There is no denying that you get what you pay for when it comes to optical performance, but very expensive optics can have their downfalls. Most of us know how it feels to own a piece of kit that almost seems too good to expose to the rough and tumble…
Accessories
Best hunting knives put to the test
We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more There are few tools more central to fieldsports than a decent knife and, whether you are gralloching stags in the Highlands or divvying up the game pie at a…
Alan Pain’s Fernley Field Coat review
When it comes to shopping for country coats, one of the things I struggle with is finding a good ‘all-rounder’. There is a wide selection of beautiful coats available from many brands, and going into a country clothing shop can provoke a ‘kid in a candy store’ feeling; too much…
Scopes on test: two of the best for around £1000 and under
While some shooters are happy to spend thousands of pounds on high-end optics, you can still buy an extremely good telescopic sight for around £1,000. In fact, once you pass through that price barrier, improvements in optical performance and features only go up by small increments in relation to the…
Shooting glasses: how to choose them and why you should wear them
Most clay shooters adopted shooting glasses as an essential piece of kit many years ago, and they’re now mandatory at many clubs and competitions. However, they’re still far less popular in other forms of shooting, which is a shame because they have many benefits to offer. So, even if clays…
Best anti-itch cream for hunters – our top picks
We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more When it comes to kit you need when venturing out for a stalking session, you think of obvious things like rifle (goes without saying I’d imagine), as well as…
Taking a closer look at shot cameras and a ShotKam
It’s fair to say that a ShotKam is an essential part of my crow shooting kit. So I thought I would enlarge on why I particularly like having a ShotKam strapped to my gun. I have been using ShotKams for a few years now and think they are extraordinary pieces…
Best chronographs for airguns – Richard Saunders’ top choices
Why chronographs for airguns are key Ignorance, it is said, is no defence in law. Responsible airgunners know that without a Firearm Certificate (FAC), possessing a rifle that pushes out more than 12 foot pounds (ft-lb) will not only get you into trouble, but fuel the argument of those who’d…
Essential crow shooting kit
Crow shooting is a wonderful game of cat and mouse against a rather cunning adversary. The shooting provides excellent sporting opportunities and essential pest management, as crows will cause tremendous damage, both in terms of wildlife and agriculture, if left unchecked. Unfortunately, the ongoing destruction caused by crows makes them…
Scopes for pest control on test
Digital day and night riflescopes combine the stealth of infrared imaging for after-dark concealment with full-colour viewing for shooting in the daytime. That means they provide a sighting solution for round-the-clock pest control, covering everything from long-range rabbit and fox shooting to farmyard ratting with an airgun. Owing to their…
Outdoor battery packs – we share our top picks
When it comes to getting out into the field, whether it’s for pleasure or for a living, what a kit bag looks like will differ depending on who you talk to. Indeed, some argue that you needn’t carry the world in your bag and all you need are the essentials,…
The best telescopic sights: scoping out a bargain
You don’t have to bankrupt yourself to own decent telescopic sights. Modern production processes mean that a comparatively modest outlay will now buy you an optic that would have been considered as high-end glass not so long ago. The three sub-£500 telescopic sights in this round- up are extremely versatile…
Best clay gun slips – get the right case for your shotgun
Whether you’re a professional shooter who busts clays all year round, a keen amateur looking ahead to the summer season or a novice wondering what kit you need to get the most out of your experience, one thing that clay shooters all need in their arsenal is a well-chosen clay…
Air rifle case – we share our top picks
When it comes to pest control or stalking in the field, any keen Shot will tell you that you should only take what you need, because you don’t want to be weighed down by unnecessary gear when you’re several miles away from the car. Not only that, you need something…
Best ear defenders for shooting
So why should you buy the best ear defenders for shooting you can get? Too many shooters seem to be ignorant to the damage that the noise from gunshots can do to their hearing. You only get one pair of ears, so it makes good sense to look after them,…
Add on-devices for scopes: reviewing three of the best
Add-on devices for scopes So why are add-on devices for scopes so useful? One of the biggest inconveniences when using a night-vision or thermal scope is that their performance during the day is never going to be as good as a traditional glass optic. Although several night-vision scopes now offer…
Best boot socks – don’t miss our top choices
As we said recently in our top choices for the best walking boots, one thing any keen Shot, fieldsports fan or general outdoor enthusiast will tell you is that you have to look after your feet. Having the best possible boots is a big step in the right direction (no…
Walking boots – what are the best options?
Any keen shot, deer stalker or outdoor enthusiast will know that having a pair of good walking boots is an essential part of your wardrobe. With mile after mile to cover, you need a pair of boots that are comfortable yet durable, waterproof yet breathable, and good value for money. There…
Thermal imagers: Mat Manning puts three popular models through their paces
Thermal imagers are fast becoming a key piece of kit for numerous shooting applications, from foxing on open fields to ratting around the farmyard. The ability to see an animal’s heat signature, even when it is partially obscured by undergrowth, provides a massive edge when trying to catch up with…
Best hunting watches – we list the best options
When it comes to the best hunting watches, there’s a lot to consider. As hunters, we understand that one of hunting’s biggest appeals is getting deep into the wilderness, whether in the woods, on the hill, or casting a fly rod in a Highland salmon river, and getting away from…