ATAfan

Hi Dave, I've seen this a bit late but like the rest of the guys happy to pop down if there are future dates. I'm insured, regularly around Medway and often available during the weekdays. Cheers.

Hi all, I'm trying my luck with this post but would really welcome the opportunity to go out with someone experienced and try some pigeon shooting. Happy to travel into Cambridge, Essex or Kent. I hold BASC insurance and a SGC. If you think you might be able to offer me an opportunity to come out with you then please drop me a message. Cheers

Hello Steve. Good to see another newcomer! I'm on the London-Essex commuter belt.

I'm booked for later this month. @plank06 How did it go?

Very interesting comments all and thanks for your contributions. Based on the numbers I ran last week I reached the conclusion that it was uneconomical to do for 20g cartridges unless you: 1. Buy powder in bulk 2. Make your own shot 3. Reload a large number of cartridges There are small savings that can be made if you've got a good and ideally local supplier for the components. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a worthwhile saving (using the supplier info I had to hand) but regardless it is a fascinating subject and merits doing as a hobby in its own right. @hawkeye you guys seem to be an exception to the rule and hit a goldmine. Look forward to a dummy's guide/recipe!

Firstly, Happy Christmas all! Until this weekend I had no idea that 'reloading' was even a thing. Since discovering reloading I've been looking at videos on youtube of the process and wondering whether it could save me money. Some questions: 1.) Is an explosives certificate required and if so how do you complete the form? 'Aquire' only or 'Aquire and keep'. And which powder do you specify? 2.) How economical is it to reload 20g cartridges (for clays)? How much does it work out to be on average? 3.) Are there any local people/clubs I can go and learn from (in or around London or Essex). I am already aware of F.E.S & and TFSA. Many thanks in advance.

I'd be interested in this as well if anyone has anything suitable. @Boghossain did you look into Dodeer's suggestion? How did it go?

Forgot to say Stuart, check out he Orion Club (http://www.gunclub.uk) in Brentwood. They're a friendly bunch. Where in Essex are you?

Thanks. @7iain7 - Couldn't agree more. @Snoozer - I'm on the look out for a reasonable second hand Browning 525, Beretta Silver Pigeon or Miroku MK38. If you come across anything interesting please let me know!

Some good news - I finally received my SGC grant from the Metropolitan Police! All in all it took two months 19 days with the certificate being posted exactly two weeks after the FEO visit. The FEO was a friendly chap. He went through my application form confirming the information I had provided. Asked these three Q's: 1) How do you handle a shotgun safely? 2) How far does shot travel? 3) What protection should you wear? He inspected my gun cabinet. Gave it a pull from the top half and bottom half. He also asked what shooting experience I had and which grounds I had visited. It was a long wait but worth it!

Welcome! Waiting for the SGC to come through too

Thanks :-) I'm from Ilford.

Hi all, I've been following this forum from the shadows but thought I'd finally register. I'm based on the London-Essex commuter belt and looking for a shooting buddy/mentor. I owned an air rifle for a couple of years now and looking to get my first shotgun after my SGC is issued. Looking forward to chatting with you all. V.