MartB

Someone should take him shooting. He might change his mind after he's had a go. If not, the car could be lighter by one MP on the way back :lol:

Morning! If you live within driving distance of John Forseys, you should go in and talk to them. Ring first to tell them you are on the way. I have found them very helpful in the shop. Slightly less so on the phone. Perhaps if someone in that area reads this they might offer to go in for you and look into it. Good luck.

I extensively researched about re-bluing firearms and found most of the articles and accounts on forums unhelpful. Through trial and error I re-blued the barrels of a double-barrelled shotgun and wanted to post my method on the Internet so that if anybody in the same position wants to give it a go hopefully this will make their project easier. Nice job!

I have had deer grazing within 20 feet of where I was standing, when out pigeon shooting. Funniest deer encounter was with a fallow stag that came within 20 feet, before he saw me, then he jumped back with a loud snort and ran for 50 feet, stopped, looked back, saw I hadn't moved and slowly walked off, acting Mr cool again. Most bizarre encounter was with a squirrel. I was looking down at him from the edge of a crater as he crossed and on seeing me he flipped over onto his side, playing dead! I couldn't believe it. After about 10 mins, he opened one eye to see if I was watching. He realised he had been rumbled and ran for it. I was laughing so much, I couldn't have shot straight if I tried

Go for it. I love my AYA SBS, even though it is a humble 'Yeoman'.It does what it says on the tin!

Gives better patterns further out, over about same range. Acts like a rifle at very short range.

Hi, Yes quite possible. Most likely 1/4 and 1/4 choke. You could get it checked in your local gunshop though. A rough and ready measure is to stick the same finger in each muzzle (after you break the action ). Any large difference should be obvious. However, some chokes are recessed so you might not see a difference. Most important thing to remember is that if you can hit stuff, it doesn't much matter about the details of why, just enjoy it. Barrel length has no bearing on choke.

Jeremy Clarkson gets my vote too. I hope someone repeats the Christmas show from about 2 years ago:Top gear meets ground force or some such title. Jeremy's weeding and branch trimming with a shotgun, was the best laugh over that Christmas. I think that ST does a fair job considering it has to find something to put out each week. I enjoy Sharpshooter's column most weeks. Also the Classic gun section. For the last few years I have simply cut out the bits I enjoyed most, or thought might be useful for reference in the future and kept them in a scrap book. That way, given the way my memory is these days, I always have something interesting (and new) to read! :blink: Perhaps ST ought to bring out a 'best of ST' book for next Christmas. They only need to look at this website to see what readers want (or don't want) included. Actually it would be good if they had new guest writer's occasionally too. Come on Alastair, you must know someone who knows Clarkson!

Just read ST. Good and bad as usual. Humphreys can be entertaining, but I agree with some of the above comments. I had a conversation on the train this morning over an article in the Sporting gun about the RSPCA and RSPB. Generally agreed that they have lost their way. Seems like they are both too influenced by LACS these days. So interested to learn that both Batchelor (LACS) and Avery (RSPB) are quiting this year. Avery could quite easily slip into LACs without noticing much difference. Great shame. I used to support both RSPB and RSPCA. Never again. I will carry on reading ST regardless as they often come up with something of interest, even if I don't always agree with some of the writers viewpoints.

Dave, the following is an extract from the BAC website download (look up black powder storage box, on the site). I would add that although it only 'recommends' intumescent strip, all the users I know, who have built their own around here, have been asked to add it to their box compartments. Extract: Storage guidance for Hazard Type 1 powders (Summary from ACoP Paragraphs 410 to 420) 1. Black powder must be kept in plastic or cardboard containers (not tins) of not more than 550 grams (approx 1 ¼ lb) of powder per container. 2. The containers of black powder must be kept in a box constructed of plywood of a minimum thickness of 18mm – or other material capable of providing an equal level of fire and physical resistance. Metal boxes, including ammunition boxes, are not suitable and must not be used. NB: That these requirements replace guidance allowing the keeping of black powder in a lacquered or tinned iron, steel trunk or box contained in the HSE publication “Guide to the Control of Explosives Regulations 1991”. 3. Where a box is designed to hold more than one container of black powder, each individual container must be separated by a 6mm wooden partition that is securely fixed to the outer walls of the box. 4. Each compartment must allow 30% additional height between the top of the container and the inside of the lid. 5. The box should be made so that no exposed metal is on the inside. Internal nuts must be covered by a glued wooden liner not less than 6mm. (An image of a suitable box is attached.) 6. The box must not be kept in any form of metal box, drawer or cupboard. 7. It is a good idea to place an intumescent* strip around the edges of the lid to provide a good seal. * Intumescent means a substance that swells up, especially when heat is applied (OED) 8. For safety reasons, the box must not be located: • Under or near any means of access or escape, e.g. under the stairs; • In the same room as flammable liquids such as petrol or solvents; • In areas where there are risks of fire. 9. Anyone storing black powder must take precautions to prevent unauthorised access to it. If you are not storing your black powder in a secure room or other suitably secure place, the box should meet certain construction requirements. These are as follows: • Securely fixed, robust (solid brass or other non-ferrous metal) hinges/screws and a secure hasp used with a robust padlock. If a chain or similar lid support is used, solid non-ferrous metals should be used. • A suitable arrangement to stop the box from being taken away, e.g. by securing its handles to a strong point. NB: Anything attached within the box (e.g. chain) must be made of solid brass, copper or other nonsparking metal. Care is needed to ensure that any fittings are not just metals which are plated with brass or copper. ©BASC/ACPO-FELWG - 19 - Version V3.1 Jan 2010 Dave, You can download plans from: http://www.reloading.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/small_box.htm :good:

Dave, (a bit of a long answer coming here, so get a cuppa and settle in) You can get a lot of info through the Muzzle loaders association website. (MLAGB) To answer your questions: I am assuming that the repro is a 12bore or equivalent (such as the brown bess, which uses 12bore wads etc). You are right about the items required. The shot for a 12 bore should be about 1 oz (Yes I use proper British measurements). For Pyrodex (which is a bit stronger than black powder by about 10%)use about 2 drams or a little less to start with(27.4 grains to the dram). Black powder and equivalents are more forgiving than nitro propellants, so you don't need to be too precise. With modern repro's you can usually find guidance as to the recommended loads, online (through the manufacturers/suppliers site). you can buy pretty much any of the required items online or from a local shop. Look at the Henry Krank site for an idea of the extent covered. Also attend an arms fair. Your local gun shop may still keep a stock of caps though. If they have reloading kit they should have fibre wads and card. You can buy a 12 bore wad cutter and spend a happy afternoon knocking out top cards from old egg boxes (which are perfect in thickness). A rule of thumb for wads is that the length should be more than 3 times the width of the barrel. They tend to be pretty standard though. Many flasks have built in measures. However, you would do best to always make use of a separate container to pour the powder into the muzzle. There is a slight possibility of powder being ignited by something still smoldering in the barrel. Most powder flasks will have a cut out built into the design to prevent flashback into the flask of powder (think hand grenade!) but best not to rely on that. I have used a variety of powder containers including old clay pipes (average Victorian pipes hold about 3 drams, which is fine for a 10 bore, but not a 12). I currently use antler that I drill out and carve to hold exactly the amount I need for each gun. I use the same measure for the lead, but for clay shooting, you should use a bit less lead (An ounce is sufficient). But realistically any container of the right size will do. some people use film canisters, but I don't know how much these hold. Costs? depends on condition etc. See Kranks for details of cost as new. Second hand gun will be about 30% less. But I have been offered a good condition repro SBS percussion shotgun for £100. You only need a shotgun license for Pyrodex and no storage box etc, as for BP. It is comparatively more expensive than BP though. Cleaning has been covered above. As you have seen there are a number of ways to do this. All I will add is that I remove the nipple and clean that separately, otherwise they are **** to remove when you really need to (requires a nipple key that fits also). Another point is that especially in wet weather, it is a good idea to leave the barrel (but lock away the action) in a warm place overnight to get all the moisture out, then oil or the barrel etc before putting away. always 'cap off' before loading the first time on each occasion (place cap on nipple and fire off to clear anything from barrel such as the oil or the odd piece of cleaning material) Always point in safe direction. Then Add your measure of powder, add a wad with your home made ram rod (don't use the rod that comes with the gun) make a rod from doweling topped with a wooden wide rounded doorknob. this is again in case it goes off during loading. This way you get a rap on the knuckles and get to keep your hand Make sure you ram it down fully and hard. leaving a gap between powder and wad is bad for your health. The pressure may be too much. Next add you shot. Then top off with the card. Tip the gun forward. If you hear a sound like running water, that is your lead shot running down the barrel. Re-sit the card. when ready to shoot, put hammer to half cock, place cap on nipple, pull trigger! Repeat as long as you're having fun

If you have a relative in an old peoples home, check to see if the alarms are battery operated and if so, if there are batteries in them that work. I once tested a group of these in a home and found that a radio collector in the home had 'borrowed' all the batteries to power the things. It is not unusual for batteries to be borrowed by family members or resident when something stops working. To be fair, most homes have mains powered alarms these days. At the other extreme, if you have a student son/daughter in digs, worth checking that alarms are fitted corectly and working. I had to buy alarms for one place my son stayed at, as the landlord was completely useless. I have my house hard wired with alarms now. Just as well given the reloading gear on site :blink:

I read the first few pages of the sky posting on this subject and despaired! Just goes to show how far away people (generally) have come from an understanding of the real world. I thought the vet concerned was rather brave and perhaps a bit naive. He'll probably need police protection now. Foxes will kill (and sometimes eat) just about anything they can catch or are given. In the first category, that includes 12 of my hens, a neighbours cat and, on a positive note, the odd garden rat. I have personally seen two foxes corner a cat. I didn't let this go its course and the cat lived to fight another day. On a slightly different note, has anyone else noticed more deer and badgers appearing in gardens in the past few years? I even had one badger trying to barge its way through the cat flap in early December. Fortunately it was too wide. The cat was relieved too, but a bit freaked for the rest of the day.

Wish I hadn't sold my old Martini Metford all those years ago. Finally found a mint Greener GP (Martini action). Built like the proverbial and almost looks like the old gun. Also, so tightly choked it shoots like a rifle... to 20 odd yards. Would love to find a spare barrel for the greener GP so I can open it up for clays. Have a great New Year everyone. I'm sure I left a bottle of fizz around here someplace...................

David, Just read through the BASC statement. Yes it is better and I can see where you are going with it. I really just want to see all the unspoken implications set out at some point, so that we can all see where this could lead. I am convinced (and this has been confirmed through some of the discussions I have had with less rabid anti's) that many people do not understand just how managed our 'natural' environment is, and how detrimental to the countryside, would be the loss of the shooting community and associated activities. I don't know how close this country is to the knife edge in this respect, but I don't want to see us lose the wonderful countryside through the lose of its support mechanisms. Yes, the parliamentary debate was carried out in a gentlemanly manner, and it would be nice to think that we will be treated accordingly. Past experience suggests that a quick perusal of some of Machiavelli's works might be in order. In short, when shaking the oppositions hand check first what he has in the other one! we have been stabbed in the back too often. On that slightly unseasonal note I wish all a very Happy Christmas and new Year. I will be taking my son and his girl friend out for a practice shoot at my local club and introducing them to the finer points of braised clay and two veg.

David, Thanks. Annoyance was in respect of the brief BASC statement I read (Shooting times?) which seemed to suggest that all was well (at least that was how I felt on reading it). Clearly this is far from cut and dried and I would have preferred a more detailed statement. I was pleased that some of the more 'misinformed' suggestions that arose during the committee meetings didn't come to anything. These include suggestions that firearms be stored in out buildings, or kept at a secure storage site, with, or without ammo. Clearly an invitation for criminals to go on a shopping spree. Apart from the points mentioned in my last note above, I have great concerns, as I know also have others, including doctors, about the tagging business. I agree that the debate in Parliament was handled in a very gentlemanly way (ladies included). I noted that even Mr Vaz's son is concerned that he might be about to get guns banned and that he reassured his son that this is not his intention. However, as we know, the road to a very hot place is paved with good intentions... Lets not go there. I look forward to a more detailed statement from BASC, covering all the recommendations in the near future.

I read BASC's comments on the outcome of the meetings and then read the reports and watched the commons debate. I was assured by the first, then on reading the reports, very annoyed with BASC, then reassured again by the debate! very confusing. as one of the 0.56% of shooters who wrote in about the situation, I was pleased to note that the majority of the printed comments were of the same ilk. The one particular piece of printed written 'evidence' that was clearly anti, came from the Animal Aid mob :yp: (the other anti rants have to be requested. I recommend a stiff whisky and a medical check up, before doing so). Vaz and chums seem to have decided to adopt a number of their views as their own, despite the obvious (obvious to shooters), errors in the document. Vaz seems to have decided he is something of a firearms expert after his visit to Bisley! The recommendation to increase costs of licenses by about triple the current rate, is an obvious and cynical way to get rid of a lot of the poorer members of the shooting community. The recommendation to make shotgun certificate applications similar to that for firearm requirements, will also put a lot of people off and the requirement, inherent in that, to show 'good reason' to own each and every shotgun (involving an ability to show where you will be shooting and why). this will be particularly difficult for rough shooters and a variety of others who are more peripatetic in their shoots. If the recommendation goes through to make shot gun licenses as difficult to obtain as firearm licenses, then I might as well go the whole hog and get a firearm or three, take up deer stalking etc. Will licenses then both be 3 year or 5? For £150 they better be 10 year! That would save a lot in police admin costs too. As for the minimum age business. I thought this new government were going to go away from the big brother interference regime of the last mob. I, like most of you, started with an air rifle borrowed from my grandfather (Ok, most of you don't know my grandfather, but you get the point). He showed me how to shoot, where to shoot and what not to shoot and taught me respect for our quarry. I was 8. It'll be interesting to see now how far the old government knee jerks this time. However far it goes, it'll hit us in the balls and the pocket. Oh well. Just have to save the money I currently spend on feeding the local wildlife and donating to charities. Bah humbug! Have a good Christmas all. The Boxing day shoot awaits

Any day I can walk a field or wood with a gun is a good day! Sadly few and far between.

I have never found a modern knife that I can get as sharp as I want it. I buy up Victorian blades, add an antler handle and sharpen the hell out of it. How sharp? Well if you hold the blade straight on to your line of sight you can see a parallel universe!

I'm off to enjoy the best of both worlds on Sunday. The Arms fair at Birmingham motor cycle museum! Things don't get much better than that. It was either that or clean out the chicken run. I'll clean em out twice next Sunday to make up for it!

Thanks for the update. I suppose they are getting desperate trying to find things to ban/restrict, that they haven't already. Good to hear about someone being fair too.

Sent mine off some months ago also. I thought that some of the info within it seemed to be designed to put people off filling in the forms. Anyway, like most of you I expect you had an email yesterday about the last meeting (15th Nov 2010). Interesting to see that after the morning inquiry had finished they were having a separate meeting in another room with an anti-shooting yank, Washington Attorney-General Peter Nickels. See this article from Washington post. http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-washington-dc/dc-attorney-general-peter-nickels-acts-schizophrenic-on-constitutional-rights Looks like a plan in the offing to find a back door way to demonstrate to the UK public that some punitive action is being taken against the law-abiding shooter, once again. Watch out! Probably along the lines of allowing shooting to continue as long as all triggers are removed.

Tell him, he's doing a good job then! Then ask him for some freebees

Try the AYA importers at: ASI Ltd Alliance House Snape Saxmundham Suffolk IP17 1SW Tel: +44 (0) 1728 688555 Fax: +44 (0) 1728 688950 I have had to contact them before to ask about my SBS and they were very helpful. Even called me back with info, when they couldn't find it immediately. which is more than I can say for some other companies that don't even bother to reply (sorry, going off on one...) Anyway, good luck.

Pulp fiction So I married an axe murderer M. Hulot's holiday Silent running Solaris (the 1972 version)