Boogie

Welcome

I applied in early January alongside my shotgun renewal which is due to expire next week. I recieved a 2 month extension on the shotgun certificate a couple of days ago. So assuming they grant me a FAC (yes I know what they say about assumptions...) running coterminous then this should happen by the start of May - unless the grant a further extension...

Jimmyvonk - yes we must be, I am guessing it's a big pile.

My shotgun certificate is due to expire in early March. I recently applied for a renewal with Fire Arm Certificate application to run co-terminus. Knowing there are pretty long lead times for both applications and renewals I should have sent the forms off back in October or November, however due to 'being busy' I only sent them off in early January. So I was getting a little anxious that my shotgun licence would not be renewed in time. Yesterday I recieved a letter from Essex Police including a temporary permit under Section 7 of the Firearms Act granting a 2 month extension. So no need to phone or write to them, or to transfer my guns to a friends licence. I appreciate that they may be struggling to keep up with demand and that there are therefore delays in granting and renewing licences for lots of us, but I think the proactive approach they have shown by sending this extension without me even asking deserves praise. Thank you Essex Police.

That looks like some seriously good fun. I shot my first wild boar in Alsace 3 weeks ago - can't wait to go back. Sadly I will need to wait until next winter before I have another go.

Maggie for me

Sorry for the tardy response EMcC and Londonercsecse, I go with a friend from Belgium who has gone for years - they rent the shooting directly from the farmers in the parish, it's mostly forest with some small fields between the woods, not sure how many acres, I am guessing over 750, they do 4 or 5 drives of up to 2 hours each over 2 days. Beautiful countryside. There are about 20 rifles. I heard that they got 9 boar, 6 roe and 1 red over 2 days this December, similar to my trip last year. It's 250 euro for the hunting plus another 40 euro per day for the lunch and drinks, so 330 euro plus some cheap but good accommodation. Compared to 2 days driven pheasants its v cheap, even after travel.The downside is you might not get a shot, but if you do you will never forget it... It's cheap probably because it's DIY, I don't know how it compares with other opportunities in France - my French is not very good, "Sanglier" is about it really. Unfortunately my friend does not offer this on a commercial basis, I will take my camera and try to take some pictures to share with you, need one of those gopros to do it justice but that's beyond me.

I am off to Alsace in France for 2 days driven boar, roe and red deer. I went last year for the first time. Saw plenty of boar but didn't get a shot, I did get a roe. It was very very exciting - hearing the dogs in the forest, shots in the distance, the sound of hooves approaching... Roll on Saturday! Also very good value.

Me too, great gun. First time out I shot the best I have done for years. Why sell?

Thanks for posting this, very enjoyable.

Yes I need to try one first, I have never tried a Miroku / Browning so probably should try these also. I used to have a Silver Pigeon 2 but stupidly sold it - 'twas a nice gun...

I have owned half a dozen shotguns over the years but I have never bought a brand new one, however I am now considering buying a new Beretta 690 Game shotgun. Does anybody have one? If so what's your opinion - good or bad. Many Thanks.

Thanks for the replies everyone - very helpful. Some thinking to do.

I have a Silver Pigeon 20 bore for my son aged 12, lovely gun but the cheek piece is too low for him, Can anyone give me an idea of the cost of fitting an adjustable cheek piece and advice on who can do the job. I am based near Saffron Walden in North Essex. Many Thanks.

I have one too. I was brought up believing over and under's were not the done thing never mind a semi auto, but I love it for pigeons, it puts a smile on my face - the AYA gets left in the cabinet.