Gordon R

As every day passes, Starmer sinks ever lower in my view.

When Zelensky went ballistic at the American envoy, I don't recall much of an outcry and condemnation. Trump and Vance did not shout and scream at Zelensky. Total double standards. Vitali Klitschko would be better for Ukraine in my book. He believes in Parliamentary democracy, whereas Zelensky merely ignores his own Parliament.

Despite Joe Biden and the west antagonising Russia, I am less than convinced about Putin's altruistic motives. Just an opportunist thug. It makes me smile that anyone thinks Zelensky is a great leader. When peace does come and it will - don't be surprised if Zelensky leaves Ukraine for foreign parts, with a chunk of money or gets arrested for embezzlement.

If Zelensky doesn't know where the missing billions are, just who is running Ukraine? He has sacked generals for embezzlement and fought his election campaign on anti-corruption. It doesn't seem to have got any better - perhaps worse. Zelensky doesn't treat people well, but expects the red carpet himself. No time for him at all. It's the same double standards - Starmer complains about being sidelined by the USA and then invites a selection of leaders to his conference. Those left out complain they are being sidelined. I repeat, innocent civilians and indeed soldiers are being killed whilst this shower jockey for position.

janner - there are other sources, if you are interested in the truth. Then again, you might be one of the credulous who thinks Zelensky is a good leader. In the last three years:- Trump has won a landslide, but shown bullying tendencies. He has also got Europe to look at their own contributions - or lack of them. Biden - nothing short of a disgrace. Starmer - sidelined by Trump, but now thrusting himself into the limelight - hosting conferences, mediating - all to appear relevant. Zelensky - where are the missing billions he can't account for. Mmmmmmm. Putin - a disgraceful opportunist who took advantage of Biden's weakness. Ordinary people have died on both sides, but this little lot are untouched by it.

Furious Zelensky 'screamed at Trump's envoy for trying to make him sign $500billion mineral deal - and was so loud he could be heard through the door and left US treasury secretary shaking' | Daily Mail Online Zelensky dishes it out, but can't take it. It doesn't make Trump right, but neither is Zelensky.

I find it odd that NoBodyImportant is referred to as "comrade", inferring he is a communist at heart, when all he has done is present the other side of the argument. Not as Putin might present the case, but as ordinary Americans might see it. No need to get insulting. Since NoBodyImportant has joined the Forum, I have found his contributions to be sensible, logical and straightforward.

McSpredder - a very fair point.

You might want to revise that.

Mike - hope you are well. Just Googled your post from many years ago.

Mate has a Blaser 12 gauge F3 - one of the early ones, as serial number on barrels is NR: F/0004**. However, he can't find any numbers on the action. Anyone have any idea where it might be located. I always understood that the action, rather than the barrel was the one which had to have a serial number.

Konor - I admire your persistence. I have never come across anyone who evades any question, but merely posts so many links, few, if any, which are relevant or conclusive. It seems like a rather childish game, whereby no direct answer is ever given, but questions are posed, links pasted or phone calls offered. Questions are asked about BASC membership, whether posters have contacted their MPs or what shows they attend. None of which are relevant, just merely batting the ball back over the net. I wonder if the hierarchy at BASC have read the diatribes and wonder if they support them. It seems very unprofessional and doesn't portray them in a good light. Numerous posters on here have ridiculed the lack of engagement, but it continues. I have no idea why.

Westley - made me smile. 🙂

Konor - your post was in answer to this an anecdote, which you cited. I did not see it originally as I have blocked the BASC person's posts. I found this as a bit of a quantum leap in logic. Did the pintail pair die from a shot, aimed at a jackdaw or did the pintail pair ingest some of the lead and perished rather rapidly? Is there any evidence that it was lead shot, as after all that is what the thread is about. It is hearsay and hardly substantiated. I have to admit the "pintail pair" is right up there with "wee chicks". 🙂

Rewulf - I wasn't really quoting you. I was quoting someone who once made an impassioned plea on behalf of the "wee chicks". We are both aware of who posted the immortal "wee chicks". I worded my last post clumsily. When I read the original (not yours) posting, I felt slightly sick and reached for my special bucket. Even now - weeks / months later, it still makes me laugh.

Rewulf - have you ever said anything truly daft and regretted it? The above is a classic. Emotive rubbish which devalued anything following. 🙂

The Police won't be issuing a new cert to a deceased person.

I was considering getting an XF Jaguar recently, but was put off by the timing chain problem - same engine as the Evoque.

It's embarrassing. Don't answer a question, but pose a few. Amateurish. The thread showcases a masterclass in avoidance. I do wonder if BASC are fully aware of just how badly they come out of this.

A class actor from the French Connection, Bonny and Clyde, Bite the bullet, through to Unforgiven.

Konor - your summary of the sad situation, that BASC have created, makes unpleasant reading. That said, I can think of very, very few who would disagree.

I can't think who you mean. 🙂

If this carries on, I suspect the offer of a phone call will be mooted - yet again. 🙂

Got to agree with Scully. Nearly bought a Gamba Daytona in 2012 and regretted it since. I chose a Salvinelli Monaco, which I still have - still tight after many thousands of shells - but keep looking for a Gamba.

The continued use of generalities and complete lack of statistics makes BASC or their representative look a bit silly. I could state that many shoots are going back to lead, or game dealers are indifferent as to how game was shot. Who could argue, without any evidence? As for engaging with the shooting community - it did make me smile.