Fellside

I was quoted £50 for RFD transfer. So we’ve established that the cost (so far) ranges from £25 to £50 with £37.50 being in the middle. I would say that £45 isn’t hugely over the top….. and greatly cheaper than burning time and fuel on the road. There’s my two penneth ….. if it’s any use.

In direct answer to the OP - no I haven’t tried those loads. However two regular shooting pals have converted to steel in 20 bore (one using Eley, the other Express) and report not noticing any difference from lead. I have witnessed them killing some decent high stuff. I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

Merry Christmas Conor 🎄

I think you may have quoted me out of context harkom. I was never in favour of silencing any debate, but moreover having a better standard of debate, which shows us in a better light. My suggestion was to engage in the more heated stuff privately. I agree with you that a ‘frank and open discussion’ re members views is always beneficial.

OK Rewulf, I appreciate the points you make. Happy hunting and have a great Christmas.

You’re correct in that it’s a minority - however some of this minority have considerable influence and following. Ask yourself the question: will they be pleased with this infighting debacle (and make the most of it) or pretend not to notice? The Pigeon Watch moderators appear not to guard reputational interest. A few thousand more views on a hot topic will increase add revenue. That’s just a platform reality these days. However we could all do a better job in having these discussions more privately. Or just agree to disagree more respectfully. Alright…alright…. I may have gone too far there in my last sentence….. 🙂.

Its hard to stop and look around if you’re still in the heat of the argument. Also, everyone in the brawl always says it’s the other chap’s fault. Still not a great look for those witnessing however. I’m not honestly sure what percentages of non shooting onlookers we have and I don’t know of any empirical data re their opinions. I only know that they do look in - probably more than we imagine.

Come out of the internet ‘rabbit hole’ and take a helicopter view of the whole landscape. How does this debacle look to others?

I can understand the level of angst (I really can), but it’s just getting dreadfully ugly I’m afraid. If there is to be virtually no moderation, descending in to the online equivalent of a pub brawl, is not a good look for shooting. Who hit first or got their pint knocked over becomes entirely irrelevant.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions of course - and if members on PW hold official statements to question then so be it. I have had my say on this matter and others many times. However the tone and language being used on this occasion does not platform the shooting community or especially PW in a favourable way. It is this kind of ‘behaviour’ (not the points being made) which needs to be moderated - and urgently.

This is a disgraceful mess. Everyone who shoots in Wales should apply to NRW for individual magpie licences. Who hasn’t got a red lister knocking about? We all have let’s face it. Then it’s a simple matter of renewing annually once granted.

You could also try joining a good wildfowling club. Often a member of the club will show you the ropes - especially re safety and tides etc. They will usually want you to have some gun handling experience first however. This is best achieved by getting some clay lessons. To be honest, you wouldn’t hit much without some practice anyway. The most vital prerequisite of course is that you are granted a shotgun certificate. Good luck!

Enjoy!!

Another vote for Yildiz here. Ive had a Yildiz 410 for a couple of years. It’s had a few thousand cartridges through it - and similar for the previous owner. Still going strong. They benefit from a good clean inside the action periodically - but there again so do most guns.

🤣😆 👍 Wise words.

Steaming the wood and refinishing is fairly straight forward. It would have to be for me to get results - as I’m certainly no gun smith. You have to give it plenty of heat, but make sure the cloth doesn’t get dry. A touch of wire wool and a good stock oil - that’s it.

You could look at it this way. Whatever the cost of a new barrel set, it will be an absolute bargain, because your current barrel didn’t blow up. I know someone who wasn’t so lucky.

…… and something that will hold value.

Yes - the dreaded backlogs….!! Great to be contemplating your first shotgun though. Exciting times. You could always get some lessons in the mean time and try a few different coaching guns.

For that budget you’ll easily get started. Most experienced folk would usually recommend a better quality second hand gun. Speak to a few trusted gun smiths (who have seen it all) - as distinct from out and out gun sellers. At £600 you’re almost in to second hand Miroku territory. They have an excellent reputation. Plenty around. As you’re likely to move on to other guns in the future - a good resale value is also important.

You’ll get answers from people who have had problems and don’t like them - equally problem free use and thumbs up. When I was choosing a youth 410 it was basically Kofs or Yildiz. I looked at both types being used and abused at shooting schools. Long story short - I bought the Yildiz. A few shekels more but worth it. As per other recent thread, they need a deep clean (action and all) from time to time. If looked after they seem to perform well. On a completely separate note, you might also wish to consider a used Lanber, Lincoln, Bettinsoli or similar. These tend to be affordable/reliable and simple to repair if parts wear out. Good luck and welcome to the world of shotgunning.

I have picked this up late - but here’s my experience for what it’s worth. I have had the exact same problem with a Yildiz 410 and it was very straightforward to resolve. The second trigger pull relies on a falling block which is gravity operated - so no spring return. This can get ‘gummed up’ (technical term…🙂). Sometimes the manufacturing grease etc doesn’t help either. Just take out the but pad screws then use an extended 10mm socket to remove the stock bolt. Carefully tease off the stock. Give the action parts a damned good clean. Make sure not to leave excess oil in there - wipe on then wipe off. Put it all back together and it should (🤞) work fine. Most people think there’s a fault but usually there isn’t. The workings inside the action are simple and all the better for it, however they need to be kept clean.

Another vote for Grisport boots here. I don’t have the keeper ones - mine are essentially walking boots. I’ve given them a serious battering over the last couple of years and they’ve held up well.

I have at times seen large flocks of wood pigeons flying over the hills in Northern England and the borders - one after another. All flying in the same direction. They were far from any suitable feeding and seemed intent on some distant other place. Once on hilly ground I shot a couple that were just low enough. Most though were a very long way up - well out of shot. My guess is that these birds were migratory.

I would agree with the above. The challenge you have, is that a little single barrel 410 is light enough for a ‘littley’ to handle, but recoil is unpleasant (for them at least). A double barreled 410 is weighty enough to soak up the recoil but is awkwardly heavy for them. If their arms get tired in a few seconds it’s no good. So there is you’re catch 22. It’s great that she’s showing interest, but there may be a couple of years to wait yet for shotgunning. Don’t worry, an air rifle on a bench will be marvelous fun for your daughter - and dad of course! P.S In addition to balloons try milk cartons filled with water. They seem to enjoy watching the water spirting out.