dog should be, ask yourself the following … Does the dog walk to heel on and off the lead? Is the dog steady to game,…
What’s the best shot size and rimfire ammunition for shooting rabbits?
In your opinion, which is the best shot size for killing rabbits cleanly? I use one ounce Trap 7.1/2s but two 'keeper friends say I should be using 5s because…
Thinking of buying a second-hand Tikka T3 Lite?
When the Tikka T3 Lite first appeared it took the market by storm. Finnish gunmaking company Sako had intended to produce a budget-priced rifle that shot well straight out of…
FAQs about shotgun certificate applications
Q. How much does a shotgun certificate cost and how long does it run for? A. A certificate is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed if…