We recently had a query from a reader, Tomasz Dojnikowski, who asked: ” Hi guys. I’m looking to buy my first shotgun but do not have a big budget. I’m looking at second-hand Baikal 12g 27E-1C. Are these any good as first shotguns? Not much experience with it. Been using an air…
First gun
Are children allowed to use rifles?
Children using rifles – is it legal? Q. I am planning a fun day for the village on my farm, where I have a range that is suitable for .22 rimfires. Can I allow young people to use the range provided that they have their parents’ permission and are under…
Should I use a 20-bore just because I’m female?
My husband has got me hooked on clay shooting and now wants to buy me a 20-bore because it’s lighter than the 12-bore I’ve been using.
What novice shooters should look out for when choosing a first gun
Step one in buying your first gun is taking advice from someone you can trust. Most gun shops are reliable but I know of one in the Midlands that sold a right-handed gun to one of my friends, for his left-handed son, with the recommendation that it fitted him well.…
Turkish shotguns – definitely worthy of consideration and here is why
Buying your first gun is a genuinely exciting feeling and one of the great pleasures of taking up shooting as a new hobby. A first gun is almost always bought at the budget end of the market, which is now dominated by Turkish guns. It is a shift of power…
Guns for women shooters
Shooting has becoming increasingly popular – and accessible – in the last 20 years and the number of female shooters has risen too. The number of women joining the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has risen by a third over the past four years and BASC now has…
Browning Medallist shotgun – a winner for the keen beginner
The Browning Medallist shotgun is good for those new to shooting and buying on a tight budget.
How I chose my first gun
Kaylie says: “I think when it comes to gameshooting, often a girl’s first experience will be attending to accompany a Gun, rather than shooting herself. In my experience, if you’re fortunate enough to be given a shot or two, typically you’re handed a spare which is the least favoured in…
What did our reviewer think of this secondhand Browning Medallist shotgun?
What’s the best starter gun? It’s a subject for constant debate, with guns from Lincoln, Lanber, Baikal, and various relative newcomers from Turkey all having their adherents.
Kofs Sceptre SXE 28-bore
Over the last few months I have been hearing and seeing a lot of questions arising around Kofs shotguns. So, as I had only seen one or two in the flesh and not had one to dissect, I thought I would grab the opportunity to take a closer look when…
Finding the one – your perfect gun
Buying and selling guns is part and parcel of the enjoyment of shooting. It’s all about finding “the one”. All I can say is count yourself lucky if the first gun you clap eyes on fits the bill perfectly and that, shunning all others, you stay faithful to it ever…
What’s my best gun for shooting clays and game?
Q: Having just taken up the pastime of clayshooting (the skeet discipline), and having more than a passing interest in gameshooting, I find I am bamboozled by the choice of shotguns that are available. I would prefer to buy a 12-bore side-by-side rather than an over-and-under shotgun, but are side-by-sides…
Is the fit right on my gun?
I've bought a Beretta for clay shooting as a spare, but I'm not sure the gun fit is right as I don’t shoot as well with it as I do my old workhorse.
What’s the best first gun for a youngster? A .410 or a 28-bore?
Which is the best first gun? My son, who is 12, is keen to start shooting and I am considering buying a light side-by-side .410. However, one of my shooting friends thinks a 28-bore might be more suitable. Which of the two is the best first gun? Many experienced shooters…
How to get into shooting
If you are looking to get into shooting of any kind, this easy guide will give you plenty of hints and tips
A guide to buying your first gun
It's never too soon to start looking at guns with a view to buying your first and any dealer will be happy to reserve a gun until your certificate arrives
Lincoln Premier Compact reviewed by Shooting Times
Among the cluster of gunmakers nestled along the valley of the Mella river above Brescia in Italy is a company called Fabbrica Armi Isidoro Rizzini, otherwise known as FAIR. Since its inception in 1971, the UK distributor for FAIR guns has been John Rothery, with the guns bearing its brand…
15 things to know when buying your first gun
Apply for your shotgun certificate in plenty of time. Depending on where you live in the country it could take weeks or months to arrive. A reputable dealer will reserve your gun for you while you’re waiting for your certificate. Buy your first gun from a recommended gun shop –…
Yildiz single-barrel folding .410 shotgun review
Gun reviews: Yildiz single-barrel folding .410 shotgun: Weighing the same as a bag of sugar, the Yildiz .410 is a great-handling gun.