Crow shooting isn't just for those who possess a shotgun. Bruce Potts investigates the relative merits of centrefires and rimfires for a safe and humane despatch
Rifles
All about sound moderators
Sound moderators – or suppressors – are used to reduce the amount of noise and visible muzzle flash your firearm or air rifle generates when firing. Moderators are sometimes referred to as silencers, but this is misleading as you cannot completely silence the report of a high-velocity bullet. When the rifle…
How to shoot an air rifle more accurately
Mat Manning offers some key pointers to improve your airgun accuracy and get you on target
Things that affect rifle accuracy (and how to correct them)
Problems with rifle accuracy frequently frustrates rifle shooters. It’s not surprising really. A rifle is a fine precision instrument. Everything within it needs to work correctly. Many things can affect rifle accuracy. Some you can fix yourself, others you will have to bring to a gunsmith’s attention. Four things that…
14 popular rifles for deer stalking
Our experts have reviewed 14 rifles for deer stalking that have proven popular and ranked highly with our reviewers. Choosing a calibre Consider the calibre that will fit your deer species — for example, if you only have muntjac and Chinese water deer, a .22 centrefire, a .222, a .223…
Rifles for pest control
I have been spending money this month and invested in two rifles for pest control. A gamekeeper’s work is never done and in the constant battle against pests and predators, I need all the tools that I can muster. New guns To this end, I managed to pick up a…
Does cold weather affect rifle velocity?
If I use a variable magnification scope zeroed on the highest setting and in good light, would the point of impact change when the scope is turned down for a poor light situation? This is assuming both targets are at the same distance.
Can you shoot muntjac with air rifles and shotguns?
Ignore photographs of foreigners using air rifles to shoot Mubtjac rifles because this is illegal in Britain, George advises
Can you tell me more about lead-free bullets?
Q: I see CCI now makes lead-free .22LR ammunition. Can you tell me more? A: The debate about the eco-friendliness of non-toxic ammunition continues. Lead-free .22LR ammo makes a lot of sense because a vast quantity of lead ammo is shot every year. The trouble is the alternatives to lead…
What’s the best ammunition for a Browning?
Rifle inaccuracy is not always due to a rifle's construction. It may be due to the ammunition.
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 proud of the metal – is this correct or should it finish flush? Is there a reason why so many…
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...
Air rifle pellets or slugs?
Q) Can you explain the difference between air rifle pellets and airgun slugs? Both of these were stocked by hardware and sports shops more than 60 years ago, but now I can only seem to find the waisted or diabolo type pellets. Are slug type pellets still available? J. HUDSON…
Is a wooden or synthetic rifle stock best?
I am considering changing the old .22 Hornet rifle I use for fox control with a modern .22/250, but am undecided as to whether to go for a wood stock or one made from a synthetic material. What do you think?
Will gun cleaning affect the accuracy of my .22 rimfire?
Gun cleaning: I have been told that if I clean my .22 rimfire it will lose its accuracy. Is this true?
The legalities of target shooting on private land
Q: In terms of firearms, where would I stand legally with firing on private land? I have access to acres of land isolated from the public, but would I be legally allowed to purchase a firearm and perform target shooting there, with the landowner’s permission, or would I have to…
Will a sound moderator fit two different rifles?
Sound moderators are ever popular for sporting use these days, but ill treatment or neglect can cause corroded threads, misalignment or they can become permanently attached to the barrel.
Tips for the foxing first-timer
Foxing tips If you’ve been following my series on how to add rifle shooting to your skill list, with the specific intention of controlling foxes, you should be ready to hit the field by now. You would have selected a gun that is appropriate for your needs, the optics are…
How to make your rifle shoot straight
One of the most common causes of damage to a scope is that of poorly made or misaligned scope mounts.
A 20-step guide to cleaning your stalking rifle properly
How to clean your rifle: You’ve been out with your rifle, had a great day, but it’s come back filthy and soaking.