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…
Accessories
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…
Best hunting torch – we list our top picks
Having a hunting torch in your bag is essential on any stalking trip, especially as winter sets in and it’s likely you’ll be spending a lot more time in darkness and low light. But with so many all-rounder options, it’s important to consider which type of torch best suits stalkers.…
Best binoculars for hunting – our top five selection
What size of binoculars would you recommend for deer stalking? Is there a good compromise that can be used for both woodland and open hill work?
Best airgun scopes – our top picks for airgun-friendly optics
When it comes to selecting the best airgun scopes, there are many fantastic options on the market from some of the biggest names in the gun trade. But it can be tricky to find the right one for your specific needs. Thankfully, many of the very best scopes on the…
Best gun slips: for gameshooters, clayshooters and wildfowlers
The best gun slips protect your shotgun or rifle and give you the security of knowing that you are obeying the law. They are an essential shooting accessory because guns should always be transported in a gun slip and always be in a gun slip if they’re not broken or…
Best compact binoculars for shooting
How many times have we wished we had a pair of binoculars to hand to get a better look at events that are unfolding in the distance? As shooters, we use our eyes all the time, not only when we’re out with the gun but also out on reconnaissance or…
Best protection against midges. Skin So Soft – an unbelievable solution
If you want the best protection against midges, Skin So Soft from Avon is the ideal choice. It was originally created as a skin moisturiser, scented with citronella oils. However, outdoor types discovered that as well as keeping skin soft, the product was also highly effective at keeping away midges.…
Best ear defenders for shooting
So why should you buy the best ear defenders you can get? Well, shooters of a certain age often have hearing issues because wearing ear defenders for shooting wasn’t much of a thing back in the day. We’ve all been out in the field with somebody who says things like:…
Best hunting knives put to the test
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 shoot lunch, you won’t get far without a good blade. This month, I was lucky enough to get my hands on…
The best rangefinding binoculars put through their paces
Rangefinding binoculars are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, which is likely a direct result of their widespread use in the US. Across the pond, where big men drive big trucks, rangefinding optics have long been established as an essential item. The landscapes people hunt in, over there, are vast…
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…
Gralloching kit – these are the essentials
What is gralloching? The term ‘gralloch’ is derived from the Scottish word grealach and defined as “the process of removing the entrails of a dead deer”. An efficient, timely and hygienic removal of a deer’s internal organs is required to avoid any risk of food contamination or damage. The gralloch…
Best rangefinders for shooting: an expert gives his top picks
Laser rangefinders for shooting are the answer to judging distance when airgunning. These pocket-sized accessories are quick and simple to use, and give an instant and accurate measurement so you can apply the right amount of holdover or number of clicks on a scope’s elevation turret. So we’ve pulled together…
Hunting lamps: we pick out the best around
The vast majority of us still rely on trusty hunting lamps to get the job done and ‘traditional’ lamping remains by far the most cost-effective way of dealing with nocturnal vermin. With this in mind, I was delighted to put a selection of hunting lamps to the test this month.…
Air rifle scope mounts – buying them and mounting them
You’ll almost certainly have given a lot of time and thought to the subject of buying an air rifle before parting with your hard-earned cash. You probably spent a good while considering scopes too. But what about mounts for airgun scopes? Have you considered what you’re putting your scope on?…
Why do we use gun slips and cases?
Gun cases that catch the wind Are we overly protective of our rifles? Are we over-using padded slips out in the field? Rifles are designed to be used outdoors, in the wind and the rain. So why do we see hill stalkers struggling up slopes with their guest’s rifle cosseted…
Why you should try binoculars out for yourself before buying
I have been thinking of upgrading my binos. Why? Because I can, is the truthful answer. Not that I want to admit that to myself or anybody else, of course. It is amazing how you can seize upon convenient arguments to justify almost any spending decision. Especially during a lockdown,…
The latest night vision equipment reviewed
We asked two of our contributors to take the latest night vision equipment out into the field. Here’s what they thought. The Pulsar Digex N450 digital night vision riflescope – Mark Ripley The Digex scope is the latest night vision equipment riflescope from Pulsar. The main body looks almost identical…
Should you buy the best shooting glasses you can afford?
We all know the type: he usually shoots a Perazzi or a Krieghoff and unfailingly has a pair of those ludicrously expensive coloured shooting glasses on his head. Those of us who’ve been around long enough will note that such eyewear is a relatively new addition to the flash shooter’s…