steved

It is a 400e. I know this as i have one for sale, it has the same engraving. See pictures in link below. It was identified by Aya as a 400e. I emailed them the serial number when I bought mine as I did not know anything about the gun. Aya told me the model and year of manufacture but that is all they could tell me. https://www.gunwatch.co.uk/guns/17320-AYA-400E-for-sale

Also, I remeasured the LOP last night, the above is incorrect. Measurements are Front trigger 14 3/4" Back Trigger 13 3/4" Not much in it. The stock hasn't been adjusted in anyway so is the length as it was when new.

REDUCED to £200.

how much for the mauser?

Ok i see. I haven't got any magnets etc yet trying to build up kit slowly. Interesting note about the numbers. If i'm lucky enough to hit more than 25 i'll start to bring them in. Freezer space is at a premium at my gaff and im not too sure that mrs steve will be too happy if i replace next weeks tikka massala with dead pigeons. Will replace decoys in the field now though. Cheers steve

Thanks for all the comments. I'll sort a priest. I have a habit of loosing them when im fishing so i'll try to get the knack of the swing as well. Ta.

is there any merit in leaving the decoys out mixed with birds? I'm new to this and just thought that having as many out as possible would help to make a fuller pattern? My decoys are on a spring and give a bit of movement dead'uns are still. Is it safe to say that dead birds are a better decoy?

Was out the other day for my first time. Managed to get some birds coming into my patern. great to see them coming in really satisfying. However my shooting was awful, missed so many. Pigeons are really hard to hit. Top marks to anyone who can achive a decent ratio. To my main point, i didnt get a clean kill on one bird, poor sod was flapping about so i went over to it to finish the job. All the books i have read seemed to make this sound easy. 'hold by head flick the wrist break neck' job done. Not so easy i found. Made a right pigs ear of it feathers everywhere and took far too long for my liking. Any advice for doing this better next time (as my shooting is unlikely to improve). Or any other Methods for doing this quick and clean? Cheers.

I am also reading the same book. And have just bought my first dozen decoys. Thought the same as you. I went to my local art shop and bought a tin of white matt spray paint (about 3 quid) and gave them a quick blast on the wings only. The spray is a bit more even and wont blob like smig's erection fluid? Having said that, I tried them out (and blanked) am now of the opinion that you need to be in the right place first the rest will follow regardless of how prominent the bars are. As John B's book emphasises, field craft first. Thats my 10 pence worth anyway. Have you (or anyone else for that matter) noticed any difference if you have given them the tipex treatment? Steve

Had a reccie on some land yesterday and looks like there is a flight line over the fields. But the fields available for shooting are all grass/fallow, no crop stubble etc. This will be my first attempt at decoying. Will they come into grass fields? (assuming i can get it right) is it worth it? There is a small copse where i am hoping to set a hide. Any tips? Cheers Steve

Yep I'll second the above. Good to meet everyone. Enjoyed the shoot, free barbie was a nice touch. Looking forward to the next one. See you all again soon. Steve

Cheers for the replies gents. Plenty to think about. Think i might cough up the extra while i'm getting into it and take a view on it after a couple of years. BASC certainly has the public presence that people have heard of which could be useful when knocking on farmers doors for permission. Ta Steve

I guess you'll all read this so in place of doing PM's......See everyone there about 9.30.

Sounds like a plan hatching here lads? Don't really know how to play this but i will be at headley this saturday (26th) anyway. Would be good if everyone can make it. Give me a shout if you're all up for it and i'll PM everyone and try -my best- to sort it out. Cheers Steve Bootneck; where in essex is your bro's permission? i grew up just outside of chelmsford.

Hello bootneck and field & clay a few more from around our neck of the woods than i thought. Yeah if anyone fancies a sat/sun morning out let me know, I'm up for it. I couldn't hit a dustbin lid at the moment so the practice would be welcome. Steve