r620521

There are plenty. You could try Ed at Nuthampstead shooting ground, Jim Riley at DGVM, the Euston Estate or Anglia Sporting (a bit too expensive for me). I have stalked at Nuthampstead and had a great time and I in the process of book with Jim Riley who seems to be a top bloke and well regarded by other stalkers. Gary

I have spoken to one club about this and it appears that the rule was based on a committee decision and that some members of the committee had reservations about using Firearms. I for one don't see the use of firearms to be more dangerous as FAC holders are generally more experienced than many air rifle shooters and have had to proof experience and competency in order to be granted their FAC (I now that his is a generalisation and there are many highly experienced, safe and competent air gunners out there!). Obviously a rimfire rifle has a greater range and more energy but a rifle shooter will not shoot without a suitable backstop. I accept that ricochets are a risk (hence why I also use a HMR on certain areas of my current permission) but again a rifle shooter will recognise this and minimise the risk and only take a shot when the risk from a ricochet is minimal. I was just interested in understanding why clubs like these will not allow the use of firearms which to me seems counter productive to their objective of controlling vermin.

I will soon be losing my main shooting permission due to a change in job as the permission was linked to my work. So I have been looking at joining a local shooting organisation that for a yearly fee will allow me to shoot vermin over the club permissions. There are at least three such organisations serving my area but all three only allow the use of shotguns or air rifles, not rimfires. Why is this? Are the land owners placing this restriction on clubs or is it for insurance purposes? Or even worse is there a perception that allowing FAC holders onto an area with rimfire is more risky/dangerous? As a keen rimfire shooter as well and game shooter, I am reluctant to join an organisation that does not permit the use of firearms and in my experience rimfire rifles are the most effective tool for vermin control and so I don't understand they are banned in these clubs.

This will also be going onto a .308 Howa. Having read about the ballistic Plex, the sub-divisions seem to be pretty close to a 150grain .308 at and 200 and 300 yards. Well at least within a couple of inches which should be close enough for stalking I guess.

I have to submit a 141 variation on my FAC and I have been told it shouldn't take more than a week with Cambs. Fingers crossed.......

I have been looking for cheap yet decent S/H scope for a stalking rifle and I have seen some used Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40s going for £100-£125. Has anyone had one of these scopes and if so what are you thoughts? Also is worth trying to get a BDC reticle rather than a Plex? It will be mounted on a .308. Thanks in advance, Gary

I was looking at getting an A-bolt as I like the feel of my mate's A-Bolt 2 however I ended up buying a new Howa for £425 including rails and hard case which was a bargain I just couldn't pass up.

This weekend I will be viewing a Ruger 10/22 being sold by a RFD. The dealer doesn't know how many rounds have gone through it. Can anyone give me any tips on what to look for in order to gauge its condition and ensure I am buying a decent rifle with lots of life left in it? Thanks in advance, Gary

Thanks guys. I emailed Jim a week go but no reply so I am now looking for someone else in the area. Any other recommendations are welcomed.

Hi guys, Can anyone recommend anywhere near Cambridge for stalking at reasonable prices? I am new to stalking with a DSC1 booked for March and I am looking to gain some knowledge and experience. Thanks in advance, Gary

Can the carcasses be taken or bought at dealer rates?

Stuart, are you still looking for someone to shoot with? I have .22LR and .17HMR (Open) and .308. I live in Waterbeach so very close. Gary