Wingman

Should the meat be washed before cooking?

Sounds like that would go lovely with a nice Shiraz!!

Hi all Pretty new to pigeon shooting been out a few times but not taken any home myself to eat. I have been reading a lot of info about debreasting etc but wondered what I should look out on a bird I plan to eat. I think I get the idea of meat damage by pellets but can anyone give some pointers on what I should check before I decide to eat them myself? Cheers

Always shoot no. 8s out of my gun choked 1/4 in both barrels no problems with anything on a sporting layout I have come across. Used 21g and 28.

Nope vince doesn't appear to have. Why?

Kingswood gun club if you can get them to respond to email!! I am just down the road from you near wendover and haven't found much round here apart from Valley View.

So true! I shoot really well with my Uguratecha SxS and it cost me around 100 quid. Its not pretty by any stretch, and very plain and has dings and scratches acquired over its 53 years of life. It does however feel wonderful and certainly seems more satisfying to shoot than my other main clay gun a Winchester Select Sporter 2 which I also love. I have shot with Krieghoffs, Blaser's and even a Purdey over the years and did I shoot any better with these "elite" guns... Not really! So for me I would rather have half a dozen different and interesting guns in my cabinet than one mega expensive one! Each to their own I guess!

I made some... Acetone (from a hair and beauty supplier) ATF Dexron III type from Halfords White Spirit Petrol (as I had some already) My ratios were as follows ATF 40% Acetone 30% White Spirit 20% Petrol 10% I added a fair bit of acetone as its the main ingredient that provides solvent abilities. The ATF has a petroleum oil base so I dont think the parrafin or kerosene would add an awful lot anyway. Lanolin is a great idea as the acetone content will degrease very well so a good residual lube is needed to avoid rust... The mix above seems to be very effective at removing fouling although it stinks so use is a well ventilated area.. And avoid lighting a fag when your using it!!!

Get some training before you even think about buying a gun. The basic knowledge and understanding will save you making expensive mistakes or worse having an accident. Great advice about learning from someone else with greatest of respect your questions suggest you need someone to take your through the basics especially safety related.

Definitely air rifle unless you fancy a visit by the armed response vehicle if you're in any town but especially London. High likelihood of losing your ticket as well if this happens.

3inch

Yes pistol grip and a semi beaver tail forend.

Thanks guys

No this is a double trigger, case hardened action 28 inch tubes, choked 3/4 and full. Its got a prince of wales stock and a broad semi beavertail fore end. Quite a heavy beast, seems it was maybe a wildfowling gun? Not convinced its worth the price tag although it is in great nick..

Hi All Popped down to my local RFD today and as always had a look around at the guns they had. I spotted a mint 12G AYA Matador that was brought in as a part ex, it really is absolutely perfect condition wise, apparently seeing very little use the case hardening looked brand new! I am tempted as an addition to my SxS collection but dont know much about them. It seemed a bit heavy for a game gun but was really solidly made and very tight for its age clearly seen hardly any use. Its up near the 300.00 mark but there's some negotiation room in that... Can any PW members enlighten me with their opinions on these guns good or bad?

Good to meet you Jason, I am not too far from you (near Wendover) Enjoy PW mate, loads if great info here!

When I met my girlfriend (who later became my wife) i had my FAC and had various full bore and gallery rifles in the house (Parker Hale M85, Olympic Arms AR15 and a Blaser LRS2). Early on in our relationship I explained that shooting was "my" sport and was very careful to reinforce that the guns were merely "tools" of the trade to enjoy the sport, they served no other purpose. I certainly didnt bring them down and play with them etc, and she became used to them being in the house. I ended up taking her to Bisley a few times and got her shooting the LRS2 on Century, she enjoyed the experience especially getting on target and the opportunity to meet for herself the type of people that also enjoyed the sport. I sold up and surrendered my FAC when we had our first child but this was mainly as the room I used as my reloading workshop became the nursery and to free up the several thousand pounds of cash tied up in the rifles for our new arrival. I have just got back into shooting and although I dont have an FAC (have no need or interest anymore) I am an SGC holder and have my guns in the house. I think its important to explain the context of the sport and as others have said try and get her involved if you can. We have both been involved in country pursuits and this is just another example of that so I think avoiding to focus on the actual tool involved and concentrate on the sport itself is important. I also made some self imposed guidelines that have helped, I dont hold any cartridges only purchasing what I need for each shoot. If I go rough shooting then my friend has access to carts so there is no need for me to have any in the house. I also clean my guns in my garage workshop so exposure by the kids is limited, however we dont actually make an issue of it or actually stopping them as that just reinforces the view that the guns are bad or in some way "naughty" There are some that seem to blur these lines a little which could to uninitiated be viewed as the "American" attitude to guns. For example why the hell does someone need a tactical type shotgun for pigeon shooting there is no valid reason that I can see why its any better than a normal pump or semi... Just my view though! Good luck I know it can be a tough one but a little give and take should do the trick!

I actually ended up buying a litre bottle of pure acetone from my local hair salon supplier, only 4.99. I am planning to mix up some Ed's Red with acetone included and see how that works. Seems like a fun thing to do and if it works could save a bit of cash on over the counter cleaning juices!

On the subject of bodge ups have you seen the lengths some American shooters go to have smooth shiny bores on their guns? Now I like to keep my guns clean but reading some US forums is surprising. Panscourers, brillo pads, brake disc honing stones and all manner of weird chemical concoctions seem to be the norm over the pond. All connected to power tools!!! I gave up after using a bit of boiling water and fairy liquid.

Hi All Getting back into shooting after a few years off, and really want to get back into rough shooting. I did a fair bit years ago but nothing of late and would love an opportunity to get another chance. I would consider myself very experienced with a gun but a bit rusty in terms of walk up / pigeon shooting etc so would appreciate learning or shadowing someone with the skill and experience to learn from. I am near ayelsbury but happy to travel (have 4x4 and equipment) so if anyone can help out I would love to hear from you! Cheers Paul - Wingman Actually just realised I may have posted this in the wrong area - sorry moderators!!

Not had any direct experience with the SX3 but I do own a Winchester Select sporter. I have nothing but positive comments on the build quality, handling and reliability of the Winchester overall it beats the Beretta's I have owned previously hands down (IMHO). I would hope this is consistent across the range and if I were buying an auto the SX3 would be top of my list!!

You don't want your Mrs finding out you been messing with your weapon in the bath!

I am going to try this tomorrow, and will be very interested in the results, I have a fair amount of what I think is lead fouling in the left barrel on my SxS. it looks like dull streaking at the muzzle end of the barrel extending to about 6 inches down the bore rest of the bore is pretty much perfect. I have tried many things to shift it, including a tornado brush, fine wire wool on a jag, soaking overnight in WD40, Ed's Red and Bisley Bore Cleaner, Brasso wadding on a jag. I have also used the traditional bronze brush with a large dose of elbow grease until my arm was aching, my wife was wondering what I was doing the garage when I complained my right arm hurt the following morning! Its better but still there.... The gun is over 50 years old, according to my interpretation of the date stamps on the barrel stamped I1 made in 1963 i think. and the right hand bore is almost mirror smooth overall the gun is in tremendous condition for its age and actually shoots very well. So after my last attempts at cleaning I put her back in the cabinet and decided to leave it alone, after all when I am 53 I would expect to have a few blemishes!! Cant see any harm though in trying the boiling water trick but otherwise I'll just get on and shoot the damn thing and worry about it when it stops working properly! It is after all my knock about gun and cost me very little.

Nightforce rifle scope on my .308 target rifle. Started fogging after 6 months due to gasket failure had an absolute nightmare getting it exchanged. Sold it immediately and only used Schmidt & Bender or Leupold after that...

No I haven't tried yet had another go with the WD40 and tornado brush got some more out, was going to try a bit more elbow grease... Or should I just take the plunge as they say??