MartB

I use a left handed Benelli Montefeltro. excellent value for money second hand and hardly used (£700). Improved my shooting by about 30% having a left handed gun. I have used right-handed semi's without too much problem, but the dramatic improvement clearly indicated to me that you need to right tool for the job if you want to improve. Mart

I bought a bargain load of number 3 a while ago and have enough for the next 20 years now. Excellent pattern from my 9 bore muzzle loader. Takes care of most things and easy to pick out of the dinner!

Hi, Does anyone have any information on a double barrelled shotgun called the 'Record'. It is believed to be Belgian and probably between the wars. This particular one is 16 bore and has two seperate lumps (one under each barrel), instead of the usual central lump. I don't have any more details at present to help with identification. Thanks Mart

Great gun several different types available still. Interested in date info. any chance of putting it on here? Mart

I lost 11 of 12 in a night a few years ago . Blighter managed to pull a steel staple out of the wired gate and force his way in. The only survivor had gone to bed early. We renamed her Gloria (as in 'I will survive'). Lots of people around here have lost all their chickens several times in raids, as usual, none of the bodies were taken away. He did come back the next night, but I gave him something for his trouble. The problem has definately gotten worse in the last 5 years. Also, one morning (3am) found two of them fishing! Actually pulling carp out of the pond. Not very good at it as two were dropped back in. One of the carp survived with only a line of scars on its back. The other had been caught through the gills and didn't make it. Only heard of one other person who has witnessed this talent for fishing. I was pretty fed up as I had already lost a lot of (expensive) fish to the herons. Anyone know of a way to introduce these two predators to each other? Now that is something I'd pay to watch!

It would be worth speaking with BASC. Surprised someone from there hasn't already picked this up. You don't say what the RFD's problem is. I assume the issue is about you having worked out where your back stops are, which paths are used a lot, the distance you shoot from roads, which of your possible back stops has public access nearby, etc, etc. This is about risk assessment. Nothing difficult about it, but best to get BASC advice on the wording. If no one from there answers tomorrow then try phoning them (or whichever shooting organisation you belong to). Good luck.

Agreed, but it is possible to get some of that experience at other times of the day also (Late sleepers note!) Different types of weather make a difference also (Wet, windy.. and that's just me!) Thinking about it,most of my days out amount to a good walk with a gun, so philosophy and an appreciation for whatever comes my way is essential!

See: http://www.a-s-i.co.uk/ The serial number on your gun appears to agree with the suggestion above of 1982-3. I was looking at what I thought was the Spanish proof house code (bottom left of photo)'O2' but I see now that it appears to be O.2, so go with the serial number instead. The forestock is beavertail type, commonly used with magnums. It looks like a Number 4, given the lack of decoration, but that might also be because your type of gun is intended for wildfowlers, where traditionally, decoration was not a good idea due to the amount of muck you might need to get out of the engraving after a day out. Besides wildfowlers are not usually impressed much by anything non-functional. If you want the full low-down on your gun I see that ASI charge £10 for the works. might be worth it!

Some good advice above. If it comes down to a semi auto, I can recommend the Benelli range. Lots of choice there. But talk to your new employer first.

Hi, It is a magnum and the date is indicated by the code 'O2' this is 1996. You could contact ASI who import AYA guns for further info. They are very friendly and helpful in my experience. Mart

Hammer guns have a lot going for them. The one in the photograph (left), is about 160 years old. We have had some good shooting holidays together. If you hear thunder on a sunny day, that's us! Have also shot pheasant with a flintlock, but the delay in firing takes a bit of getting used to.

Like several above, shot by air rifle as a kid. Gang of idiots out for fun. Anyway, had the guilty pleasure of seeing the shooter shoot the tip of his finger off later. Not the brightest bulb in the box! Had a couple of near misses on a range where a couple of bullets decided to come back at me for some reason. I suspect I hit everything except the target! Also hit in arm by clumped shot at a clay shoot ( I was walking across other side of the field,to the next shoot, supposedly out of range). No big deal. Stung a bit. Reminds me of a story (true) about a certain landed gentleman who used to have his butler shoot at his back across a field. He would gradually back up toward the gun until it got too much. I think the idea was to work out the effective range for a variety of vermin and game. They don't make 'em like they used too!

Take a look at National cannon Association of Great Britain. http://www.ncagb.com/ I know that a number of people having started shooting the repro Ardesa cannons at Bisley. all on a firearms license. If you are near michaelham Priory Sussex on 9th/10th July, there are usually at least one and sometimes several medium size cannon. Great fun. also of course a chance to try muzzleloaders. Mention Pigeon watch to them on the 9th july and my name and you might get a free shot. Mart

Very nice! :o Not seen this one before. The Yeoman, by the way goes for around £200. Not as pretty as the BSA you have, but good value for a lot of gun.

I am left handed, so I can truthfully say that cast makes a big difference if it is significantly cast for the right hander (cast off). A straight stock is easy to cope with and even slight cast off can be adapted to, but you will always shoot better if the gun is set up for you. Even if you cannot afford to get a favourite gun altered, you should try to find someone who knows how to help you with this and identify your specific needs. you might find a friendly gunshop owner, but a lesson from a professional is likely to show up a lot of your requirements. If you are shooting left handed, you may be left eye dominant also, but not necessarily so. Bottom line, get professional assistance if you can, before you develop bad habits. Left handed cast is 'cast on'. There are a number of other adjustments also available to ensure a good fit. Many modern guns come with shims to allow a range of adjustments. You could also try asking a lefty at a local club if you can try out his gun.You may be pleasently surprised by how you shoot with it. Mart