TheBlindHarper

Don't forget the lovely Lebel, with its oh-so-modern tube magazine! A beautiful rifle nonetheless. Okay, I think I'll go for the Norica. I've got an option for a half-choke or a three-quarters. For rabbits and pigeons up to 30 / 35 yards (Granted that it patterns well enough when I run it over some boards) would you say go for the half or 3/4? I think I'm leaning towards the Norica now, thank you.

Okay, thanks mate that's good to hear. Aye I have seen them online in auctions, look very similar to the Norica's to be fair, though I guess with those sort of utilitarian guns, basic is best.

It's one of my favourite folk songs. Andy Irvine does a great rendition!

Thanks. Reading what's been said, I've given up on the 2.5" chambers, going for a 3" definitely. It's a shame, as the little Weobley & Scott's are classic little guns, and very pretty in the right light too, but oh well, ensuring a clean kill comes above aesthetics, always. Thanks for that, I am starting to consider the AYA a bit more, but still trying to gather as much information as possible. Yes, I'm sold on the 3" chamber now, seems to be the way. Never actually been on the guns myself, I've beaten a few times with my uncle when I was 10 / 11 but that's about it. I do sometimes feel like giving it a go but I honestly don't know where I'd begin. I sell farm machinery for a living but I'm not really "in" with those sorts of crowds

I've got one available which I'm possibly thinking about purchasing; only trouble is I can't find a single write-up regarding their quality! If you've used one or own one, fancy letting me know how they fair? Thank you

Thanks for all that mate. I'm only looking at a bolt gun purely because I like the look of them, though a 28" & 3" AYA Cosmos is a possible purchase depending on what people are saying. I've written off the Weobley & Scott and the Lepco due to their chamber size, just looking at the Norica or a "Manu arms" bolt gun, both have 25.5" barrels with 3" chambers. All they are going to be used for is rabbits and pigeon, nothing fancy. The Norica is a 25.5" barrel with half-choke Manu, 25.5" with full choke AYA, 28", doesn't mention choke. Will that extra 2.5" on the AYA make that major a difference in pattern density? I've put plenty of cartridges through mine and my fathers guns, but I've never shot a great variety of guns, no really experimented with cartridges, nor paid heed to chokes, so while I've been doing this for a bit I'm not that clued-up on the technical side. Sorry to sound ignorant.

What would you say is the far end of its usable range? Have you ever came across a French "Manu arms" bolt .410? As that is my other option for a 3" gun.

It's a real shame to hear you say that, haha! I was looking at the Lepco preferably (The first image), but now you say that, the only 3" guns he has are this Norica and a French "Manu" - I'm sure they do the job perfectly, just aesthetically a bit more drawn to the Lepco. @TIGHTCHOKE & @ratass thanks for the information.

New user here. I've been shooting shotguns for a couple of years on my father's license and now have my own. I've got a 20 and a 12 bore, both great fun, the 20 is a single-barrel break and the 12 is a sxs. I've been wanting to get myself a small bolt-action .410 for walking the field and popping pigeon and rabbit for my supper, but I'm not too knowledgeable on them. Obviously, with the lesser amount of pellets, the killing range is a bit stunted with a .410. What I want to know is: What are the furthest animals possible with a .410? I seem to have heard and read 30 / 35 yards, what would you all think? Will a 25.25-inch barrel and a 2.5" chamber be capable of taking 30 / 35 yard creatures. or would I NEED a big long 30" barrel 3" chamber gun? If you have experience with a Lepco, Norica, Manu Arms, Weobley & Scott bolt action .410 please let me know how it is. I'm eyeing up the Lepco, as it's a very understated but very pretty little gun. Also, for you reloaders, how much on average do you think you save making your own cartridges? What would I need to get started? Thanks guys.