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WORTH £700!
GUNNER
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EDITORIAL
Editor Phill Price
Tel: 01189 742 501
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Chief sub-editor Rosie Barham
Editor-in-chief Terry Doe
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Art Editor Louise Walker
ADVERTISING
Air Gunner, Evolution House, 2-6
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Berkshire RG40 2EG
Group Sales Manager Dan Chart
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01189 742533 sharon.blick@archant.co.uk
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Sales Executive Jonathan Breen Learing about this incredible thermal spotter was a highlight in my month
01189 742525 jonathan.breen@archant.co.uk
I
’m always excited to learn difficulties until the game is in movie, but I assure you that
Office Manager Sharon Wells 01189 742524 something new, especially the bag. these devices are very real and
sharon.wells@archant.co.uk
when it comes to the The thermal spotter is a step I’m sure that they’ll be a part of
PUBLISHING wonderful sport of airgunning. into the future and one that our hunting future. Ed.
Commercial Director Peter Timperley This month, I’ve been doubly I found fascinating. It was
Group Content Director Vicky Mayer lucky because I’ve been the first unfortunate that my time with
Publishing Consultant Derek Barnes to test a rifle that signposts it was limited, but its ability
the future of hunting airguns, to find quarry was spectacular
SUBSCRIPTIONS the Air Arms S510R Ultimate when compared to the naked
Subscription queries Tel 01858 438840
Sporter, and also a hand-held eye, or even the best binoculars.
Overseas +44 1858 438840
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Email archantspec@subscription.co.uk sci-fi technology to the humble straight from a science-fiction EDITOR
Write to Air Gunner Subscriptions, Tower airgun hunter.
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The rifle is fascinating
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CONTENTS
JUNE 2018 - ISSUE 413

S410 COMBO
WORTH £700!
GUNNER
STOP
LOOK AND
18 PAGES OF
ESSENTIAL
SKILLS
LISTEN!
UNDERSTANDING
QUARRY-SPEAK!
23
LATEST FEATURES THIS MONTH INCLUDE ...
ULTIMATE 23 THE BIG TEST 40 PULSAR REIGNS
Phill Price goes out in persistent rain with
SPORTER!
The editor tests the classic Air Arms
S510R Ultimate Sporter - upgraded the Pulsar Helion thermal spotter and finds
for higher performance it very much fit for purpose
JUNE 2018 £4.25
37 MADE TO MEASURE 72 GLOCK THIS!
Everyone should have access to a Phill Price reviews the long-awaited Glock
HFT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS chronograph, says Gary Chillingworth, 19 - a superbly made pistol from the
and here’s the perfect example Umarex stable
03 ED’S LETTER 20 ALL ABOUT EVE 50 NICE NYCO

The editor’s on a new learning curve, with a Phill Price tries out a ‘proper’ hunting scope Phill Price tries a hunting suit from Jack
thermal hand-held spotter from Optisan - the EVE 3-12 x 56Pi -a serious Pyke. Made from a new fabric, Nyco, it’s
piece of kit hard-wearing, practical and stylish, too
07 NEWS
Events, products and all the latest from 38 AIRGUN FUN 52 COMPETITION
the world of airgunning Charlie Portlock shares the rules of another Win an Air Arms S410 combo worth £700
fun garden game, courtesy of reader, David for just £1.50 per entry. Get yours in now to
10 LETTERS Prime be in with a chance
Here’s where your opinions and
questions get an airing 43 HUNTING US STYLE 55 CHARLIE PORTLOCK
This month, Jim Chapman is rabbit-hunting Charlie tells us how to interpret the sounds
13 GURU in Texas - at risk of injury from the local of the woodland to our advantage. Keep
Which pellet is best for hunting- pointed or plant life your ears tuned in!
domehead? Our guru advises
47 BACK TO BASICS 60 NEIL PRICE
17 WORLDS 2018 Neil Price explains the safety aspects of Neil Price works his usual magic to
Gary Chillingworth with all the info from the PCP cylinder pressure, and how to take rejuvenate a ‘tired’ BSA Mercury ‘S’ for an
2018 World Championships at Kelmarsh basic precautions old friend
4 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

S410 COMBO
WORTH £700!
GUNNER
STOP
LOOK AND
18 PAGES OF
ESSENTIAL
SKILLS
LISTEN!
UNDERSTANDING
QUARRY-SPEAK!
WIN
LATEST
A FANTASTIC AIR ARMS
S410 COMBO
WORTH £700!
ULTIMATE
GUNNER
STOP
LOOK AND
18 PAGES OF
ESSENTIAL
SKILLS
LISTEN!
SPORTER!
UNDERSTANDING
QUARRY-SPEAK!
LATEST
JUNE 2018 £4.25
ULTIMATE
HFT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SPORTER!
JUNE 2018 £4.25
HFT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
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HFT? Mark Camoccio gives advice on - a powerful and innovative light source
what to look for from Nightmaster

IN THE NEWS
For the very latest news visit us at
GO TO THE SHOW!
H
ere’s why you’ll really enjoy the the difference just a few expert pointers
Northern Shooting Show: can make to your shooting, and there’s no
The weekend of the 12th and 13th of shortage of help on offer at the Northern
May sees the bigger, brighter and altogether Shooting Show. These experts are genuine
better 2018 Northern Shooting Show fill enthusiasts, too, and they truly enjoy
the Yorkshire Event Centre, located just off passing on their knowledge and skills. Just
the A1, east of Harrogate. We think this ask, and you’ll get all the help you need.
show represents a fantastic day out for our 5. Your whole family will enjoy it
readers, and here are just six reasons we’re so With so much to see, do, learn and enjoy,
confident you’ll agree with us. the Northern Shooting Show provides a
1. You’ll get first go of some great new fantastic day out for all the family. There’s
products some excellent food and drink available,
Following their European launch at IWA, the indoors and out, and with fantastic quality
international trade show, many of the new exhibition halls and loads of outdoor
products will be at the Northern Shooting features to explore, it’s a great event for
Show, ready to be introduced to those who everyone!
matter most – the customers. Don’t miss this 6. It’s great value
chance to be the first to get hands on with Pre-booked tickets are just £12 per day for
the latest developments and to discuss them adults and £3 for children between 8 and 15
with manufacturers and distributors. years. Check out www.northernshootingshow.
2. You can shoot the guns you’re thinking Many shops will have special show pricing co.uk for full details. ■
of buying
Here’s your chance to shoot loads of different about everything else, you will find it at the
guns on the airgun ranges, so you can see show on one day, so you can find exactly SET THOSE SAT-NAVS!
what suits you best before you buy. There is what you want. Clear a day, then, input ‘Yorkshire Event
no substitute for handling, shouldering and 4. You’ll get free, expert coaching and Centre, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ’ to your sat-
shooting an intended purchase, especially advice nav, and prepare yourself for a superb
if you can compare it directly alongside the Take advantage of unlimited free advice day out among your kind of people!
other options. to improve your shooting. It’s amazing
3. You’ll prove that seeing’s believing
You’ll be able to handle guns from all the top manufacturers
Compare optics products and all sorts of
other accessories from the big companies in
one place on the same day. You will truly be
spoilt for choice and you can even check out
loads of night-vision products right across
the budget range. With many dealers selling
clothing, from basic kit to technical outdoor
wear, plus knives, bags, pellets, and just
The HFT Masters competition will again be running at the show

IN THE NEWS Hot new handful!
For the very latest news visit us at
Could this brand-new chronograph but it also records temperature and

from The Shooting Party be just the humidity as the readings are taken.
accessory you’ve been looking for? The BBC comes complete with charging
Weighing in at just 230 grammes, small and data download cables, plus the
enough to fit neatly into your shooting base of the unit is threaded to make
kitbag, and powered by a rechargeable it easy to mount on a tripod. We’ll be
battery pack with a USB connector, the testing it thoroughly, soon, but for
Ballistically Brilliant Chronograph, is now, contact The Shooting Party. Tel:
also handily affordable at just £119. Not 01543 480 361. Mike Hurney, mike@
only does the BBC measure velocities shootingparty.uk. Charlie Shepherd,
from 49 f.p.s., all the way to 2789, charlie@shootingparty.uk
This tiny chronograph can
be carried along to check
velocity anywhere
Bigger and smarter Military 5

The editor is always telling us that the The ever-creative chaps at Custom Targets
Excite Smart Shot copper-coated, lead BBs have just launched their Military 5 range
are his favourite for use in CO2 pistols. They that includes a tracked armoured personnel
work well in every pistol we’ve tried them carrier, a wheeled army personnel carrier,
in, and because they’re made from the same a jet plane, a small pineapple grenade and
soft lead that normal pellets are made from, a large pineapple grenade, each of which
they deform on impact with hard surfaces, has loads of reactive target zones making
greatly reducing the chance of rebounds and for 587 targets in total! It’s on sale now for
ricochets. They usually come in tins of 750 just £14.
and they’ve now become www.customtargets.co.uk
available in tubs of 1500,
making them even better Custom Targets has
value for money. just released this
Military 5 target set
Tub of 1500 RRP

£22.00
www.bisley-uk.com
All’s fair at Rivi!
Here’s a great idea for those within range of could just treat the fair as a social occasion
the Adlington Community Centre at Chorley and spend some quality time among your
in Lancashire. Why not reserve Saturday fellow airgunners. Either way, hot food and
the 11th of August and spend some happy drinks are available, and all proceeds go to
hours at the Rivington Rifle Airgun Fair, a local charity. What a great idea, and well
where all sorts of shooting kit will be on done to all at Rivi’, one of this country’s
The excellent Excite
Smart Shot pellets offer? The doors open at 9.30am and entry most highly regarded airgun clubs.
are now available in is just £3, so get along there and find Set your sat-nav to PR6 9RN and bag
tubs of 1500
yourself an airgun bargain or two. Or you yourself a fantastic day out.
Bang on Form!
If you’re in the market for a high-quality, superbly designed and
expertly appointed custom stock, there’s a company down Devon way
that could have just what you need. Form Rifle Stocks was founded
three years ago by keen shooter, Peter McGregor, when he became
frustrated at the lack of aftermarket stock options with the degree
of quality and adjustability he needed.
Peter decided to set up a company that could give discerning
shooters exactly what they needed, and if the laminated BSA R10
The Form Rifle Stocks’
stock shown here is any guide, Form Rifle Stocks is right on the version of a BSA R10 stock
incorporates an innovative
money. If you want to know the full form, contact Peter McGregor on push-button cheekpiece
01392 363109, or go to www.formriflestocks.co.uk adjustment system

WINNER!
The winner of our
April competition to
win a BSA Scorpion
Se was Matthew Shore
Kral Puncher Jumbo Kral’s latest pre-charged pneumatic
from Hove. Our latest
rifle will be in the shops soon
Range Right has just shown us their latest competition is on
Kral pre-charged pneumatic rifle, the page 52
Puncher Jumbo. It features a magazine-fed,
side-lever action with a huge 425cc buddy
bottle reservoir that allows it to produce
over 150 shots per fill in .22. The barrel has a
full-length shroud to offer noise suppression,
whilst adding to its good looks. The stock is
an ambidextrous thumb-hole design made
from high-quality Turkish walnut and it
wears a vertically adjustable butt pad
for a customised fit. It comes with two
magazines and a foam-padded, hard
shell case to protect it when you’re
on the move.
RRP £580.00
www.range-right.co.uk
High Armexpectations ... and the band stayed on!

The big news for Gunpower Stealth fans, is that Armex of Birmingham There can’t be a more simple
has taken over the distribution of the iconic brand, and the example of practical genius APEX FKS ARE SUPPLIED
collaboration is already bearing fruit. Here’s the Stealth MKII in its than the new Finders Keepers IN 3 OPTIONS:
full TACPAC guise, which includes extra Picatinny mounting rails, a from accessories wizards, ■ Pack A - Small 2 white 2
red dot sight, green laser and combat grip. Napier. These mega-handy, orange Code 8903 £5.99
■ Pack B - Large 2 white 2
Contact www.armex.co.uk and check out the products on offer. silicone bands come in two sizes orange Code 8904 £6.20
and colours and you simply ■ Pack C - 3 Large and 3 Small
The latest Gunpower Stealth slip them over items that are mixed colours Code 8905 £8.99
MKII - fully tricked out with prone to being lost in the field. For more information visit
the Armex TACPAC extras www.napieruk.com
Knives, spare magazines, mobile
phones, your bunch of keys
- you name it, the
Napier ‘FKs’ will
help you hang on
to it - in more ways than
one! Available now from your
Napier stockist.
Simply brilliant and totally
practical - from Napier

YOUR LETTERS Hello John
LEOFTTTHEE R
MONTH
Recoil resolved? I’ve seen the mount you describe at shows, and I always wonder
if they hold an accurate zero. Any device that moves will wear over
Dear Guru, time and I’ll be keen to know how yours stands up to a few years
In the may issue of Air Gunner, Paul reports a problem with scope of hard field use. Most modern scopes handle recoil without any
creep on his springer. From his description, it must have a heck problems, so I bolt them as solidly to the action as I can for peace
of a kick. Your tip of using an arrestor is a good one, but can lead of mind and have no problems. I haven’t witnessed a scope failure
to your scope being rattled to pieces. I would recommend that he caused by recoil in years now, even at the lower price points, so I
try the Diana Bullseye ZR mount as in the attached photo. I use don’t see it as the problem it used to be. Ed.
one of these on my .25 Supersport with great success and intend
to put one on my Lightening SE, which is a gas-ram and has a
solid kick. ZR stands for ‘zero recoil’ and the cradle that clamps Diana’s Bullseye mount is
designed to absorb springer
the scope is on a spring-loaded rail,which can move in both recoil in both directions
directions and so absorbs forward and backward recoil. No creep,
job done!
It’s available from Edgar Brothers through your local gun shop.
The excellent Chichester Armoury got mine in 48 hours. Whilst
not cheap at around 75 beer vouchers, they do solve the problem
entirely. There are a few video demos on YouTube so Paul can
have a look at them before buying. Loved the green beard by the
way, great for leprechaun hunting.
JOHN RYAN
Bulky bullpups
I really must take issue with the major
gunmakers, especially it appears, the
British gunmakers. I served for decades
in the army and was in when we migrated
from the old full-length battlefield rifles to
the L85A1 bullpup rifles in 5.56MM calibre.
Part of the main objective of the assorted
bullpup programs was to build shorter,
more compact, more ergonomic and also
vitally, much lighter guns.
Decades later the airgun industry
decides to catch up (finally) and assorted
bullpups arrive on the scene. ‘Yahoo’, says
I, and rushes off to peruse the new guns
– but wait – yes, they are more compact,
shorter, ergonomic, but the weight? Why
on earth are so many of the new bullpups
heavier than the full-length versions?
It is insanity, pure and simple. If some Strongly engineered bullpups often weigh more than a conventional sporter
manufacturers can produce decent,
compact bullpups under 5lbs in weight at it this way; there are plenty of smaller, reason they weigh more than a comparable
– say 6 for fairness – why am I seeing shorter, younger and female airgunners sporter is that they’re more complex, and
more and more bullpups being brought to who would love lightweight, short, full- therefore have more metal in their actions.
market over 8 or even 10lbs? Which bit power bullpups. People used to complain that bullpup triggers
about ‘lightweight’ don’t gunmakers like STEVE DAY were too flexible and lacked feel, but modern
BSA, Daystate, Hatsan and Air Arms not bullpups no longer suffer that criticism
understand? If the likes of FX and Cometa Hello Steve because of the engineering involved. As you
can produce light bullpups, why are so Whilst I accept your point about people point out, FX seems to have the knack of
many others ruining great designs with, wanting and liking lightweight rifles, I feel building them strong and light, so perhaps
to be frank, often hideous lumps of wood the manufacturers deserve some credit for that’s where you should be spending your
bolted to their superb mechanisms? Look building their bullpups substantially. The money. Ed.

The unmissable
scope
I thought Gary Chillingworth’s article on the anatomy
of a scope was great. His detail of the eight main
elements that make up a scope, and the explanation
of their functions was remarkable, but in my humble
opinion, the manufacturers have never created ‘all
things being equal’ what might be an unmissable scope.
My theory for this is as follows; a peep sight etched
into the absolute dead centre of the dioptre adjuster
to encompass the cross hairs at the zero distance. As
we all know, at present, if the marksman’s eye is not
absolutely lined up with the objective lens, parallax
error will occur, hence the need for an adjustable cheek
piece. So, when the cross hairs are minutely centred in
the peep sight, parallax error is eliminated. ‘All things
being equal’ this should create the unmissable scope.
G SIMMS
Hello
I think I understand what you’re suggesting, but my
experience of optical devices is that they’re often much
more complex than we realise. I’m not qualified to know
if your idea would work or not, so I’ll leave it to the
scope manufacturers to comment on your interesting
idea. Adding extra features always increases costs and
complexity which would need to be weighed against the
benefits.
As you rightly say, parallax error is a big cause of
misses and anything that could be done to reduce the
problem would surely sell very well, so perhaps somebody
will take your idea on. Ed.
Optical devices are often more

complex than they appear

Get in touch...
Post your letters to: Letters, Air Gunner,
Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead
Road, Wokingham, RG40 2EG
Trespasser trouble No matter how annoying they are

always be polite to trespassers
WIN
If you have a top tip,
I read in Jamie Chandler’s article people and dogs away from the path on something you’d like to
last month about the troubles in all sorts of three occasions. get off your chest, or
he has with trespassers coming places, and No matter how
on to his permission and I feel they’d often frustrating this
an interesting anecdote,
his pain. I have the very same disturb me is, I believe then why not shoot us a
issue, despite the land being while I was it’s vital to line? We print the best
fenced and having clear signs shooting. be calm and letters and emails each
telling people that the woods The polite every month and one will be
are private and that they should landowner time you
meet them
awarded a top prize. It’s
keep out. However, there’s a was keen
public footpath that crosses the to avoid because if over £60 and you could
land and people wander away upsetting you end up in a win it simply by getting
from it and just go wherever neighbours, so heated argument in touch and sharing
they like. What can I do? I was instructed they might try to your views
PAUL to ask the trespassers cause to difficulties later,
politely to return to the path and such as claiming you threatened
Hello Paul to ensure that they stay on it in them which a gun, which would
We had a similar problem with future. Most people say they will, then involve the police. Over and area and they will be caught
several public footpaths crossing but I caught the same two lady time, word gets out around that eventually. Patience has its
my main shoot. I used to find dog walkers in the woods, well trespassers have been kicked off rewards. Ed.
Long-range pistol Seeing in colour

I read your article about the Weihrauch HW44 and how good it I often see adverts for shooting glasses with different coloured
is at long range, but I don’t see the point. Lots of rifles are as lenses that claim to help you to see better. Some come with
accurate as that, so what’s the point of using a pistol? You seem many different colours and it’s said that each one works best in
to have gone to a lot of trouble and effort for no good reason. different lighting conditions, such as cloudy or bright. I’m a keen
Also, I doubt that it would have the power to kill cleanly at that airgun hunter and I’d like to know if they really work?
range, which I think would make it inhumane. SAM
ALEX
Hello Sam
Hello Alex I think these glasses are mostly intended for clay pigeon shooters
My answer is the same as the one given when people ask the point who are looking for their targets against differing skies, and in that
of climbing Everest. ‘Because it’s there!’ I enjoyed the challenge and situation I’m sure they work very well. You only have to look at the
testing this exciting gun to its limits, just because I could. As you Olympic and world championship winners to see that many choose
quite rightly say, there are plenty of rifles that could achieve this certain coloured lenses to suit the day. However, for the airgun
accuracy with little effort, but I’ve done that a thousand times. I hunter I believe that our eyes work best without any filtering. I’ve
wanted to try something new. I don’t suggest for a moment that it tried colours over the years and have always gone back to clear
could be used for hunting because I believe that a rifle will always lenses in my prescription glasses. Ed.
do a better job than a pistol in that environment, but for the sheer Coloured shooting glasses work well for clay pigeon
pleasure of hitting a target, then this great pistol delivered the shooting, but no so well for airgun hunting
thrills. Ed
Taking this pistol to the limit was all about fun

AIRGUN GURU GET IN
TOUCH
Post your letters to: Letters,
Air Gunner, 2-6 Easthampstead
Road, Wokingham, RG40 2EG
Guru tip: Taking the

time to find the very
best pellet for your
rifle is one of the
most important things
you’ll ever do
Pointed pellets look great but are out-performed by roundheads
Dear Guru in events such as hunter field target and judging distance so we need all the help we
I want to buy the best hunting pellets for field target, so the manufactuers have put can get.
my Weihrauch .22 HW80 that I got from my lots of time and energy into developing Finally, because they maintain their
dad. It’s a brilliant gun and very powerful. them to be as accurate and consistent as energy best, they hit the hardest. Striking
I hunt rabbits, feral pigeons, rats and possible. They’re made to the very highest energy isn’t as important as accuracy, but
squirrels now and then. I thought that I standards, which is one of the reasons a hard-hitting pellet is still a good thing.
should get pointed ones because they say they’re so accurate. Most airgun pellets over-penetrate, by
hunting on the tin, but I noticed that all the The next point is that they’re the most which I mean go right through our quarry,
hunters in your magazine use domeheads. efficient in maintaining their velocity, so we don’t need any more penetration.
Surely pointed ones will penetrate deeper which means they fly the flattest and are Whichever type you choose, please do
and also fly though the air faster. Concorde least affected by the wind. All pellets some serious testing to ensure that it is
had a pointed nose and that was the fastest drop as the range is extended, which has a very accurate in your gun. If possible, try
plane ever.
TERRY
“all the serious hunters I know use roundhead pellets for
Hello Terry
As you note, all the serious hunters I
a number of very good reasons”
know use roundhead pellets for a number big effect on correct shot placement, so a a number of different types until you can
of very good reasons. The most important flatter-flying pellet is a significant benefit. see which is most accurate. Next, carefully
one is that roundheads have always been The wind also has a strong effect on our zero the rifle until your pellets are landing
the most accurate in tests, and placing pellet’s flight, and ones that get to the exactly where your cross hairs are placed.
your pellet correctly is the most critical target quickly are least affected, so again Time spent getting it just right will repay
part of any hunting shot. They’re the top help us to shoot more accurately. Judging you later many times over and help you to
choice of all outdoor competition shooters the wind’s effects is even harder than to be confident.■

14 AIRGUNNER
AIRGUNNER 15
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The 2018 HFT World

Championships
Gary Chillingworth reports on a troubled but very successful event
TOUGH CHOICES
T
he World HFT Championships is
the jewel in the crown of the HFT This left us with a hard choice; do we
world and it’s certainly the title that once again reduce the event to a single
everyone wants to win. Held each year at day and shoot one course each? Or do we
the stunning Kelmarsh Hall, during the risk it and go for the two courses over
Countryman Fairs game fair, this event is two days? Then a diminutive shooter from
more than just a shoot, it’s an experience, up north, Dave Ramshead, came up with
and one in which every shooter should an idea which saved the 2018 Worlds.
compete at least once in their shooting life. ‘Let’s shoot both courses in one day,
The great thing about the ‘Worlds’ is reduce the time allowed at the peg, from
how inclusive it is. It doesn’t matter if two minutes to one minute, and have Liz Osman with the future world champion who is only 6
months along
you are a top PCP shooter or a boinger like marshals with big whips to hurry the
me; .22, Ladies, Veterans or Juniors, there shooters along.’
is a class for you, and those shooters who
take part for fun are every bit as welcome
as those who take part to win. “with a few days to go, we were
This year we managed to sell out the
360 spaces in just five weeks, and for
told that an extreme weather
the last few months, the WHFTA team
has been gathering the sponsors and
warning had been issued”
equipment needed to make this event
run smoothly, then a few weeks ago, This would mean getting 360 shooters
teams from Misfits and Bisley travelled to around two 30-shot courses in a day, in
Kelmarsh to start setting the courses. So, thick mud and also hold the raffle and Andrew Timmins was leading the springers with his LGV
with this all in place, it was going to be presentation before the sun went down.
the best Worlds ever. However, someone So, with 24 hours to go, we decided as everyone chipped in and even though this
forgot to send the memo to Mother Nature a team to go for it – without the marshals was a serious event and we were all tired
and ask her to be kind with the weather and the whips because I couldn’t source and a bit cranky by the end of the day, there
and with a few days to go, we were told them quickly enough. We asked everyone was a true Dunkirk spirit and people kept
that an extreme weather warning had to get to Kelmarsh for 6.30am, and calm and carried on. Everywhere I looked,
been issued for day two of the event – explained what we were going to do. All people were covered in mud and smiling,
Easter Monday. I can say is, the shooters were amazing; and with 30 minutes before sundown, the Ô
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final shooters left the course and headed for

the prize-giving.
TRICKY COURSES
The courses were stunning. Bravo, set by
Misfits was a delight to shoot and was
challenging due to its technicality and
abundance of range traps. Alpha was just
big, bold and a pain in the neck. With long
targets, wind and small kills, it was a good,
old-fashioned test of skill. There were also
some pipe shots where the shooter had to
look and shoot through a drainage pipe
to kill the target, but the least said about
these the better because I heard one of my
shots hit the pipe and go clanging into the
metal barrier around the target for a big fat
doughnut. I officially hate Andy Simpson
the course setter.
Events like this are a huge group effort,
but I have to give special thanks to people
like Charles Peal, Kieran Turner and, of The supported standing target 25mm at 30 yards is not for the faint-hearted
course, head honcho, Pete Sparkes, who
chose not to shoot, to be on hand to help shooting, and from what I was told, he team win.
out all day. For me, though, the person of nearly keeled over at the end because he Finally, our team of sponsors are wonderful
the day was Steve Edmonson; not only did hadn’t eaten or drunk anything all day. and extremely generous and thanks must go
he shoot and marshal whilst he shot, he Steve is one of those people who just gets to; Ian Harford and Countryman Fairs, Air
marshalled every session whilst he wasn’t on with helping and never wants praise. Arms, MTC/Brockock, BAR, BASC, Bicester
Thanks, Steve. Target, ComPair, Daystate, Derwent Rifles,
Gamo, Sureshot and Soleware and Tilly
THE WINNERS Gunstocks.
So, after a day’s shooting we had some winners The Worlds would not work without the
and our new World Champion was Mr Simon marshals, shooters, organisers and sponsors,
Vant. Simon is a great bloke, a good friend and and when we all get together as a team, events
a very worthy champion. In the other classes like this show that shooting can be a fun, safe
the winners were, Jason Lockett (.22) Theressa and friendly field-sport. If you fancy a go, next
Reed (Ladies), Gary Chillingworth (Recoiling), year we will be shooting nearer to the summer,
Ewan Pantling (Juniors), Ken Pothecary (Vets), so there’ll be less mud, as long as someone
A fat man with a boinger who shot rather well Steyr (Manufacturers) and England took the remembers to send Mother Nature the memo. ■
The England team was victorious for the 10th year Simon Vant. 2018 World HFT Champion

HR HUNTSMAN REGAL
TRADITIONAL, CLASSIC ELEGANCE
THE FINEST AIR RIFLES
www.daystate.com
RRP £899 Available From Daystate Premier Partners
zjvwlz
The EVE of SPECIFICATION

Manufacturer: Optisan
greatness
UK distributor: Elite Optical
Distribution
Web: www.eliteopticaldistribution.
co.uk
Model: EVE 3-12 x 56Pi
Reticle: German type 4, illuminated
The editor is impressed with the EVE 3-12 v 56Pi - a true dot
hunting scope from Optisan Length: 13½” (342mm)
Weight: 1.7lbs (772g)
I
t’s well known to all serious hunters that and then to funnel it into your hungry Body tube: 30mm
our quarry will be most active at the first eye. This is mounted on the now obligatory
light of day and as dusk settles into night. 30mm body tube. On its saddle we find
Parallax adjuster: Side wheel
In the evening, rabbits begin their nightly the parallax adjuster and the battery Accessories included:
search for juicy crops, and woodpigeons compartment for the illuminated reticle. Flip-up lens covers, sunshade
arrive home to their roost to digest the day’s Around this is the brightness control that extension tube
plunder. Being able to sight them clearly will offers six levels. It uses the widely available
often be the difference between game in the CR2032 coin-shaped battery, which is a
RRP £293.00
bag and going home empty-handed. It’s for great idea because even most corner shops
exactly this reason that Optisan built the 3-12 have them on the shelf.
x 56Pi, a scope that screams ‘hunter!’ in a
market saturated with target designs. LOCKED DOWN SAFELY
The most obvious part of the design is The finger-friendly windage and elevation
the immense 56mm objective lens intended adjusters live under proper screw-on metal
to drink in every last drop of available light dust-caps to ensure that no amount of wind or
This is one of my
rain will affect the scope’s weatherproofing. all-time favourite
The finger-freindly adjusters live under screw-on metal caps
These are right up my street, quick to set and reticles, the German
type 4
safely locked down under the caps thereafter.
I was concerned that this scope would be
uncomfortably heavy, but at just 772 grammes
it’s not unusually so, and is certainly one I’d
take to the fields
For a hunting scope, 3-12x is a classic
range of magnification and is wide enough
to cover everything from close-range
ratting to the longest distance that any
of us could want to snipe rabbits on open
Despite the huge objective lens it’s not an overly heavy scope
ground. I was delighted to see that a classic
German type 4 lives inside, which is one
of the greatest reticles ever designed. The
bold arms at 9, 6 and 3 o’clock naturally
draw your eye to the centre, where the finer
elements allow precise aiming even in low
light. To make it even better, there’s a tiny
centre dot that can be illuminated.
What I really wanted to know was just
how bright it was, and cutting to the chase,
it’s very bright indeed. I tested it side by
side against some of the finest scopes I
have at my disposal and it was, without
doubt, the brightest of the bunch. It was
also pin-sharp, resolving fine detail right
until darkness truly fell. Yes, it’s bulky,
and yes, it is quite expensive compared
to the average airgun scope, but boy, is it
impressive! ■

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THE BIG TEST ON THE FIRING LINE THIS MONTH:

AIR ARMS S510R ULTIMATE SPORTER
The Ultimate Ultimate?

The classic S510 action receives yet another evolution
T
his month’s big test really is something actually get their boots on and cover the development principle. A full-length barrel
special because I’m the first to be miles in their search for quarry. shroud supports one of Air Arm’s remarkably
given the chance to review the very effective Q Tec moderators, making for near
latest version of Air Arms’ superb Ultimate SUBTLE UPGRADES silent shooting, a feature all hunters love.
Sporter. The new S510R is their first sporter In their never-ending quest to improve The trigger unit is a familiar old friend,
to contain a regulator, breaking with their guns, Air Arms decided that the that’s totally reliable and can be tuned to
decades of tradition. The modern pre- simple sporting S510 stock could be suit nearly any taste, from heavy sporting
charged pneumatic air rifle is a wonder replaced with a more target-oriented and to competition-grade lightness with the
of mechanical engineering that delivers adjustable one, to extract just that bit more twist of an Allen key. I set mine up just
performance I could only have dreamed performance, and the Ultimate Sporter was right for my tastes all those years ago and
of as a young man. Incredible accuracy born. These guns are so accurate that we have never needed to adjust it since.
delivered by a recoilless action allows become the weakest link in the chain that
precision shot placement with far less effort creates a well-placed shot, so improving TESTING AND DEVELOPMENT
from me. This means more shots on target our interface with the gun is a logical step Where the S510R really differs from any
out in the real world, and this is what our toward looking for improvements. The new preceding model is that the R stands for
sport is all about. I’ve used an Air Arms stock features an adjustable height cheek ‘regulated’. This change has come about as
S410 PCP for well over 10 years and have piece and a vertically adjustable butt pad a response to demand from customers who
seen a number of derivatives come along in because these are the most important felt that adding a ‘reg’ was the next step
that time, including the lovely little S510 factors in proper gun fit. up in performance that this superb rifle
variant that’s a base model for the rifle In most respects the action is the needed. In the simplest terms, a regulator
on test. Like my own gun, the S510 offers same one we’ve known and loved for all is a device that sits between the main air
incredible accuracy straight from the box in these years, but with a few subtle rolling reservoir and the hammer. It receives a
a handy package that works for hunters who upgrades, in line with the company’s very precise charge of air from the reservoir Ô
Handsome good looks backed up with top-flight performance makes for a very attractive package

ipnG{lz{
Having a stock that fits properly makes a huge difference

and holds it ready for the shot. The volume
and pressure inside the reg’ are strictly
controlled, with the intention of reducing
any variation from shot to shot. It has a
secondary benefit of being more frugal with
the air, increasing the number of shots we
get from each fill of the reservoir. Clearly
these are welcome benefits, but they also
have a cost. For a start the rifle becomes
more complex and that naturally increases
the price. One of the great appeals of the
S410/S510 action is that it’s very simple and
adding a regulator changes that. However, I
know the people at Air Arms well and trust
completely that they would never release
any product that they had not tested
thoroughly and for a very long time. In fact,
testing and development resulted in more
than 100,000 shots being fired throughout
the different phases of the process.
From the outside you’d never know that
a regulator lived inside were it not for
two things; the first is the little ‘R’ on the
side of the action, and the second is the
notification that tells you the maximum
fill pressure of this rifle is 250bar. This
is a big increase over the usual 190bar
fill pressure of the non-regulated rifles.
One of the ways that regulated rifles get
more shots per fill is to make use of this
increase in pressure. Interestingly, the
working pressure of the regulator is 130 bar,
showing how much the mechanism steps
the pressure down. Working in conjunction
with the regulator is a new and unique
valve-seating configuration that results
The new design layout allows the pressure gauge to work as normal in improved consistency, performance and
usability. This relatively low pressure allows
the designers to use a lighter spring and
hammer so that movement and vibration are
reduced. It also makes the action easier to
cock, although it was pretty easy already.
NO TRAJECTORY CHANGE
A key target the development team was a
50% increase in the number of shots per
fill compared to the standard gun, which
was again driven by customer demand.
Because the regulator makes every shot’s
Some parts have been completely redesigned This is where the magic happens, the new Air Arms regulator
velocity the same, the ‘power curve’ that
unregulated guns display is eliminated,
meaning that your first and last shot will
be at the same velocity and therefore any
change in trajectory is gone. Now it has to
be understood that the old S510 had a very
small variation in velocity throughout any
shot string, but what we’re looking at with
the regulated rifle is the search for that last
few percentage points of improvement. This
is what the ultra-serious shooter craves,
even if the benefit is hard to appreciate out
in real-world hunting conditions.
There are some after-market regulators
on sale, but Air Arms was concerned after

ipnG{lz{
The S510 was instrumental in making side-lever actions so popular

looking at them, and set about designing
engineering solutions that eliminated
the worries. The air cylinder has been
independently tested through 12,000 cycles
and over-pressurised well in excess of the
required safety factors, so that we know
it’s as safe as can be. The configuration of
the action means that the pressure gauge
still works normally as well, which is very
important for us all.
TARGET STOCK
The stock is a complex and interesting blend
of sporter and target influences, designed
to maximise control and stability whilst
remaining practical in the hunting fields.
You could argue that a full target stock,
as seen on the Air Arms FTP900, is the
ultimate when it comes to controlling the
rifle, but in real-world hunting conditions
they’re too inflexible. Many’s the time
I’ve needed to shoot from an awkward This highly adjustable stock can transform your shooting
position, when I’ve had one foot in a ditch
with the other up a bank, using the trunk
of a tree to stabilise a steeply elevated
shot at a squirrel up high on a branch. A
conventional sporter is slender and easily
handled in these tricky situations, whereas
a true target stock is optimised for just the
few positions you find in competitions. The
Ultimate Sporter stock is relatively slim
and not too heavy, making it adaptable.
However, it offers the all-important,
adjustable height cheek piece that ensures
correct alignment for your eye behind
the scope. This guarantees that you’re
quickly onto the scope without the need to
shift your head around to get the proper
sight picture. It’s also a great help toward
reducing the dreaded parallax error that’s
the cause of so many airgun shot misses.
STANDARD SWING SWIVELS

The safety is built into the trigger blade
At the rear we find a vertically adjustable
butt pad which helps bring the rifle to the
correct height for our individual build.
Getting this dimension right stops you
using shoulder muscles to get the correct
alignment, which is just what you need.
When you’re relaxed, you’re more stable
and you fatigue less quickly. The butt pad’s
contact face is quite concave, as you’d find
on a target rifle, but not so exaggerated
that it makes mounting the rifle awkward.
Being able to bring a hunting rifle smoothly
and promptly on aim in one fluid motion
can make the difference between a kill and
being too late. It’s very important to take
the time to get each of these adjustments
just right for your individual build if you
hope to receive the full benefit of what this
rifle has to offer.
At the front of the fore end there’s a
metal track that can accept all sorts of Ô

ipnG{lz{
A Q Tec silencer comes as standard

accessories such as a laser, a torch or a
bipod, but for me, the most important
one comes fitted already. It’s a stud that’s
matched with its pair in the butt section
so that you can clip your favourite sling
straight on. All hunting guns need sling
swivels and nobody wants to drill a brand
new stock, so well done to Air Arms for
fitting them as standard.
NATURAL PROGRESSION
The pistol grip has some very large, smart
stippled panels applied to it and a shallow
‘thumb scoop’ on top for those who, like
me, shoot with a thumb-up grip. The reach
to the trigger blade is best suited to those
with big hands or long fingers. With my
medium-sized hand I could reach, but only
if I took my thumb all the way to the back
of the cocking lever. As with any gun, I
recommend handling this rifle before you
I was pleased to see a sling swivel stud in the accessory track buy to see if it fits you before parting with
your money.
My test gun was a pre-production
prototype and the very final settings had
yet to be decided upon, so the data I’ve
discussed might vary, but they’ll be very
close to the final guns you’ll see in the
shops. For me, it’s very logical to use target
shooting technology to take our hunting
guns to the next level of performance and
I applaud Air Arms for offering such a
gun. Adding a regulator is just a natural
progression of that thinking.
The S400 series action has been a
wonderful and faithful servant of the
shooting world for a very long time, and
has evolved again and again to become ever
more sophisticated. This regulated version
is surely the pinnacle of that journey … for
now. ■
SPECIFICATION
This pistol grip is best suited to bigger hands A concave butt pad helps to lock the rifle into your shoulder
Manufacturer: Air Arms

Web: www.air-arms.co.uk
Tel: 01323 845853
Model: S510R Ultimate Sporter
Type: Pre-charged pneumatic
Action: Magazine-fed, side-lever
Length: 39.75” (1010mm)
Weight: 7.1lbs (3.6kg)
Trigger: Two-stage, adjustable
Fill pressure: 250bar
RRP £1077.00

ER TO
RD
DA
O
1978 2018
40
Y
SHO
ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL OFFERS
OW
T
TO M O RR
O
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WELCOME TO THE AIRGUN CENTRE 40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIALS

WITH OVER 40 YEARS IN THE AIR RIFLES BUSINESS WE PRIDE OURSELVES IN GIVING FRIENDLY
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WHAT'S INCLUDED IN EVERY SPECIAL PACKAGE

THE CERTIFICATED RIFLE OF YOUR CHOICE - THE SLING - DEBEN SUPER SLING INCLUDING Q.D
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THE MOUNTS - HAWKE MOUNTS OR MTC CONNECT THE CASE - ITALIAN MADE TOP QUALITY
MOUNT (PULSAR/RENAGADE) HARD CASE.
THE SCOPE - HAWKE ECLIPSE 3-12X50 OR 4-16X50 W/A PELLETS - IF COLLECTED IN STORE OR
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BSA R10 SE OUR PRICE £999
BLACK EDITION
RRP £1,209 SAVE £210
HAWKE ECLIPSE 3-12x50 OR

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COMES WITH 2 MAGAZINES
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OUR PRICE £1,099

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jackpyke.co.uk
{lz{pun
Chronographically
different A new pellet-speed tester has
caught Gary Chillingworth’s eye
O
ne of the most important pieces of
kit that any shooter can own is a
chronograph, a machine that measures
our pellet’s velocity. These essential items
can range in price from £50 for a Combro, all
the way to £1000 plus, but the good thing
for the home shooter is that a basic one is
absolutely fine.
I have always owned a Combro and a Skan
and these have been great, but recently I
was tasked with finding a new chrono’ for
the UKAHFT and WHFTA (HFT Nationals and
World Championships) and this gave me the
incentive to see what was on the market.
Luckily, I was on the phone to Blackpool Air
Rifles (BAR) and they suggested that I have
a good look at the R2A.
This chrono’ is different from many others
becuase it has a 120mm gap between the
sensors; this makes it a very interesting Here we see my mate Rex shooting at a target, with the chrono just in front of the barrel
prospect for a number of reasons. The
“different from many others

because it has a 120mm gap
between the sensors”
obvious one is that with such a large gap,
it’s harder to shoot it accidently. If you
are using a chrono’ with a small aperture,
this can be fine with a rifle, but lining up
The simple three-button layout allows you to select the
a pistol can be tricky. The large aperture is various menus, even with cold hands
also practical for taking readings downrange
and this can deliver all sorts of useful set it up so that it sits just in front of your
information. muzzle, and depending on how high your
scope is, you can shoot your targets and just
USEFUL INFO look up at the display and see the velocity.
To give you an example with my HW100; if This way if you have a shot that hits high or
I use one brand of pellets they read 780fps low, you can see if there has been a power
at the muzzle, and 580fps at 45 yards. The fluctuation at the muzzle that caused the
next brand of pellets still read 780fps at the change.
muzzle, but only read 530fps at 45 yards. The R2A will remember a 250-string of
This then tells me that brand A is a better, pellets and there is no doubt that this
more efficient pellet for my rifle than brand chronograph will help you to be more
B. There is no doubt that a faster pellet will consistent, choose the best pellet for your
take less wind and have a flatter trajectory, rifle, and stay on the right side of the law. ■
and there can be a bigger difference
The wide opeing between the sensors allows for
between pellets with different head sizes. R2A Ballistic Chronograph £139
long-range measurements The R2A has another advantage; you can For BAR go to www.airgunbuyer.com

wspurpun
Little Wars
Charlie Portlock describes a superb garden plinking game
T
his month, we owe a debt of gratitude In the original version, Wells set out two
to David Prime for sending in his opposing armies in his garden, building the
ideas – and pictures – for a game that battlefield landscape accordingly. Each army
takes garden gunning to a completely new had a battery of toy cannons that launched Wells’ 1913 war-game classic
level. We would have loved to include all wooden projectiles accurate out to 9 yards,
2,500 words of your excellent write up, not too dissimilar to an air pistol. Players YOU’LL NEED:
David, but space is at a premium, alas. took turns to move their forces toward an ■ Two players
Not to worry though, I’ve summarised the objective with hand-to-hand combat being ■ A bag of toy soldiers of two opposing
main points into a format that I hope will decided by the toss of a coin. colours (about £2.00 from your local toy
inspire many readers to try your innovative shop). The colour might give one player an
take on a boys’ classic and to try it out for TO THE ARMOURY! advantage in camouflage so choose wisely!
themselves. I know I will be. David and James chose a Webley Nemesis ■ Two air pistols with open sights
David’s game has been adapted from and a Crosman 1377. The Webley is a single- ■ 2 x pieces of string, 1ft long, to use as
H.G Wells’ Little Wars. After watching his stroke pneumatic pistol and the Crosman movement markers.
children playing with tin solders, Wells set is a multi-pump pneumatic. Although ten ■ A garden
his powerful mind to work on the creation pumps on the Crosman provide maximum
of a new, large-scale game of battlefield power, two pumps are sufficient for short- SET-UP
tactics. Published in 1913, Little Wars is range plinking. Both pistols are recoil-free ■ Players must create a battlefield with
an innovative and ground-breaking book and very accurate so they are well-matched. varied terrain of approximately 10ft
and is widely considered to be the genesis Spring pistols would create even more of a x 10ft, but almost any size will work
of modern war-gaming. (It’s available free challenge due to the recoil, but pneumatic provided there’s a safe backstop. Grass is
at www.gutenberg.org). David has adapted pistols seem to offer a good compromise essential to eliminate the possibility of
Wells’ rules into a simple and streamlined between strike and difficulty. Multi-shot ricochets. There should be areas of open
version for garden gunners that’s kinetic, CO2 guns could provide a faster pace, and ground and plenty of cover, like boulders,
challenging and doesn’t rely overly on chance scoped rifles would be possible for a much mountains, trees and rivers. Your
or the ability to decipher an impenetrable longer range game. Perhaps you could mix imagination is the limit here, but David
rule book. It’s great fun to play. the three. suggests trenches (with heads exposed),
The potatoes make ‘boulders’ for cover, and they don’t cause ricochets

wspurpun
‘forest’ and ‘boulders’ – potatoes or root

vegetables rather than rocks, due to the
risk of ricochet.
■ With the above battlefield dimensions,
each ‘zone’ of terrain should be two feet
(two moves) in length.
■ The battlefield should be arranged
symmetrically so that neither side has a
tactical advantage during the opening
phase. For example, it wouldn’t be fair if
you had to cross open ground when your
opponent had plenty of tree cover.
■ Players are not allowed on the
battlefield during the shooting phase and
will take turns to shoot from opposing
sides, always from a mutually agreed
distance (suggest 6-10 yards). You can
use another piece of string as a range David cut down a few branches to make ‘trees’
marker.
■ It’s up to players to decide a minimum
range when the enemy is close to your
lines.
■ Making sure to observe good safety
protocol at all times. All of the shots
will be taken from chest height in the
direction of the ground, so the chance
of injury is minimised, but ricochets can
happen.
GAMEPLAY
■ Each player has 10 solders and places
them at the start line
■ The game will last 10 turns
■ Players may move up to one foot per The inventor, David Prime, mid-battle Make use of any cover you can find
turn
■ Players may shoot five shots per turn
(50 shots)
“David has adapted Wells’ rules into a simple and streamlined
■ Both players have a movement turn,
and then take turns to shoot.
version for garden gunners”
■ Each player takes turns to move their
own men and take a fixed number of shots
at their opponent’s forces.
VICTORY CONDITIONS
The winner is the first player to see one of
his men reach the opposing start line.
POINTERS
■ Soldiers must always be visible to the
enemy, even when in cover. A head, arm
or leg must be exposed in order to present
a small but possible target
■ You can’t line up several soldiers
behind one potato because each soldier
must have some part of his body such as a
head or a leg in view
■ Don’t forget to recycle your limbless
combatants in the hard plastic bin at your For an equal match, keep opposing terrain symmetrical
local recycling centre. Hard plastic takes
up to 1,000 years to decompose! GARDEN GAMES and to feature it here. These are just the
■ When I’ve played similar games with Thanks again to David for adding this kinds of activities that can encourage
friends we always add a WWII playlist as a excellent game to the canon. If any other the wary into the enjoyment of our sport.
soundtrack. This adds a whole new realm readers have an airgun game that they’d Write in, we’d love to hear from you,
of epic tension to the game. like to share, we’d love to hear from you Charlie. ■

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Future Watch
At last, the editor gets out in the winter woods with a thermal spotter
W
inter squirrel hunting is the
cream of my shooting year,
offering a challenge that has so
many fascinating facets whilst cementing
my place on the pheasant shoot all year
round. Somebody I know who controls grey
squirrels at a professional level tried using
a thermal-imaging spotter during daylight
and told me that it transformed his work,
allowing him to cover three times as much
forest in a day, compared to when he used
binoculars. He was never to go back.
Because of this, I’ve been aching to try
the technique for myself and now the lovely
people at Scott Country have loaned me
the incredible Pulsar Helion XQ19F thermal
spotter. Of course, Mother Nature decided
to counter that good fortune with nearly
continuous rain, but I noted on the Pulsar
website that this device was designed for
those exact conditions. Things were looking
up, literally! I liked the fact that the XQ19F is so small and light
HERE I GO! such as an animal, is warmer than the soil woods very hard, so I expected the squirrel
After a quick check with the estate manager behind, it will stand out brilliantly, so it’s population still to be high in this one. There
that I was clear to visit, I set off full of quick to scan big areas because anything are two pheasant pens in this area and
excitement, finally to get my chance. The warm will pop out of the cold background. the gamekeeper was upset about the huge
sky was leaden and I was greeted by steady My squirrel-hunting friend told me that a damage the rodents were causing there.
rain, but I’d had the foresight to take a few squirrel in the cold, bare winter woodland The XQ19F is surprisingly compact and
clean, dry lens cloths along, sure that wiping would glow like a 100-watt light bulb, lightweight, so much so that it fitted into
lenses would be a significant part of my day. catching your eye in a second. Now was my the cargo pocket of my shooting coat with
Thermal imagers are quite different from chance to see that for myself. ease. I’ll tell the truth and say I’m not a
light-intensifying, night-vision devices. Put I went to the biggest wood where I’ve huge fan of overly complicated devices, so
simply, they ‘see’ heat and if something, had little success this year. I’d hit the other I was pleased to find out that I was able
to set it up with minimal hassle, and only
All the controls are a quick trip to the manual for help. It was
along the top surface mostly quite intuitive to use once I had the
basics in my head. I want to hunt rather
than read complex manuals.
START SEARCHING
I stepped into the wood and began to scan
the area in front methodically, whilst
trying out the three magnification steps,
1.6, 3.2 and 6.4x. It was immediately
obvious to me that for short-range work
the lowest mag’ was the choice because it
gave the widest field of view. Soon enough,
I was being drawn to heat sources; blue
tits, tree creepers, deer, rabbits and yes –
at last, a squirrel, or rather two squirrels
playing race-and-chase in a large oak. I was
surprised at just how far away I’d spotted
them and began to close the range in the
hope of getting a shot. By the time I arrived

{olythsGpthnpun
The battery is a
chunky module that
comes free from the
body for charging
This metal heat sink

keeps the unit cool
A built-in lens cover

is a neat feature
within shooting distance, they’d moved on, the binoculars, but the thermal found it your own eye, and the conditions of the
but no matter – I was impressed. in seconds. This was the first of seven day, or night for that matter.
I know this wood well and moved slowly squirrels that fell to the thermal’s talents Using it was a tantalising look through
from hot spot to hot spot, noting all the that morning. the window of another world of technology
wildlife along the way. The bluebells were and the performance it can deliver that only
already tall so even though I saw several SPEED! whetted my appetite for more. Of course,
squirrels on the ground, I wasn’t able to Perhaps it’s the speed with which you these things are not cheap, although
get the sights on them. However, I looked can find quarry that’s the XQ19F’s biggest Scott Country has this one discounted
across a small valley, saw a squirrel foraging advantage over binoculars. You can sweep from £1899.95 to £1399.95 at time of
in leaf litter and began to close the gap. big areas very quickly because the animals writing. Just a few years ago, this kind
I think it saw me because it bolted up a and birds stand out like a sore thumb, so of performance cost £5000, so relatively
large tree and I lost sight of it. I began to you don’t waste time. With print deadlines speaking it’s very good value for money.
scan with the thermal and sure enough I being what they are, I only had time to Hunting with a thermal imager is surely the
quickly found it, swapped to the rifle and scratch the surface of this optic’s talents way our sport will go and one that I’m keen
sent it crashing to the ground. Perhaps and I’m sure that there’s more performance to learn more about, so watch these pages
I’d have found it by searching slowly with to be had by tuning all the settings to suit to follow my journey to the future. ■
My first thermal squirrel opened my eyes to this technology
SPECIFICATION
Supplier: Scott Country International
Web: www.scottcountry.co.uk
Tel: 01556 503587
Manufacturer: Pulsar
Model: Helion XQ19F
Type: Thermal-imaging monocular
Magnification: 1.6 – 6.4x
Length: 220mm
Weight: 400g
Battery run time: 8 hours
Usual RRP: £1899.95
Special offer: £1399.95
RRP £1399.95
pu{lyuh{pvuhsGo|u{pun
This cottontail and the larger jackrabbit were taken with my .25 FX Wildcat
Desert rabbits
Jim Chapman tells us why hunting rabbits in Texas is not without some pain
PESTS IN TEXAS
I
’m just wrapping up a week-long hunting and rattlesnakes that will at the very least
road trip in Texas, which is a great send you to the hospital for a few days. I This landscape is home to both jackrabbit
hunting venue for airgunners. Along the don’t mean to imply your life is at risk when and cottontail rabbits, which are loosely
way, I got in some very productive small- you step into this desert-scape, but these equivalent to the British rabbit and hare.
game hunting for jackrabbit and cottontail all serve as incentives not to sit, kneel, or As I mentioned in past articles, rabbits are
rabbits, as well as a couple of high volume put your hands on the ground. I did a few generally considered a small game animal
pest control shoots for pigeons at a times last week and am still pulling thorns in most of the states, and jackrabbits are
backcountry feedlot. out of my hands, my knees, my … well, you classified as vermin. However, Texas is
West Texas is a very arid region of the get the picture. overrun with them and classify both as pest
country, primarily scrub brush and cactus. species, which means there are no limits
There are a lot of rabbits inhabiting this and no seasons.
terrain, and whilst the quarry is similar to Both species tend to lie up in scrapes,
that found in greener and wetter climes, depressions scraped out under clumps
the approach to hunting them might vary of cactus or brush, although cottontails
a bit. It’s been said that everything in the will rarely hijack another animal’s burrow
Texas brushland wants to sting, stab, or when trying to escape danger. Considering
bite you, and there’s some truth to that the possibility of running into a badger,
folksy adage. There is cactus everywhere; fox, or rattlesnake when dropping down
from jumping Cholla cactus, to creeping a strange hole, it’s understandable that
vines of beehive cactus, to clumps of evolution seems to have led them away from
prickly pears. Don’t even get me started a subterranean life. Besides these threats,
on the animals; ants that can leave welts, You really want to be careful of contacting the rabbits out here are on the menu for
scorpions that can lay you low with cramps, plant life out here! bobcats, mountain lion, hawks, owls, and Ô

eagles, although coyotes are probably their

main predator.
Cottontail rabbits rely mostly on their
camouflage, tucking in tight to brush or
deep in tangles of paddle-shaped prickly
pear cactus, they will hold tight allowing
a hunter to step right over them without
moving, then scurry away once danger has
passed. They will run when pressed, often
moving in a large circle whilst looking for
new hiding places along the way.
KNOW YOUR QUARRY

Jackrabbits will often sit and watch the
hunter approach through the brush. When
their safety zone is breeched, they might
bound away in long strides, or they might
start a chess game in which they move
around and behind the hunter, slowly
walking and watching as they manoeuvre
away from the source of danger. When
they choose to bolt, they have a habit of
stopping at a short distance for a look There might well be a rabbit under any one of these clumps of cactus
back before kicking it into high gear.
It’s unfortunate for the rabbit, but an
opportunity for the hunter! “The real challenge, and key to success, is spotting the rabbit
The most productive way to hunt these
desert rabbits is still-hunting; slowly
before you push them”
walking (with frequent stops along the
way) whilst searching the base of brush
and looking into the patches of cactus
and desert grasses. Cottontails will tuck
themselves in, while jacks will often sit
with their ears held erect listening for
danger. As a matter of fact, it can be hard
to see a jackrabbit sitting 40 yards away
watching you through the branches of
mesquite, but if the sun is behind them
their ears may take on an amber glow as the
light passes through. The real challenge,
and key to success, is spotting the rabbit
There’s a rabbit at the base of this small trunk to the right Easy enough to see this hiding rabbit in the photo, but step
five feet away and he disappears
before you push them. Cottontails might bounds. This brief hesitation is the best
eventually circle back, but spook a shot opportunity, but as mentioned earlier,
jackrabbit and he’ll be a mile away before jackrabbits will often run a short distance
you know what happened. and pause to look back, and this is typically
I’d say that most of my shots at the last chance for a shot before they are
cottontails in this region take place gone for good.
between 8-40 yards. If they are holding Now, here is where I diverge from many
tight, the main problem is not getting close, (or maybe most) of my British hunting
but rather finding a clear shooting lane. friends; I will take either a brain shot, or
I’ll often step lightly on the periphery of a heart/lung shot, depending on what’s
the cover, not too aggressively or loudly, offered. My reasons are multifold; we tend
but enough that they start to think about to use larger calibre and more powerful
sprinting off. When this happens, the rabbit rifles, and that makes a difference. I believe
will step to the offside of the bush or cactus a heart/lung shot is an effective placement
in preparation of taking flight, and this may using this equipment. I know some will
be the hunter’s only chance at a clean shot. argue that a brain shot is more humane,
Jackrabbits tend to be taken with shots but I don’t think the difference between a
that are longer, in the 40-70-yard range. one-second and a three-second termination
They might let you inside of 50 yards, but of life is significant, and in the context of
I like a rifle, such as my Wildcat bullpup, that is suited once spooked they usually stand and watch being eaten alive by a coyote or hawk, it
to offhand shooting momentarily before taking off in rapid is still a much more humane ending than

When cactus is absent, you can sit - check for rattlers first!
most rabbits have awaiting them. Secondly,

neither of these desert rabbits live in
burrows, so if a rabbit bounds 20 yards
before giving up the ghost, he can still be
retrieved. My last reason is practicality;
shooting in these conditions, you might
not have an unobstructed headshot, and
since shots must frequently be taken from
a standing position either offhand or off-
sticks – remember why you don’t want to sit
or kneel – the slightly larger kill zone of the
heart/lung area improves your successful
kill rate.
A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Just as an aside; after spending a lifetime of
big-game hunting I have encountered very
few professional hunters or game managers
who prefer a headshot over a heart/lung
shot, and as a matter of fact, many find
headshots unethical. I don’t know why this
got turned around as an ethical question
by airgun hunters. From a practical point of
view, a heart shot on a rabbit that can run
a few yards and drop down a warren before
expiring, should be avoided, but when this
consideration is removed, I don’t believe
there is a compelling argument against a
heart/lung shot.
For this hunting application I prefer a Hiking back with another jack for the bag
.22 or .25 calibre rifle that is generating
25-50 ft.lbs., more power doesn’t bring
much to the table and consumes air more
rapidly. The scopes I use are generally 3-9x
variables with mil-dots or aim points, and I
sight my rifle at 50 yards noting the reticle
references at 10-yard increments between
10-70 yards. For ammunition, I prefer heavy,
round-nose Diablo pellets, finding that they
are typically the most accurate and produce
excellent terminal performance. I carry a
daypack with rangefinder, binoculars, extra
pellets, collapsible shooting sticks and
water, and use them all regularly.
On the way home from this trip, I
received a text message from a good friend
who lives in West Texas, telling me that
he’s locked in an exclusive hunting lease on
31,000 acres of land overflowing with hogs,
predators, rabbits and quail. It appears that
I’ll be getting in a lot more rabbit hunting
this summer! ■ A few jacks taken during the morning session

New s e ri es
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Back to basics
This month Neil Price talks us through pre-charged pneumatic cylinder pressure
The gauge on your dive bottle will be more accurate than the one on the gun
A
ny air-pressured vessel can be usually much more accurate than the small
extremely dangerous if not treated manometers that are fitted to airguns. The maximum fill pressure is often written on the reservoir
in the correct manner. They are I have found that when filled to the
basically pipe bombs that can explode maximum pressure, guns are not as accurate
when mistreated, so the greatest care must as they should be until the pressure in the
be taken when doing anything with a air cylinder has dropped by about 20 bar,
pre-charged pneumatic gun’s air pressure so I only fill my guns to 180 bar and I find
cylinder. that the accuracy is there for me from the
The first and most important thing is the first shot.
fill pressure. Most cylinders have it stamped In the past, I had a rifle brought to me,
on them, and handbooks state categorically which was ‘leaking’. It was an Air Arms S400
that the MAXIMUM fill pressure is 200 bar and as I examined it, I found that one end
on many guns, although this does vary from of the air cylinder was like the bottom of a
manufacturer to manufacturer. That is almost bell with the whole periphery blown out. The
3000 pounds per square inch of pressure. owner swore black was white to me that he
Now then, as stated, that is a maximum fill had never filled it over 200 bar. Needless to
pressure, it is not a target pressure that you say, I accepted that statement with a large
have to achieve, exactly the same as speed pinch of salt.
limits on our roads. It is a figure that you are It is very important that you only fill the
allowed to go up to, but not go over. air cylinder of an airgun with clean, dry
When filling pre-charged pneumatic compressed air. NO OTHER GASES ARE EVER
airgun cylinders, always go on the pressure TO BE USED. Using other gases has caused
indicated gauge on the high-pressure accidents in the past that have led to some
tank that you are filling from. These are nasty injuries, so please heed this warning. Ô Only ever use clean dry air in your PCP

zhml{Gmpyz{
Replace any ‘O’ rings that show signs of wear
HAND-TIGHT
When fitting the adaptors into the neck
valve of your 300 bar air tank, never
use a spanner to tighten them into
the aluminium threads. This is for two
reasons; the excess force that can be
applied with a spanner can damage the
aluminium threads in the valve, and the
‘O’ ring on the sealing face will become This connection only needs to be hand-tight
completely flattened and its working
life will be vastly shortened. Always
tighten these into the valve by hand “that is a maximum fill pressure, it is not a target pressure that
you have to achieve”
only, and then let the compression on
the ‘O’ rings do the work. Also, regularly
check the condition of the ‘O’ rings on
the tank connector and the fill probes.
If you have more than one pre-charged
pneumatic gun that uses different fill
probes, then a versatile fill system should
be thought about. A very good source of
these products is Best Fittings, a company
that specialises in filling accessories for
airguns and can be found at https://www.
bestfittings.co.uk
When filling an air cylinder, always fill
it as slowly as possible so then it will be
easy to stop the fill at the precise required
pressure, and so minimise the danger of
over-filling. Most air tanks are now fitted
with slow-release valves anyway, but some
older tanks that you might buy second- or
third-hand can have just open and shut
valves. This means that the full tank
pressure can be put into the air cylinder
in a fraction of a second. That is why the
fill knob should only be turned very slowly
and under complete control, so that the
air is transferred to the gun’s cylinder at a
very slow rate. If a cylinder is accidentally
over-filled, then dry fire the gun until the
safe working pressure or below has been
reached.
MINIMUM PRESSURE but if the shooter does not realise that

At the other end of the scale, do not a pellet did not leave the barrel, then
let the pressure drop too low in the air further shots might be taken getting more
cylinder. The most accepted minimum and more pellets stuck. The worst one that
pressure for refilling is when 100 bar is I have ever seen is when there were over
reached, and no lower. For one thing, 20 pellets stuck in a barrel. The only way
with too low an air pressure in the gun, to remove them was to melt them out with
accuracy suffers greatly, and secondly, a gas torch on the outside of the barrel.
pellets might not come out of the end of The lesson here is to keep an eye on the
the barrel. If one gets stuck in the barrel gun’s pressure gauge, or be aware of the
If the pressure gets too low, pellets can get stuck in the barrel then that usually can easily be cleared, number of shots you have taken. ■

jsv{opun
A stylish alternative
The editor is showing some class in this new suit from Jack Pyke
By combining two fabrics, Jack Pyke has made some very

comfortable trousers
more supple fabric, making them extemely

comfortable. The waistband rises to the
back to keep your shirt tucked in when
you’re bending and stretching, and chill
winds away from your kidneys. There are
plenty of pockets here, too, and like the
jacket, the trouser is fully waterproof. I
particularly like the mesh lining fitted here
because waterproof trousers can become
very hot and sweaty when you’re working
hard, so having somewhere for the warm,
damp air to go adds greatly to comfort.
The suit’s fit has clearly been well
thought out, because I found it comfortable
immediately. There’s plenty of room in
the shoulders to allow comfortable gun
mounting and the sleeves are long enough
I found the olive brown a pleasant change from the more common greens
to keep your wrists warm whilst on aim.
I
’m sure most airgunners know Jack adds a little bit of flair, too, and it’s made Although this is obviously a shooting
Pyke very well as the company that’s from Nyco, a new fabric that feels supple jacket, I’ve felt quite relaxed in it when
been providing us with durable and and won’t rustle to give your position away around town or going to the pub, and it’s
affordable hunting clothes for all these when you’re close to quarry. even gathered a few compliments from
years. They’re one of the few companies that The layout is classically British with two my non-shooting friends for its smart
offer camouflage suits these days and I’m hand-warmer pockets up high, and two appearance. I like the idea of a jacket that
grateful for that. However, in a change that I large bellows-style cargo pockets on the you can use all the time, not just whilst
didn’t see coming, they’ve just launched the front. An inner pocket for your phone and hunting. So, if you fancy the style of a
Ashcombe range that’s stylish and classy, one chest pocket completes a useful and British shooting gentleman for your next
whilst being properly tough hunting kit. versatile set. There’s also a removable hood hunting suit, have a good look at the
They chose a nice muted colour that for those really wet days. Ashcombe range. ■
they call ‘olive brown’ which blends into
the countryside very well yet looks smart WATERPROOF COMFORT www.jackpyke.co.uk
if you wear it to the pub. It is lined with The matching trousers use a combination of Jacket £99.00
a traditional-looking check pattern that Nyco in high-wear areas and a lighter and Trouser £58

jvtwl{p{pvu
WIN AN S410!
Scope and mounts
may vary from
those shown
JIGSAW
This is a snippet from a picture printed elsewhere
in this issue. Can you spot which page it’s on?
HOW TO ENTER
By Post
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Send your answers to: June Jigsaw, Air Gunner, The prize will be sent to the winner’s designated gun shop
Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead Road, which may levy an administration charge for handling.
Wokingham, RG40 2EG

jvtwl{p{pvu
THIS AIR ARMS S410 COMBO IS

WORTH OVER £700 - BUT IT ...
... COULD BE YOURS
FOR JUST £1.50!
T
he Air Arms S410 is more than a super-accurate sporting No rifle demonstrates the effectiveness of this policy more
PCP, it’s a full-on worldwide success story that just than this month’s prize, the S410, bolt-action, multi-shot, pre-
keeps getting better and better. Air Arms has based charged pneumatic. The combination of an expertly designed
its longstanding success on high-quality manufacture, fully sporter stock, the tried-and-tested 10-shot, removable rotary
backed by the company’s renowned ‘rolling development’ magazine, that match-accurate, Lothar Walther barrel, and
program, where upgrades and performance enhancements are the super-precise, two-stage trigger has kept the Air Arms
introduced as they are developed. This way, the company’s S410 at the top of the best-seller charts since its launch. All
range of sporting and competition rifles has evolved into the of this, plus a scope, mounts and silencer can be yours for just
world-beaters we see today - and they stay bang up to date. £1.50. Get those entries in now!
ENTRY FORM
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KEEN’S KRAZY KOMBOS
117 BRIDGEND RD, ABERKENFIG, NR BRIDGEND, MID GLAM, SOUTH WALES | 01656 720807 | www.keenstackleandguns.co.uk
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54 AIRGUNNER
o|u{pun
There’s talk in the trees ...
The Talk of the Trees

Charlie Portlock asks us to listen as well as look at the countryside around us
I
f you have access to the internet please ability to interpret the communication a fox as it stalks their brethren on the
visit www.charliesrifles.co.uk/treetalk of other jungle animals, and by listening woodland floor.
to hear the following sounds in order as to the calls of birds, deer and other prey
you read the article below. species, he was able to track individual INTERSPECIFIC COMMUNICATION
In the UK, we’re fortunate not to have to tigers as they moved through the landscape. All animals inherently understand the
worry about the risk of encountering a large A useful skill when trying to avoid a distress calls of other creatures, in just
carnivore whilst camping in the woods. surprise encounter with a 200kg predator. the same way that the jarring sound of
However, the same couldn’t be said for Jim When we’re hunting, we can use these a crying baby is universal to all humans.
Corbett, the legendary Anglo-Indian hunter same skills to deepen our connection In animals this is known as interspecific
of man-eating leopards and tigers. When with the landscape and to determine how communication. Humans do something
he was called in to stalk an old or wounded ‘settled’ an area is. In the woods, there are similar when we see somebody talking to
animal that had found a taste for human scores of stories unfolding all around us their friend/lover/mother in a different
flesh, he needed to keep his wits about and we have only to tune into these sounds language; we instinctively understand the
him. In fact his wits alone would never to discover animated territorial disputes spirit and intention of what they’re saying
have been enough, and he knew it. For his between songbirds, crows revealing the without needing to know the exact content.
personal safety he relied heavily upon his location of a raptor, or squirrels tracking Incidentally, the same is true for footfall. Ô

o|u{pun
Squirrel language is If you think back to the house that you grew
well worth deciphering up in, or even the one you live in now, it’s
likely that you’re able to tell who’s moving
around the house from the sound of their
feet. The same is true in the woods; unless
we’re very quiet and very slow, it will be
obvious to everybody what we are and where
we’re going.
All mammals and birds communicate
with their own species in some way, and
warning calls are the ones that we’re most
likely to recognise. All of these initial
alarms share similar characteristics that
make them distinct from the sounds used
in social or territorial communication, and
once you’ve learned to recognise them you’ll
probably start hearing them everywhere.
They’re often brash, high pitched and are
normally delivered in short, aggressive and
unstructured bursts.
The following sounds are some of the
most common alarm calls to be heard in
Jays are noisy and
highly alert broadleaved British woodland and within
many northern, temperate forests.
THE GREY SQUIRREL

The Kuk
“Look out! A predator is near!”
The kuk is a short, bark-like call normally
delivered staccato fashion in rapid groups
‘kuk kuk kuk - kuk kuk’ and serves as a
general alarm with two distinct purposes;
firstly, to alert other squirrels that there’s a
dangerous predator nearby, and secondly, to
let that predator know it has been spotted
and that it’s wasting its energy through
continued pursuit. For the hunter, it
means that you’ve been detected. However,
provided that you sit silent and still, they’ll
normally resume their activity in anything
from two to 20 minutes.
The Quaa
You should be able “I can still see the predator but it looks like
to pass a pheasant it’s leaving.”
without causing alarm
The quaa is essentially a longer kuk, the
sound sitting somewhere between a wet
kiss and a disgruntled meow. You can hear
something very close to it when you squeeze
the trigger on a spray bottle of kitchen
cleaner or some similar product. For the
hunter the quaa means that whatever you’re
doing (or not doing) is working and that
you’ll soon be trying to keep your sights
steady on the kill zone.
The Moan
“I think the predator has gone, but I’m being
loud to let it know that I’ve seen it and that
I’m not coming down.”
Unlike the kuk and the quaa, this call has
a less intense, tonal quality very similar to
the soft whistling chirp of a songbird and
it’s quite unmistakable. It’s often used alone

o|u{pun
Blackbirds normally nest Woodpigeon are the

near in the shrub lay and sentinels of the trees. If
are hard to avoid they’re calm, everything
else will be too
Woodpeckers are less

wary of humans than
most birds
in response to aerial threats, but has also interesting to be aware of the alarm calls it’s possible that the combination of
been shown to signal a further reduction of both species because they can provide different tail signals and calls could allow
in the alert level. For the impatient hunter, a window to how your progress is being squirrels to communicate the specific
this is generally a good sound and unless viewed from above. Both deliver single, nature of a threat (aerial or terrestrial) as
there’s a raptor overhead, it means that the high-pitched pips that increase in frequency well as its location. In addition, the white
area will very soon be returning to normal with the proximity of the threat. tails found on rabbits and fallow deer can
activity. alert other animals to danger nearby and
Jay it’s thought that the woodpigeon’s white
Cock Pheasant The Jay is a woodland-dwelling corvid and collar serves a similar purpose; a rapidly
Cock pheasants are noisy birds even is notoriously difficult to spot, darting as retreating white blob is obvious to all
when browsing, but their startled crow it does between areas of thick cover. Its creatures.
and spluttering flight alarm will make alarm call is a familiar harsh rattle, similar
everything within earshot sit up and pay to a magpie, but louder and uglier and is SOUNDS OF CALM
attention. If you move slowly and pause normally given on the move. Like all corvids If you’re quiet and well concealed, then
often, then you can often pass them these birds have excellent eyesight and after about 20 minutes or so you’ll begin
without registering as a threat – well worth there’s not a huge amount you can do to to hear the trees and shrubs come back
it, especially when stalking deer. The avoid detection completely. Thankfully, to life as squirrels and songbirds return
distinctive male, territorial, crowing call, they’re generally quite noisy and squirrels to their daily routine. I’ve had wood
normally accompanied by the loud ruffling don’t seem to be bothered too much by mice crawl over my boot, and have often
of feathers, is a good indicator that the bird them. watched pheasants, rabbits and even foxes
is relaxed and you’re not causing it much pass almost within reach. One of the most
disturbance. PHYSICAL DISPLAY reassuring sounds for woodland creatures
If you struggle to move through woodland Tail flicking and flagging also form is the soft cooing of roosting woodpigeon.
without putting a cock pheasant on edge, an important part of predator alarms, As many readers will know, these birds are
then you probably need to slow down. particularly when paired with vocalisations. easily disturbed and if they’re off guard
They’re not easily spooked and are a good Although this topic is still being studied, then the rest of the woods will be too.
animal on which to hone your basic stalking Understanding the sound of a calm,
Making use of shadow is always a good idea
skills. undisturbed woodland is useful in providing
feedback on how well concealed you are, as
Blackbird well as enabling you to measure how long
If there was an award for the bird with you might have to wait for your quarry to
the greatest sound-to-size ratio, then the make an appearance. Within all woodland,
blackbird would definitely be a contender. there are sounds that animals treat as
Its attractive song belies an impressive cues to signal the ‘all clear’, prompting
vocal ability that’s all too evident in the them to return to normal activity. Alarm
piercing volleys of razor-edged chirps heard is cumulative and is heard by all creatures.
as it leads you away from its shrub-level The calmer the soundscape, the more likely
nest. They’re breeding now, so expect you are to encounter wildlife of all shapes
plenty of activity. and sizes, whether you intend to bag them
or not. Deep listening is one of human
Woodpecker kind’s oldest skills and it’s well worth re-
As they live and work well above the shrub discovery. Once you begin to read the sonic
layer, woodpeckers – both green and great landscape, it will be difficult to experience
spotted – are less likely to be worried by the woods in quite the same way again.
your passage than songbirds. However, it’s Good luck out there. Charlie. ■

N O W AVA IL A B L E
THE 2018 BUYERS GUIDE
CMMBG18A
CMMBG18A

AIRGUNNER 59
BSA Mercury ‘S’PART 1
Neil Price is woking on one of the most beautiful break barrels BSA ever made
I
was asked to look at this rifle by an
old friend because he thought that
it felt a little bit ‘tired’, as he put it.
I put a quick ten-shot string over the
chrono’ to check it out and the results
showed that he was not wrong.
1 If you don’t know the Mark of your

rifle, then a quick visit to Chambers
Gunmakers web site:-(http://www.
gunspares.co.uk/) will tell you.
The chrono’ string was carried out with
1
JSB Exact .177 pellets at 8.44 grain weight
straight out of the tin.
A muzzle velocity variation of 43
fpssecond over 10 shots is excessive, and
the muzzle energy is way down on what
would be expected from this rifle. So, the
rifle will have to be taken apart to see
2
what is causing the unacceptable results
and then acquire the new parts to rectify
the problems.
2 Remove the two slot head screws from

the front of the stock and the long
bolt from the bottom of the pistol grip.
The action can now be separated from the
stock and placed somewhere safe, out of
harm’s way.
3 Knock out the pivot pin from the

front of the cocking lever pivot, and
then remove the two cross-head screws
from the cocking arm retaining bracket.
Shot # Velocity ft/sec Muzzle Energy

1 552 5.71
2 544 5.55
3 570 6.09
4
5
538
576
5.43
6.22
3 4
6 558 5.84 The whole cocking lever assembly can be the list of bits to get. I replace breech
7 563 5.94 withdrawn from the cocking slot in the seal ‘O’ rings every time. It costs very
piston. Be sure to find the spacer between little and can have a significant effect on
8 579 6.28 the two arms of the cocking lever. performance.
9 541 5.49
10 548 5.63
4 The breech ‘O’ ring looks as if it has
seen better days, so a new one is on 5 Before removing the trigger block, I
scribe a line across the trigger block

6
5
and the action in an area that won’t be
seen when the action is in the stock.
This ensures that on rebuilding the
7 With the trigger block removed, the
mainspring and guide, and the piston
assembly can be removed from the rear of
bought a new breech seal, piston ‘O’ ring,
buffer washer and a standard mainspring.
action I can align the trigger block to the the action. John Knibbs International Ltd
action in exactly the same position. www.airgunspares.com
6 The trigger block is screwed into

the back of the action. A gentle tap
8 There were some serious nicks around
the piston ‘O’ ring and the piston head
buffer washer that should be behind the
Hillside, Shawbury Lane
Shustoke
Warwickshire B46 2RR
with a soft mallet will loosen the thread piston head had completely disintegrated. www.airgunspares.com
and allow the block to be unscrewed There was also severe scoring along the side Telephone:
from the action by hand. I always wear of the piston head. T:01675 481006
an industrial glove when doing this just
to be on the safe side because when the
thread clears the action, the mainspring
can force the trigger block out with a lot
9 Now that I know what is needed, it’s
a short drive over to John Knibbs
International to get them. Again,
10 First, I replace the breech seal. As
can be seen in the photograph, the
old one just crumbled to pieces when I
of force. everything was available from stock. I removed it. ■
7 8
9 10
PART 2 NEXT MONTH www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 61
FX
5% Crown Air Rifle in Grey Laminate

DISCOUN
T
ALL ORD ON 01628 474 187
ERS shop@emmettandstone.co.uk
A
GW0320
185
Browse our Gun Room at www.emmettandstone.co.uk
WILTON FARM, MARLOW ROAD, LITTLE MARLOW, BUCKS SL7 3RR
62 AIRGUNNER
Gl{opjz
Is digital night vision an

unfair advantage? I say no
Too much tech!

Is it unethical to use so much technology against our quarry?
I
overheard a conversation recently that airguns kill with precision shot problems. Rats around buildings or
in which a man was saying that he placement and nothing else will do, and squirrels damaging feeders cost them
felt it’s unsporting for us to use for that reason, anything that makes me money and add aggravation to their
super-accurate PCP rifles fitted with more accurate is what I’ll buy. already busy lives, so I’m duty-bound to
scopes backed up by laser rangefinders Let’s be serious here; a rifle cannot address the problem to the very best of my
against wild quarry animals. He felt be too accurate, and a scope that allows abilities. Because of this, if a night-sight
the technology was removing the true me to see my quarry clearly helps me to or thermal-imager makes me more efficient
challenge and stacking the odds in our define the kill zone accurately, which in my work, then I’m going to use it.
favour. His blood nearly boiled when in turn increases my accuracy potential If I were exterminating a quarry species
somebody mentioned digital night-vision further. I use a laser rangefinder at every from the ground, then perhaps he’d have
kit, and he hit the roof when thermal- opportunity because by knowing the a point, but the reality is that I’m holding
imaging devices were discussed. He felt we distance to my target, I can compensate back the tide as best I can, and in my
should wear an old Barbour coat and shoot for the pellet’s trajectory, and wouldn’t you experience, the destructive animals always
a BSA Airsporter with open sights to make know it, that makes me more accurate, too. come back no matter how hard I try to
it an honourable contest and give the stop them. I’ve shot over 50 grey squirrels
quarry a sporting chance. PERMISSION GRANTED from one small wood so far this winter,
Well, I have to say that I disagree with My second point is that the people who yet the estate manager insisted that ‘it’s
him 100% and I’ll tell you why, with two give me permission to hunt do so because crawling with them’ when I saw him a few
answers. Firstly, you need to understand I promise to do my best to answer their days ago! Of course, farmers and other
custodians of precious crops are entitled to
their exaggerations, but it makes the point
that I most certainly have not wiped them
“airguns kill with precision shot placement and nothing else will do” out, and I’ve used a hill of technology to
get their numbers down. As I always say,
I’ll take all the help I can get! ■

zwypunlyz
The stylish lines of the

Walther Master Pro
Smooth operator
Mark Camoccio brings us part 1 of his review of this excellent German break-barrel
I
’ve been lucky enough to have a down in the basement, on their purpose- specials from Airmasters, I have long
succession of exciting assignments built test range, but whilst this was all appreciated just how far a spring-powered
to cover as a journalist over the last quite thrilling, for me the highlight of the airgun can be pushed and tweaked,
few years, and one such memorable trip trip just had to be seeing first hand, the to maximise performance, and those
was a visit to the giant Umarex factory in production line for the company’s Walther Airmasters Mastersport models, initially
Germany. As an airgun enthusiast, I was LGV spring-powered air rifle. based around the Feinwerkbau Sport, then
of course excited to see the factory that latterly the Weihrauch HW77, really were
produces a wide range of CO2 replica pistols, MY CHOSEN SUBJECT! works of art, akin to a formula one car with
the Walther brand of airguns, and a wide As someone who spent much of the ‘80s every component working at its optimum.
range of other models, all under one roof. and early ‘90s travelling round the country, Taking a production air rifle, then
The trip was to finish with us shooting live competing in top-level, field target shoots, stripping the action down, correctly
pistols and rifles from the Umarex stable, using high grade, fully rebuilt custom lubricating, and then rebuilding with
custom components where necessary,
Note the barrel lock catch, all very neat
is an exacting business, requiring skill
and specialised knowledge. Of course,
fine fettling components and perfectly
balancing the internals of a spring gun
takes time, which isn’t always available at
the production stage.
LGV CONCEPT
So when Walther/Umarex decided to build
a production factory sporting airgun from
scratch, but to incorporate all the recoil
damping tweaks and tricks learned along
the way from the custom houses, such as
Airmasters and Venom Arms (now V-Mach), I
was intrigued. The break-barrel LGV was the
result, and a very slick rifle it is, too. On
test is the rather swish-looking upgraded
model – the Walther LGV Master Pro – and
here we have all the benefits and internals
of the standard model, in a high quality,
stylish beech wood stock.

zwypunlyz
An adjustable butt pad

is a great feature
The Walther LGV Master Pro is a superb- and in turn, those greater energy levels. At INTERNALS
looking, break-barrel airgun, and a bold 12 ft.lbs., as with the muscular HW80, this The overall
piece of design. Given the weight of 9.3lbs, over-engineered Master Pro just ticks over design brief was
I would also label it ‘adults only’, but for nicely, as we shall see. to incorporate
those up to the job, you are in for a treat. Looking first to the fully ambidextrous, anything that could
That super-stylish beech sporter stock grabs lacquered beech stock; the silky finish, and help to smooth
the eye, but with a wealth of on-board perfectly executed laser-cut chequering internal operation,
features built in, this is a top-class sporter all add to the attention to detail. Large and reduce felt recoil.
for the connoisseur. Specification wise, dimensions are aimed at the adult shooter, In practice, this
means attention has
been switched to
“I have long appreciated just how far a spring-powered the cocking stroke,
airgun can be pushed and tweaked” the mainspring
itself, the piston
in flight, and
there’s an adjustable butt pad, barrel lock, and that extended fore end, subtle semi- any area where
barrel weight with threaded muzzle, quality schnabel tip, and the accentuated cheek adverse friction
two-stage trigger, extensive dovetail rails, piece, are not only aesthetically pleasing, could be reduced.
and automatic safety, but the real selling but also offer great support. Add in that Next month, we’ll take a closer look at
point with this model is, as mentioned, the fulsome, drop-down pistol grip, and we have the Master Pro’s internals, and see what all
fully-tuned action and all the sophisticated a great-handling gun, that certainly feels the fuss is about! ■
recoil technology that has been utilised. and looks the part. As for the metalwork,
the deep lustrous chemical bluing is hard to
LARGE FRAME
First impressions are of a top-quality
product, beautifully made and finished to
fault, and with a professional mirror finish
throughout, pride of ownership is all part of
the deal here. Fancy a silencer incidentally,
SPECIFICATION
the standard we expect from the Walther and the muzzle is threaded ready.
Model: LGV Master Pro
brand. Look closely, and it becomes
obvious that this model has an oversized Manufacturer: Walther
compression cylinder, too, evidence that Country of Origin: Germany
Walther always planned on FAC versions Type: Break-barrel, spring-powered
at some point. Different export
Calibre: .177 on test - .22 available
markets are often borne in mind
in airgun production, and a Weight: 9.3lbs
larger cylinder allows for Overall Length: 43inches
greater swept volume, Barrel Length: 15.5inches
Stock: Beech sporter with adjustable
butt pad
Trigger: 2-stage XM unit
Velocity: using Air Arms Diabolo Field/
ten-shot string:
High 767fps
Low 757
Ave 765
Spread 10fps
Energy: 10.9 ft. lbs.
Contact: Armex Ltd. Tel 0121 6434900
Perfect chequering and a
comfortable grip – nice
GUIDE PRICE £420.20

o|u{pun
Big bag v little bag

Jamie Chandler asks: Does the size of the bag define our enjoyment of the hunt?
I
t seems to me that my wife has a
lot of bags. There must be over 15 at
current level, which in our tiny cob
cottage, means they’re everywhere. These
bags are left dotted around the house like
well-placed land mines, waiting for an
unsuspecting victim – me – to come along
and inevitably find themselves entangled in
a shoulder strap, trapped by a clasp, or hit
on the head by a falling purse. There are big
bags, little bags, leather, wool and canvas
bags, and all allegedly have a specific
purpose or occasion, but to be honest, I’m
pretty sure that she only ever uses one.
To my wife, it might seem the same with
me and airguns, but as we all know and
keep telling ourselves, that’s completely
different and far more in-depth than
something that you carry your phone in …
and your purse, and random bumpf collected
since the dawn of time. It sometimes
astounds me that someone who has a far
higher intellect than I could ever hope
for, can become completely unstuck by the
decision on which bag to take to what, and
why a new bag seems to be needed for every
wedding, christening or other major event.
I suppose there must be something in it, but
it utterly passes me by.
Why am I so fixated on my wife’s choice
of used tissue transportation? Well, apart
from the near loss of a leg, an eye and an
almost fatal trip down the stairs in the
past week, due to hand (bag) mines, it
seems to me that bag size can and possibly
is, becoming a fixation for many of us
airgunners out there. Just by flicking
through Facebook groups, we are bombarded
with photos of multiples of game, taken
with airguns and claimed to be at some
outlandish and occasionally implausible,
if not inhumane distances. In the last
couple of months, I have written about
‘30 rats shot’ and ‘over 20 pigeons taken Dropping to one knee I stayed still and hoped not to have been seen
from a roosting wood’ and perhaps it gives
the impression that big bags mean better do, for the pure enjoyment of harvesting take will be heading for the pot somewhere,
hunters, which is simply not the case. It food. When I head out hunting, my and that has always been my main driver.
flags up some big, ethical questions and can intention is to come back with something Taking the life of a sentient creature comes
leave those not having opportunities to be in the bag for me, or someone in the village, with a hefty responsibility, not only to
trigger happy, feeling that they are doing to enjoy preparing for dinner, not simply ensure that the shot is humane, but also in
something wrong in the field. to go out killing as many things as I can. what happens after.
Obviously, if it’s pest control in order to Another obvious factor in determining
HEFTY RESPONSIBILITY keep a landowner happy, then the more I potential bag size is the amount of available
For me, it all comes down to why I hunt in can show I’m doing a good job the better, game on any specific plot of land. You might
the first place; I hunt as I hope many of you but unless it’s rats or crows, everything I have thousands of acres to shoot over, but Ô

o|u{pun
Stalking just one pigeon was all that was on offer that day
Trigger control is vital to any sucessful shot I still love using a break-barrel springer
few woodlands, a low rabbit population

Despite the steep angle
due to myxi or the dreadful RVHD2 disease my shot was true
that has certainly decimated some of my
normally over-healthy rabbit populations, so
bagging one woodie or stalking one rabbit
would be a great success in itself.
You might also be the first person to try
to solve a rabbit problem on a few acres
of overrun horse paddocks, offering the
potential for a large amount of shots in a
confined space on the first few visits, and a
great deal more potential to get a big bag,
but certainly without the skill and effort
required in the previous example.
Again, you might have permission to
hunt over a golf course, in many ways
similar to horse paddocks, where the vermin
population is used to living relatively
close to humans. Again, this is a massive
advantage over a squirrel drey, or rabbit
warren, whose residents are only aware of
humans when they’re being hunted. So,
perhaps bigger bags, like in my article on
roost shooting, are in partly to do with luck
and should be enjoyed as excellent sport
when achieved, but not expected, and if
you have no use for the food they provide,
shouldn’t be reached for in the first place.
ESSENCE OF AIRGUN HUNTING

If, like me, you are an avid reader of our
own Charlie Portlock’s articles, then you

o|u{pun
Horse paddocks full of rabbits

can make for easy work
will have read with bated breath about the bushes and so I walked off the cramp by
Perhaps one pigeon
some of his stalks, taking all afternoon might seem small bag heading back to the car, keeping my eye out
to identify from afar one potential rabbit but I was satisfied for opportunities.
as a target, then stalking into it using all Nearly at the car I watched a pigeon land
available cover at his disposal, then getting on a branch some 50 yards away. I froze;
a little closer by watching his prey’s body I was in the open and in plain sight. I
language and finally taking a shot. This to silently dropped to a knee and ever so, ever
me is the utter essence of airgun hunting. so slowly started to knee crawl, closing
The getting out, observing, planning, the distance, expecting the pigeon to lift
waiting, stalking and finally lining up the at any moment. I got to about 30 yards,
shot, are where the real challenge lies; the knees aching from the crawl, regained my
shot and bagged rabbit is almost a by- I targeted the closest and very carefully breath and watched the pigeon, still turned
product or reward for the effort made. stalked in, keeping as close to the hedge away from me. I raised the Lightning, over
One example of ‘massive effort, small and using shadow as much as I could, the moon that the safety was silent, and
bag, huge reward’ hunting came the other freezing whenever the rabbit or any of its aimed dead on the pigeon’s shoulder blades.
day when I was out with my trusty BSA companions raised their heads. It was slow, A slight nudge, a ‘thunk’, and a dropped
Lightening XL SE after a call from the farm adrenalin-pumping, muscle-aching stuff, pigeon bought the drama to a close and
manager, demanding help with rabbits on but after 20 minutes, I was within 40 yards I retrieved my prize. Five hours out, two
a certain field margin. The field was quite and kneeling, slipped the Lightning off truly intense stalks and one, rather small
remote and the ground far too wet to get my shoulder for my final approach. One of pigeon to show for it, and I was delighted.
near with the car. After walking some way the rabbits caught the movement and all It just shows that with airguns, it’s the
over heavy, waterlogged soil, I could see four four bolted to the hedge and out of sight. I effort you put in that defines the outcome. A
rabbits feeding comfortably in the margin and moved silently forward 10 yards and sat up, massive effort and a small bag gives just as
at the field edge. It was 4.30 in the afternoon waiting with expectation of a reappearance. much joy as little effort and a big bag. Ask
and all my ‘good bag’ bells were chiming. Nothing, not so much as twitch came from my wife, she can tell you all about bags! ■

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The one and only Glock

The editor finally gets his hands on this long-awaited pistol
T
he globally respected and famous Glock
pistol represents an incredible story
about an unheard of design going from
near obscurity to becoming one of the most
popular handguns ever made. Police and
military teams around the globe carry these
fine handguns in almost every situation
imaginable because they trust them deeply
to save their lives when things turn ugly.
The challenge the designers took on was
to make a pistol that could be carried easily
and that could be drawn from a holster
and fired immediately when under extreme
pressure. Double-action revolvers are good
for this, but tend to be bulky, usually
only offer six shots and are slow to reload.
Single-action semi-autos offer more shots,
but require you to disengage a safety before
you can shoot, and many people feel that
they’re not safe to carry with a cartridge in
the chamber and the hammer cocked.
Glock found ways around this problem by
creating a multi-layered safety system that
allows the pistol to be fired immediately
it’s drawn, yet be fully safe to carry loaded.
Others have tried to emulate this system,
but it seems that Glock is still far and away I found the sights came up perfectly for my hold
the leader in this area of firearm design.
Over the decades, the pistols have replicas, and it took the reputation and when it was launched to the firearms world
evolved and special versions have been persuasion of German giants, Umarex, was that it was very different-looking to
made to suit the needs of individual forces to coax an agreement from this Austrian any other pistol that had been released. It
around the world, but at their heart manufacturer. Judging by the Umarex was brutally functional with no concessions
they utilise the same ingenious press releases, they’re over the moon to aesthetics. They also employed a polymer
system as the very first one. to be the ones to make the replica frame that started all the silly rumours
that everybody has been waiting that you could carry one through a metal
PICKY AUSTRIANS for, most especially me! detector unseen. The slide and all the
Glock has been very wary Part of the reason that mechanism, as well as the cartridges are
of allowing CO2-powered the Glock was seen as so metal, so the whole idea was just plain daft.
controversial The CO2 replica on test is a copy of
Beauty is in the eye the model 19 that shows finger grooves
of the beholder, and I
think it’s a stunner! on the front of the grip, and a section of
Weaver rail under the front of the frame to
accept torches or lasers. I’ll confess I was
disappointed when I found out that this,
the first release, is a non-blow-back model,
but I’m assured that they will follow in
time. The positives of the non-blow-back
action are that they use the CO2 much
more frugally, giving many more shots per
capsule, and they can also be more accurate.
“they’re over the moon to be the ones to make the replica that
everybody has been waiting for”

jWY
The hex driver needed to load the Co2 capsule is built into
the back strap moulding
GREAT HANDLING
The model 19 feels small in the hand, although
the grip feels long from back to front for
a 9mm handgun. I was pleased to see that
Glock’s simple yet innovative trigger blade
safety has been copied here, and is functional.
Overall, the ergonomics suited my medium-
sized hands well, and my usual two-handed
combat grip worked well around this frame. My two-handed combat hold worked perfectly with this frame
The grip angle also suited my hold with the
sights coming up level for my eye straight
away, eliminating the need for excessive time-
wasting readjustment. Although the sights
are fixed, they’re big and bold, making them
quick and easy to acquire. The front element
has the traditional bold white dot, whilst
the rear one has the whole notch outlined in
white, which seemed very clear.
IN-BUILT TOOL
Loading is much like many other CO2 replicas
in that a section of the back strap lifts
out to reveal the chamber that accepts the
ubiquitous 12 gramme CO2 capsule. A very
neat upgrade to the more common fittings is
the hex key needed to drive the capsule onto
the piercing probe; it folds like a penknife
into the back strap so that it’s always there
when you need it. 16 BBs are loaded into
the stick-style magazine through a funnel-
shaped port in the back of the mag’. The
spring-loaded follower has a notch to lock I found loading 16 BBs as easy as pie with this mag’
it back whilst you’re loading, so don’t forget
SPECIFICATION
to release this before inserting the mag’ or
you’ll be firing CO2 only.
As ever, I testing with steel BBs first and
then changed to my favourite Excite copper-
coated lead BBs, which tend to be more Manufacturer: Umarex
accurate and much less prone to rebounds
Importer: John Rothery Wholesale
and ricochets. Through the smooth-bore
barrel, the lead pellets again proved superior Web: www.bisley-uk.com
and shot to point of aim for me at six yards, Model: Glock 19
which is ideal. I got some stunning accuracy Type: CO2
with 14 shots inside an inch, with the odd
Action: Non-blow-back
flyers spoiling the groups, perhaps showing
the benefits of the non-blow-back action. The Trigger: Double-action
smooth and consistent trigger action must Weight: 720g
also take some credit here. Length: 190mm
I’m so happy that we have a well-made,
working replica of the Glock at last. It’s
RRP £119.95
iconic around the world and I’m sure that
Umarex will be selling these as fast as they
can build them. ■ The BB magazine drops free with a press of the release button

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76 AIRGUNNER
hjj|yhjGth{{lyz
Accuracy Matters
Mark Camoccio is helping us to choose the right rifle for HFT
O
utdoor airgun competition shooting
has proved increasingly popular over
the last few decades, and whilst field
target (FT) was the original sport that
fired the imagination, the latest hunter
field target (HFT) derivative has become
a well-established sport in its own right,
running parallel to FT up and down the
country. Trying to hit a small kill area cut
into the front plate of a knock-down target
is a real challenge in outside conditions,
but get everything right, and see the target
collapse way up in a tree, for example, and
the immense satisfaction is hard to beat.
HFT now has world organisations governing
the rules, too, so it looks to be going places.
GET INVOLVED
So, what if you fancy getting involved
in this fast -rowing sport? Well, it’s more
accessible that you might think, and with
an extensive network of clubs around the
country, taking a trip to your local one has
to be the best place to start for friendly
advice and a hands-on experience. Choosing
the right kit can make a big difference,
especially for anyone intending to fight
for silverware, so this month, I’m covering
some obvious points to consider, before you
invest significant hard-earned cash.
Q: Preferred rifle type?

A: HFT currently has two national
competition series running; the UKAHFT,
and HFT Masters, and both series offer
different categories in which for shooters
can compete. Whilst this includes, Ladies,
Juniors, and Veterans classes, there are
also classes for different types of gun. It’s
personal choice, of course, whether you
compete with .22 calibre, a recoiling gun
or pneumatic, and the respective classes
effectively act as a handicap system,
acknowledging that it is much harder to
shoot a .22 calibre gun, with its marked
trajectory, or a spring-powered gun, when
compared to a recoilless pneumatic. If you Adjustable stock elements come as standard with the BSA Goldstar SE
wish to compete for top honours at the very
highest level, though, then pre-charged Q: Single or multi-shot? shot action, for the increased safety
pneumatics give a slight edge every time, A: If the gun is to be used for competition, aspect as much as anything. HFT shoots
simply by virtue of their recoilless action. then I would always recommend a single- demand that the mag’ be removed from
the gun between target stages in any
“If the gun is to be used for competition, then I would case, yet to my mind, precision accuracy
stems from single shot, when the pellet
always recommend a single-shot” doesn’t have to jump from one part of the
barrel/transfer area to another. Modern Ô

hjj|yhjGth{{lyz
Air Arms’ flagship FTP900 has

proved quite popular in HFT
to 12 ft.lbs. from the indoor target 6 ft.lbs.

specification, and these are in the region
of £1700. Serious RRPs for any beginner,
especially since that’s before any glassware
has been considered. So yes, some serious
investment is going on in certain quarters!
gone the same way as field target, in that
many of the top-flight, dedicated match MORE MODEST
rifles are now in regular use on the HFT Most types of legal limit air rifle are
circuit. The Air Arms FTP900 (£1716) makes welcome, and despite those top-flight,
a regular appearance, and this is a great super-sophisticated models making an
“I’ve toyed with other rifles, but for now,

The National Series have separate classes,
including Ladies and Juniors
the 400 just feels right, for me”
manufacturing tolerances have improved performer, with an amazingly versatile, appearance, far simpler fare can still have
this area immeasurably, of course, and yet fully adjustable laminate stock, but at an impact, in the right hands. I would
for me, the theory still holds sway! 11lbs, it is aimed more at FT, when weight avoid any CO2-powered kit, mind you, given
is often seen as an advantage for stability, the power fluctuations that can occur.
Q: Budget? as opposed to HFT, when more bland styling Bear in mind that consistently being
A: In HFT, I compete with an Air Arms S400, can smooth our path. Top-flight kit from able to thread a pellet through the smallest
a fantastic all-rounder, starting at around Steyr, such as the Challenge HFT (£2500), 15mm kill zone at 25yards, is not something
£484. These cracking rifles have certainly offers some very slick features, and again that any airgun can take on. All rifles are
won more than their fair share of silverware, full adjustment, whilst the Anschutz One not equal, and it is fair to say that several
and are still competitive, punching well 9015 is beginning to gain a fan base. The of the same brands feature in the prize-
and truly above their weight. I’ve toyed factory FT model breaks the £3000 mark, but giving, and many brands never feature. So,
with other rifles, but for now, the 400 just cheaper versions with more simple stocks are next month we’ll take a closer look at what’s
feels right, for me. The sport has inevitably starting to emerge, sometimes custom-tuned required in an HFT rifle. ■
HFT is a precision sport in its own right National shoots normally have silverware up for grabs
Hitting those
tiny 15mm kills
consistently
requires great
accuracy

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AIRGUNNER 79
o|u{pun
New s e ri es
The Hunter’s Way
Eddie Jones is around the farmyard to see what’s about
M
y next venture into which pests
we can shoot is in and around the
farmyards, where you can find an
abundance of species. By the time you read
this, buds will be sprouting their leaves,
and the birds around the farm will be
getting ready to start breeding. I like to hit
the yards at this time of year because you
can get good numbers of quarry species,
and before they are feeding young; you
should see collared doves, crows, jackdaws,
pigeons, rats and rabbits.
Rats are more nocturnal and we have
already covered those, so we will start with
the jackdaw. Jackdaws are the smallest
member of the crow family, and like most
of their cousins, they are just as much at
home in farmland as they are in woodland.
Jackdaws are highly intelligent and social
and like the magpie, they easily pick up
tricks and new skills in the wild as well as
in captivity – they are a firm favourite with
people who want a pet bird because they
are pretty easy to teach to talk. Jackdaws
are colonial cavity nesters; they will use
anything from a hole in a tree to a chimney,
and I have them nesting in old woodpecker
holes on one of my grounds every year.
Their nests are usually constructed with
sticks to form the outer section of the
structure, and then lined with wool or hair.
If nesting in holes they will mostly just line
the nest with the latter materials.
I’ll use any cover possible Decoys work a treat around foodstuffs

o|u{pun
CARRION EATERS
It is well documented that jackdaws form
strong pairing bonds and are renowned for
their devotion toward their partner. A pair
will stay loyal to each other for years. As
well as breeding in colonies, jackdaws also
roost and feed together. If one jackdaw
finds a particularly good supply of food, it
will regularly come back to the same area,
sometimes encouraging other jackdaws
to tag along. This is good for when we are
trying to get good numbers because you
will always have more than one target to
choose from. Their diet is largely composed
of seeds, fruit and invertebrates, but as
jackdaws are also carrion eaters, they will
pick at road kill or even take other birds’
eggs. A jackdaw will eat a lot of other foods
that are put in cattle feeders, too, and that
is why they are a pest to the farmer.
An easy way to identify jackdaws is
by their light grey nape and pale white
iris, which stand out against the black
plumage. Juveniles lack the grey nape and
are born with blue-grey eyes, but the irises
change to white once they gain their adult
plumage.
Shooting jackdaws around a farm can be
very frustrating because they have great
eyesight and always seem to know when Staying in the shadows produces plenty of opportunities
you are about. You can use the shot birds as
decoys, and that will get you a few shots,
but you will get more if you have a partner.
“They roost in the beams of the barns and cause a lot of damage
OPPORTUNITIES
to the corn with their droppings”
Over the years, I have found that if you
both go to the same spot to start with, you area in sight, but your partner gets back to sight after every shot, but sneak back under
can keep alternating two areas together. your site, under cover and not seen. Again, cover. They will wise up to this in time,
After you have taken your first shot, one the jackdaws will think it’s safe to go back but just give them a break to start feeding
of you collects the bird and heads off over because they have seen you walk away from confidently again.
to the other area. It only takes one bird to the feed. I have used this method many When around the farm you will nearly
see you walk over there and it will think times in one day and had a great session. always see collared doves, too. These are
it is safe to come back. When you have got If you are alone, then decoying with shot much smaller than woodpigeon, with quite
your next shot, you go over to the other birds is the way to go. Just walk away in a long tail, and the plumage is mostly a Ô
Find the trees that the pigeons go to after they feed Rabbits are often close to the farmyard

o|u{pun
The collared doves come and go all day
pale brown-grey with the breast a pinkish,

buff colour. Adults can be distinguished
by the narrow black and white band round
the back of the neck, which juveniles lack.
The dove’s flight is a lot different to a
pigeon and there is no mistaking its shape
as it comes toward you. I like to see a few
doves around a farm, but sometimes they
do get out of hand and need controlling. Always take great care when shooting around cattle
When a farm has corn storages you will
often see them coming out of the barn in You will get plenty of opportunities to the loose feed so you will get plenty of
good numbers. They roost in the beams of see woodpigeons and magpies in numbers opportunities for a shot. Make a hide out
the barns and cause a lot of damage to the over the winter months, too. They will want of any materials that are lying around the
corn with their droppings. Doves can breed to feed on the abundance of food that is farm; a simple frame from pallets and a bit
all year round so if you are controlling around the farms, so take this opportunity of baling wrap will be more than sufficient.
them, try to do this if we get a good winter to control them. One of my favourite tactics If possible, try to get between hay bales,
because they are more likely not to be is to put a single magpie decoy near a and shoot off a bipod.
feeding young. silage heap, magpies love rooting amongst
SAFETY
One important factor that needs to be
adhered to is safety. Most farms will have
workers around; they will be feeding stock
or mucking out at any time of the day, so
you must be on your guard. Do not shoot
where there are any blind spots. It takes
a split second for someone to walk around
a corner, and you could hit them, causing
serious injury. Always make sure you have
a good backstop when shooting around
buildings. When shooting in barns, be
aware of the roof materials. Your pellet is
most likely to go through a bird, so think
about any damage that could be caused
from your pellet after exiting whatever your
shooting at.
Also think about what you wear. There is
no need to go around the farm in full camo,
the quarry will have seen normal clothing
day in day out and are used to it, so green
clothing would be enough to hide you in the
shadows. Also, a farmer driving a tractor is
more likely to see you wearing something
other than full camo and will make it less
likely for you to get run over – being run
over might seem a bit unrealistic, but why
chance it! One last thing – around spring,
rabbits are starting to show more, so do not
miss the opportunity to check out the fields
that surround the buildings – you’ll be
surprised by how many you will see if the
A good mixed bag can often be had sun is shining. ■

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v|unGzov{z
Get Carter!
Mark Camoccio reports on a remarkable scheme to
get shooting sports into schools
I
n these chastened times, when the great
unwashed increasingly call the shots
via a Twitter storm on ‘soshal meeja’, it
is indeed heartening to hear when common
sense prevails. So, meet Mr Dave Carter – a
man who has been beavering away on our
behalf, promoting our sport in the most
unlikeliest of locations.
BACKGROUND
I first met Dave Carter a couple of years back,
and as the part-time Development Officer for
the Lincolnshire Small-bore Rifle Association,
it was clear he was already having an
impact, running countryside have-a-go days, Head teacher, Simon Evans (left), alongside Dave Carter Both girls and boys have shown an interest
coordinating club funding and such like,
but when I got wind of his latest venture, in carefully oversee the pupils, helping them RECOGNISED FORMAT
partnership with Sport England, I just had to to grasp the finer points of rifle shooting Back to the schools scheme and there’s a
see the good work for myself. and marksmanship, all in a safe, controlled full training program laid out, based on the
environment. National Small-bore Rifle Association (NSRA)
HE’S DONE WHAT? Dave was previously involved in the County Youth Proficiency Scheme in Air Rifle Target
Bear in mind that the very mention of any Sports Partnership, so he is familiar to several Shooting, which is extremely thorough and
sort of shooting can cause minor hysteria national governing bodies concerning sport informative, and this takes place over six
these days, and his achievement is all the and schools, but he also has qualified teacher one-hour sessions at the school. The first
more impressive. Get this ... Mr Carter has status, which all helps his credentials. session starts with basic gun handling and
helped to coordinate and instigate a series His contacts have helped, but there has safety, but other sessions cover breathing
of target-shooting sessions in schools been some cold-calling of certain schools technique, trigger control, body position,
across the county of Lincolnshire. Dave and involved. A professional presentation and risk sight adjustment, and all the finer elements
his merry band of helpers, turn up at set assessment are part of the initial approach, in between.
times, set up their mobile shooting range so the response and uptake has been nothing The really clever bit comes at the end, when
inside the school’s sports hall, and then short of remarkable. Dave’s ethos flies in pupils are invited to attend a couple of two-
the face of much of the shooting industry’s hour sessions at their local shooting club, in
approach –namely keeping a low profile, order to attain a marksmanship badge. They
but as Dave says, he is ‘bringing shooting shoot at a conventional, air pistol 10m target,
sports into the limelight and getting them and have 20 shots for a possible 200 points
recognition as the great sports that they are. score. There are four levels of badge:
As he puts it, “We can’t communicate and Skilled 50-109
attract new blood if we keep too low a profile, Marksman 110-149
and it’s time to show we have plenty to offer, Expert 150-174
and nothing to hide!” Master Shot 175 and above
Ten points are awarded for a written content

too, and pupils need to get seven out of the
ten questions correct to pass. Dave Carter’s
figures show the conversion rate is around
30 per cent of youngsters who attend the
shooting club going on to become a member –
obviously, great news.
THE PUPIL:
Name: Corey Maltby
Age: 13
Edgar Brothers have generously sponsored the Safety briefs are listened to intently Q: What attracted you to target shooting in
equipment side

v|unGzov{z
a group of academies, run in the city of

Lincoln. We are so impressed with how it is
all going that other schools in the group are
now interested to get involved.
Q: That’s very encouraging. What makes it

so appealing?
A: The scheme inspires and engages with
pupils who sometimes aren’t otherwise
interested in physical education. It teaches
them social skills and raises their self
esteem. Here at the Priory Pembroke
Academy, we have five key values; courage,
The mobile range is set up in the sports hall curiosity, wisdom, passion and generosity,
and we aim to drive up standards through
those values. The shooting program fits
those values perfectly, and attracts both
girls and boys, and a mix of ages.
Q: Have you had any negative feedback,

given the reaction in some quarters to the
mention of guns of any sort?
A: To be honest, I thought I was taking a
gamble, and expected some flack, but having
widely publicised the whole thing on social
Sessions are run to the NSRA Youth Proficiency Scheme media, I have been pleasantly surprised
because there has been no negative feedback
the first place? is trying to find a local range, where we might whatsoever!
A: I had shot a little with the Scouts group get our own rifle.
and really liked the idea. That was about two POSITIVE NEWS
years ago, but I only shot four or five times. THE HEAD TEACHER, SIMON EVANS: It all sounds fantastically positive and with
Q: When did you first hear about the Target the idea of future competitions between
Q: What is your favourite subject at school, Shooting program? participating schools also being mooted, the
and do you do any other sports? A: That was just before Christmas. We were future for shooting in this part of the world
A: That’s ICT, computer training. I do take contacted by Dave Carter from Lincolnshire looks encouraging, to say the least. The
part in basketball, which I really enjoy. Smallbore Rifle Association, and he came to great work of the Lincolnshire Small-bore
us and made a presentation. I just see it as a rifle Association really is paying dividends,
Q: Will you keep shooting after the series of great opportunity for the children that they and their refreshingly bold approach is
sessions end? wouldn’t necessarily have had otherwise. I surely a perfect model for other counties
A: I really want to. I’m looking forward to was the Deputy Head at Priory LSST, another nationwide. NSRA and other bodies, please
the club nights. I live in Lincoln, and my dad school in the Priory Federation, which is take note.
WELL DONE TO ALL!

“pupils are invited to attend a couple of two-hour sessions at So the benefits to the youngsters taking part
are two-fold; an introduction to a fantastic
their local shooting club” recreational sport at an early age for an army
of youngsters who just might find a lifelong
passion, or make it to the Olympics, and
invaluable positive PR for shooting sports in
general. Something of a win-win situation, I
think you’ll agree.
So ,congratulations to Dave Carter and his
helpers, and of course to head teacher, Simon
Evans, at the Priory Pembroke Academy,
and his counterparts across the county, for
having the foresight and determination to
embrace the scheme and help to make it the
huge success that it has proved to be. ■
To discuss any of the details raised, Dave

Carter is contactable at dc_a@btconnect.com
or www.dc-a.co.uk Tel 01673844404
British Shooting can be found at
Jack Wood, Sophie Edwards, Oliver Radley, Robson Canner, Morgan Gooch Badges are awarded for different skill levels www.britishshooting.org.uk

hpyn|uGjvsslj{pvu
Lincoln Jeffries/BSA Part 7: Pre-World War One Era by John Atkins

Additional photographs courtesy of Alan Harvey and Mac Evans
T
he February, 1909 issue of The Sporting
Goods Review detailed improvements
in air rifles announced from The
Birmingham Small-arms Co., Ltd, A.H.M.
Driver and G. Norman relating to air rifles
of the BSA or solid-barrel type. Patent
abridged. 3306 (08), showed a very advanced
Airsporter-style design, the arrangement
allowing a fore-end stock giving better grip FIGURE 1
and more the shape of a sporting rifle. A
safety ratchet and double-stroke cocking all the BSA company, and all the developed above it; 165 Gun Laying Teachers having
made this a BSA Patent long before its time, production rifles had been bought by the been dispatched from BSA in mid-1915.
but unfortunately no specimen is known. army or navy before World War One.
An obituary notice of Mr. Driver, Chief Back then, I was still surprised to see the LIMITED CLUES
Engineer at BSA appeared in the July 1910 high value put on it, because I’d bought one As I said in Airgun World December 1982,
issue of TSGR; he died on 14 June, 1910. in superb condition, two years earlier for for £760, I’d have expected the field gun to
During August to November 1910, BSA £10 from Eugene Alexander at The London go with it, but at the time in 1977, neither
produced the final batch of ‘H’ The Lincoln Airgun Centre, although this example, Gene, nor I, had any idea what it was. Being
Air Rifles for Lincoln Jeffries and after this seen centre of Figure 1 is certainly not a the rifle only, without the special sub-frame
period, all air rifles produced by BSA were prototype and substantially later. For size and range wheels, limited any clues to its
sold as BSAs. In November 1910, it was comparison, a BSA .22 Sporting Pattern purpose. Gene just seemed to want to get
announced that Lincoln Jeffries was moving Improved Model D serial no. 40238 made shot of it and I was pleased to buy it as
to new premises at 140 Steelhouse Lane, April/July 1911 is shown above the BSA some sort of BSA air rifle, not realising its
Birmingham. .177 Gun Laying Teacher serial no. T7406. historical significance, but thinking I could
An interesting article by ‘Mac’ entitled Seen lower, is a BSA .177 Standard Pattern fit a butt and a cocking lever and it could be
‘Visiting a Vintage Airgun Auction’ in April 1914/July 1917 production, serial no. quite powerful with its over-size diameter
the December 1979 issue of Airgun World S79783. air chamber.
mentioned the prototype BSA gun-laying From this you can see that the Gun Laying The absence of the sub-frame was just as
teacher c.1912, complete with sub-frame or Teacher was built around BSA Standard well in my case because it would be a heavy,
holder for attaching to a field gun and solid length parts like the cylinder and barrel, but cumbersome thing to store – not to mention
brass control wheels with double helical with no dovetails for mounting sights or an transporting back home that day, as I was
gears and finely engraved markings. The underlever catch. The lower rifle on the train. My first thought was a factory
article stated that the bidding for it stopped (why do people put sights back in, test-bed piece, maybe bench clamped for
at £760 - this being short of the high reserve back-to-front?) is contemporary testing BSA pellets, but my knowledgeable
price, on account of it apparently having with the earlier versions friend, the late Arthur Pickford, soon put me
been the prototype originally belonging to of the Gun Laying Teacher right and I got further details from Dennis
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 2
88 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk FIGURE 3

hpyn|uGjvsslj{pvu
Figure 1: Top: BSA .22 Sporting Pattern Improved
FIGURE 5 Model D serial no. 40238 made April/July 1911.
Centre: BSA .177 Gun Laying Teacher serial no. T7406.
Lower: BSA .177 Standard Pattern April 1914/July 1917
production, serial no. S79783
Figure 2: This sketch of the then unidentified field

artillery Gun Laying Teacher, first published in ‘Guns
Review’ March, 1977, soon led to information about
the rifle and its invaluable training use
Figure 3: Underside of the Gun Laying Teacher. Note

the wider than usual cocking slot
Figure 4: Mounting diagram for the BSA Air Rifle and

FIGURE 6 Holder for teaching gun laying
Figure 5: The double lever tap shown open for loading,

and the legend partially obscured by the ‘cocking
slider’ in the uncocked position
Figure 6: The training device is shown here with the

loading tap closed
Commins in his reply Figure 7: Trigger block of No. T7406 showing the stout
to my letter and sketch trigger shape
(Figure 2) appearing in FIGURE 7 Figure 8: Compressing the powerful mainsprings by
Guns Review March 1977. using my old wooden drawing board, wide enough not
to slip off the front lower edge of the collar during the
I didn’t have a gun serious effort required to cock the piece
bag with me so I walked up Craven Street,
Figure 9: When cocked, the cylinder marking
openly carrying my strange BSA, and ‘Improved Model’ can be seen - rather than the usual
around the corner with it to Charing Cross ‘Improved Model D’ pattern description
Station and boarded the train. Sharing
the compartment were two girls who whilst clutching
seemed very interested in the gun layer. the device – to travel over walls, Saunders, R.F.A, this being reprinted from
After travelling some miles, one plucked or any other tall object barring The Journal of The Royal Artillery Vol. XL, No.
up courage to enquire what it was. Not my way. The less inquisitive of 3 June 1913 from which the diagram
wishing to air my ignorance of the device, the two, looked worried and said I Figure 4 reproduced here is taken.
I told them I’d been to the Patent Office should look before I leapt because spikes or From it, you can see that a modified BSA
to patent my new pneumatic pogo stick. glass could be on the other side, meaning Standard pattern .177 bore air rifle was fitted
By compressing the spring, seen visible an unhappy landing. To quell her concern, I to a holder and provided with an ‘overlever’
underneath (Figure 3) in the large diameter pointed out that I could use the stick to rise for cocking the mainsprings. This hand
cylinder and opening the special tap with vertically to have a good look over any high lever had two arms or links attached to it
two levers, a powerful jet of air from the obstacle first, to check if safe before sailing for pulling back a sleeve, which embraced
muzzle was released to propel me upwardly, over! Seemingly satisfied by my explanation, the air rifle cylinder. A wider-than-usual
I recall they got off the train at Sevenoaks, slot cut into the underside of the cylinder
both stopping to smile and wave to me enabled a sturdy cocking stud screwed into
FIGURE 8 from the platform. I admit to then having the base of the sleeve, to engage with the
felt a bit bad for telling two such nice girls piston. The holder had its own lateral and
a tall story. Whether they believed my elevation screws. All this was fitted to the
ludicrous account, or were just humouring barrel of a 15-pounder B.L.C. gun by two
me by pretending to, I’ll never know – but adjustable brackets, and the trigger of the
it all helped pass the first 20 miles of a dull air rifle connected by a cord to the firing
journey. lever of the field gun, enabling the work of
firing practice to be carried on in the usual
FIELD GUN TRAINING manner. Before despatch from the BSA works,
The gun layer was a sub-calibre barrel – the pull-off of every air rifle of this type was
meaning a barrel of smaller calibre mounted carefully tested to 5lbs. The drawing shows a
over, inside, or alongside the barrel of a normal type BSA tap lever, but the very few
larger calibre gun, permitting it to be used examples I’ve seen since, have all had the
for practise work with less powerful, cheaper special double-lever tap as shown in Figure 5
ammunition. Much cheaper in the case of (open) and closed in Figure 6. The cylindrical
the BSA Air Rifle and Holder for teaching trigger block of no. T7406 and straight trigger
gun laying because it fired a .177 pellet, shape is detailed in Figure 7.
rather than a round from a 15-pounder
B.L.C. gun! The gun layer was probably RANGE TABLE
designed in 1910 around standard BSA In use, the gun would probably be in a drill
Model D components, patented in mid-1911 hall and it would have a target placed at
and announced in an instruction pamphlet either 20 or 30 yards from the muzzle and
printed in June 1913 by Lieut.-Colonel W. P. ‘layed’ point blank on it. The air rifle and Ô
FIGURE 9
F

hpyn|uGjvsslj{pvu
FIGURE 11
FIGURE 10
although larger
in diameter is also
of Standard length, marked:
‘THE B.S.A. AIR RIFLE (IMPROVED
MODEL), THE BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS CO.
LTD., ENGLAND SOLE MANUFACTURERS’ on
three lines. It weights 6lbs 3½oz and shoots
powerfully, but it’s a struggle to cock in its
present form.
The Admiralty were also using a similar
version of the BSA air rifle for training
gun crews before the Royal Artillery, but
this was electrically fired rather than by a
lanyard, as the army version. I read many
years ago that H.M.S. Pembroke, Chatham,
Kent had two or three which they ran out
for the amusement of visitors on Navy Days.
Not having the cocking lever pivoted on
the rear of the holder with links to draw
back the heavy exterior collar containing
holder set at zero would be adjusted to able to check the correctness of the laying the cocking stud, I had to resort to forcing it
agree accurately with zero and axis of the by means of a gauge in the form of an angle down to compress the powerful mainsprings
field gun, in horizontal and vertical plane. marked off in minutes for ascertaining the by using a piece of timber, wide enough
Alignment would be obtained by a few correct deviation from the point aimed at. not to slip off the front lower edge of the
trial shots, after which the laying teacher The air rifle was so accurate at 20 yards collar during the serious effort needed
would be firmly fixed and the field gun crew that every error made by the layer was to cock the piece. I used my old drawing
would load a dummy round, The loading immediately apparent on the target, and board as seen in Figure 8. When cocked,
of the air rifle would be carried out by one the exact amount could be measured by the the cylinder marking ‘Improved Model’ can
man who stood in front of the shield on gauge. The paper targets were made to scale; be fully seen in Figure 9 - rather than the
the right of the gun, out of the way of the for example, a four-gun battery with wagons ‘Improved Model D’ pattern description. The
workings of the detachment. The unusual in action at 3,000 yards was represented ‘D’ either dropped in favour of renaming the
double lever to the loading plug or tap at 20 yards by black rectangles about air rifles as ‘Standard’ patterns - or because
assisted this operation. Then the trainee 3/8th inch x 13/16th inch at nearly 5-inch the Gun Laying Teacher wasn’t an ordinary
layer sighted the field gun in the normal intervals on the steel plate. commercial model air rifle.
fashion. When the field gun was elevated to Other instructional values of the device After the Great War, the Gun Laying Teacher
suit an increased range, the laying teacher, included the fact that officers could get again proved essential. In 1921 the modified
by means of an elevating screw, marked in practice with their field-glasses to note No.1 BSA formed part of the Apparatus
to agree exactly with the range markings the splash of the pellets in the paint and training gun layers, No. 3 (Mark 1) for use
of the sight of the field gun as shown by learn to sharpen up giving out orders and with the QF 12- pr. 12 cwt guns and by 1926
a range table, could be depressed through making corrections. The actual shooting was revised on extended use for aiming QF
a corresponding number of degrees. This made the battery gun drill more interesting 3-pr. 2 cwt. Marks I and II guns. 1931 saw
operation would have been done by the to the gun crew, although the absence of the .177 air rifle No. I, Mk. I dated drawings
instructor who would give the battery any representation of bursting shrapnel of air rifle supporting brackets for use with
commander a range, somewhere about the necessarily limited the use of the air rifle to Ordnance QF 3-pr. 2 cwt and Mk. II dummy
equivalent of the reading of the screw, as percussion ranging. Mk. I when employed with miniature tank
having been received from the range-takers. pellet ranges for instructional purposes. So it
If the field gun had been accurately ‘layed’ SERIOUS EFFORT appears the undated, rare photograph of the
the pellet from the air rifle would then hit There’s no rust and the finish is still British Tank Gunners in training reproduced as
the object at which the gun was aimed and excellent, unlike others seen that have Figure 10, dates from 1931 onwards. It shows
would hit in real action. The lateral screw had a hard life. The barrel is BSA Standard tank gunners in the British Army on what
adjustment would be used for the instructor length (c.19¼ inches) and the cylinder, was known as the ‘Pellet Range’. The gunner
to simulate windage, etc. The markings on
this also agreed with the field gun. The
wheel was marked in degrees and minutes.
FIGURE 12
A six-foot square steel plate was used
in the drill hall to stop new recruits FIGURE 13
damaging the building. This also served
as a target and was sometimes covered
with non-drying paint on which could be
stuck coloured paper objects to represent
trenches, batteries, etc., cut out to a scale
proportioned to the distance. Whilst the
practice was in progress, the instructor was

hpyn|uGjvsslj{pvu
FIGURE 14 FIGURE 16
FIGURE 17
application of 8th January 1914 for patent

No. 502 covered an improved trigger
mechanism for air rifles, combining a safety-
locking device that automatically moved
to ‘safe’ on the cocking of the mechanism
whilst patent No. 1988 of 1914 protected
a simplified air rifle employing a movable
push-in barrel with rotary loading plug
which did not enter production either –
although a pilot piece example lacking any
BSA markings is shown on the back cover of
Dennis Hiller’s book. 1914 also saw the first
FIGURE 15 production of rifles with markings photo-
etched onto the cylinders and the final
production of the BSA Military Pattern Long
is placed in a skeleton tank, operated by but the bench was also anchored rigidly to air rifle in October 1914. ■
machinery and producing a movement similar the floor. Alan’s further photos show the air
to a tank travelling on rough ground. Fixed to rifle adapted from a Gun Laying Teacher with SOURCES: ‘First Bid’. Mac visits a vintage
the pupil’s gun is the air rifle, which fires the open breech, showing the altered tap lever airgun sale. ‘Airgun World’ December 1979;
lead pellets on to the miniature landscape in in the forward position in Figure 12. The BSA Gun Laying Teacher ‘Airgun World’
the background. smaller tap lever seems to have been removed December 1982 by John Atkins; Journal of
and the larger one remodelled, so the loading the Royal Artillery, June 1913; ‘Lincoln
CURIOUS CONVERSION lever is rather in reverse to usual because Jeffries and BSA Air Rifles’ by John Knibbs
Whilst I’d toyed with the idea of converting the tap is closed when the lever is upright, as 2012 and ‘The Collectors’ Guide to Air Rifles’
my Laying Teacher into a usable rifle before seen in Figure 13. by Dennis E. Hiller, 1985. Correspondence
I knew what it was, thanks to Alan Harvey’s An underlever and substantial cocking between Lieutenant Colonel AGP Meagher
photographs, I can show a successful past link have been added, pivoting in the REME and John McCrossen, 16 April 1987.
effort to do just that, by a person unknown, original trunnions and probably on the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: My thanks to
converting an early BSA Gun Laying Teacher original axis screw. Note the added block- Alan Harvey and Mac Evans for photographs
serial number T73 into a powerful shoulder raised rearsight in Figure 14. and input.
rifle. The butt appears to be from a .303 The underside of the converted Gun
service rifle, as you can see from Laying Teacher, is detailed in Figure 15, the Figure 10: British Army tank gunners in training on the
Figure 11. The trigger might have been added plates screwed on to the thick tubing ‘Pellet Range’ from skeleton tanks moving to simulate
travel on rough terrain. Fixed to the pupil’s gun is the
original, drastically remodelled if anything to reduce the original wide slot for the air rifle which fires lead pellets on to the miniature
landscape in the background
like the one on my own example – or is new cocking link to ride in, and the added
replaced, with a non-standard trigger guard trigger guard. The barrel has been cut with Figure 11: A successful past effort by a person
unknown, to convert BSA Gun Laying Teacher serial
fitted. My own gun-laying teacher using my dovetails for adding a very high foresight number T73 into a powerful shoulder rifle. The butt
‘drawing-board method’ to cock it, resulted seen in Figure 16 to match the raised appears to be from a .303 service rifle. [Photograph
courtesy of Alan Harvey]
in a respectable average velocity of 746 f.p.s. rearsight. Add the solid bar cocking lever
over a dozen shots but despite my 15-stone (Figure 17) with button end underlever Figure 12: The air rifle adapted from a Gun Laying
Teacher with open breech, showing the altered
bulk bearing down in it, I simply didn’t catch and you have the BSA Gun Laying tap lever opened in forward position. [Photograph
courtesy of Alan Harvey]
have the physical strength to cock the rifle Teacher converted to a shoulder rifle.
further by this crude, awkward method in Figure 13: Tap lever in upright closed position.
order to shoot a longer string. OTHER BSA DEVELOPMENTS [Photograph courtesy of Alan Harvey]
With the piston head and chamber well 1913 saw a development of the idea in Figure 14: An underlever and substantial cocking link
have been added, pivoting in the original trunnions and
lubed with ‘Titan’ Leather Oil, I sacrificed Patent 3306 of 1908 that I mentioned at probably on the original axis screw. Note the added
some very early BSA waisted pellets and the beginning of this article, but again no block-raised rearsight. [Photograph courtesy of Alan
Harvey]
was surprised to find that despite having to existing specimen rifle to BSA’s Patent 5564
Figure 15: The underside of the converted Gun Laying
re-clamp the rifle every time after taking of 1913 with two-stroke linkage is known, Teacher, detailing the added plates screwed on to
it out to re-cock, all but one of the shots so maybe the coming War prevented further reduce the original wide slot for the new cocking link
to ride in and the added trigger guard. [Photograph
fired indoors at 32-foot range were virtually work. Skilled engineer Mac Evans built his courtesy of Alan Harvey]
through the same hole! Realising this sounds own fine replica, working from the 1913
Figure 16: The barrel has been cut with a dovetail
scarcely credible, I should add the Gun Laying Patent drawings, to test the cocking method and a very high foresight added to match the raised
Teacher was placed carefully back each time involved and the better balance claim of the rearsight. [Photograph courtesy of Alan Harvey]
in exactly the same position in the jaws, that patent, and this can be seen in Figure 18. Figure 17: The solid bar cocking lever with button
end underlever catch fitted to the converted BSA Gun
were not only fixed firmly to the test bench, BSA and engineer George Norman’s Laying Teacher. [Photograph courtesy of Alan Harvey]
Figure 18: No existing specimen rifle to BSA’s Patent

5564 of 1913 with two-stroke linkage was known, so
Mac Evans built his own fine replica to test the cocking
method involved and the better balance claim of the
patent. [Photograph courtesy of Mac Evans]
FIGURE 18

SWAP SHOP
REMEMBER you DO NOT have to be a registered firearms dealer (RFD) to sell your airgun as part of a private transaction,
and this transaction DOES NOT have to be ‘face to face’ – although you must ensure that the buyer is over 18 years of age.
Are you looking to sell a gun? Dedicated gun enthusiasts read Air Shop, Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead Road, Wokingham,
Gunner every month; if you’re looking to sell then they’re looking to RG40 2EG. Please include your name, address, telephone number
buy! Alternatively, is there a gun you’ve been trying to find? Are you and a maximum of 40 words and make all cheques or PO’s payable
a collector or just looking for a particular treat? For all your buying to ‘Air Gunner’. Get your information to us and we’ll publish it in
and selling needs, Swap Shop is here! For only £4.00 (40 words our next issue. We cannot guarantee which issue your advert will
max) your advert will appear in the next issue of Air Gunner and appear in. Please note that we cannot take your advert over the
on our website. We are now able to accept your advert at www. phone, though for any further information call Sharon on 01189
airgunshooting.co.uk or by post addressed to Air Gunner Swap 742 524
BSA ULTRA SE TACTICAL, CFR GAMO .22 in perfect BSA SUPER TEN MK3 .22, WEIHRAUCH HW45 .177
Nikko Sterling Mountmaster 3-9 x working order which I would like Bullpup barrel carbine, bullpup in BOUGHT NOVEMBER 2017.
40, silencer, 2 magazines, bipod, to swap for a good break-barrel an aluminium ambi-stock. Little use, as new. Includes 9½ tins
padded case. As new, one month rifle. Email pictures to tetman10@ Excellent condition £400. of camo pellets £220.
old, still have receipt. Photos yahoo.co.uk Also for sale, CO2 Tel: 07977 323504 (Conwy). Tel: 07837 227405 (Middx).
available, £600. Sig Sauer P320, 30-round mag’ in
Tel: 07714 465525 (Andover). working order £70. FAC 40FT.LBSS THEOBEN IMMACULATE WALTHER CO2
Tel: 01915 818951 (Seaham). RAPID MK2, custom silencer. PISTOL, fitted with laser sight plus
BSA MERCURY ‘S’ G.C. Optisan Viper scope, AIM tactical several additions. .177 pellet
£215. BSA Mercury MK3 .22 vgc THE ALL NEW GAMO PHOX gun bag, 6 tins of Bisley Magnum reloadable magazines and several
£185. Nikko Sterling Nighteater SILENCI .177 RIFLE PACK. pellets. Less than 100 shots fired. CO2 unused gas cartridges. All in
2.5-10 x 42 £58. Air Arms TDR Includes rifle, 3-9 x 40 scope, Unmarked as new.£475. new condition and hardly used,
S410 .177 inc. the above Gamo gun bag, Gamo pump, Tel: 07585 333785 (Cambridge) £195. Tel: 01923 674542 or
Nighteater £565, little use. AGS removable silencer, only 6 months 07545 460968 (Herts).
Leapers 2-7 x 32 illuminated, old, no more than 50 pellets fired, AIR ARMS S400 CARBINE .22
excellent little scope £45. All prices unwanted present, cost £500 will (5.5MM), walnut stock, single DAYSTATE WOLVERINE C
include p+p. accept £350, no offers, buyer bolt-action, r/h Hawke 3-9 x 50 IR, TYPE. Boxed and in genuine
Tel: 01983 566634 (Isle of Wight). collects. Tel: 07926 567845 OA. Excellent condition. FX Pump as-new condition. Outstanding air
(Llandudno). Swedish. £300. Weihrauch HW95 rifle with nicely grained stock
GERMAN MADE ‘ORIGINAL’ .22 (5.5mm), silencer, beech stock, £795. Weihrauch HW100 KFSB
MODEL 10 TARGET PISTOL. AIR CYLINDER WITH VALVE TO Hawke Airmax 3-7 x 32 A.O. Like .177 with thumbhole stock, boxed
Rifled barrel, calibre 4.5mm. FIT AIR ARMS S200. Less than new 1,000 shots, unmarked £200 as new. Sold with two magazines,
Walnut stock, hand rest. Excellent six months old, seldom used, mint (over18 years). fill probe and bag £625.
condition. Professionally serviced condition. Text first please, Tel: 0780 4944352 Tel: 01977 661671 (Yorkshire).
by Dyke & Co, re-spring and 07786 010805 (Stourbridge). (Tyne & Wear).
re-washer 2006, little use since STOEGER X20 SUPPRESSOR
2006. Handbook and service FX IMPACT .177 IN BLACK, 2 x AIR ARMS S510F .22 .22 with scope, only two weeks
invoice. A collector’s piece 21 pellet mags, plus 2.5-10 x 50 ULTIMATE SPORTER, Hawke old, still have receipt. Had only
(Srl 006574) £250. Nikko Sterling Diamond scope, Airmax Ao Amx 4-12 x 40 scope, 100 pellets put through. Absolutely
Tel: 01799 516944 little use so in excellent condition. camo sling 300 bar filling kit, Air mint. Can deliver (for petrol cost).
(Saffron Walden). Collection only £1,350 ovno. Arms gun sling. This gun is in Photos available £130 ono.
Tel: 07772 952547 (Nottingham). pristine condition £895. Face to Tel: 07714 465525 (Andover).
BSA R10 MK2 A1 CONDITION, face sale only. Tel: 01489 575087
long barrel shroud with silencer, CS700 THUMBHOLE STOCK to Southampton). 2 X BSA METEORS MK1 £75
Hawke 4-16 x 56 scope, fit a Weihrauch HW100 carbine air EACH, 2 x BSA Airsporters MK1
bipod, bag. Tel: 01621 856007 rifle. Mint condition £150. AIRGUN COLLECTION FOR £100 each, BSA Merlin £95,
(Essex). Tel: 01395 273720 (Exmouth). SALE, all makes inc; Theoben, Webley MKIII £165, Webley Xocet
BSA, FWB, Air Arms, Falcon, + silencer, scope £165, Diana Mod
WANTED 2/3 GUN METAL WANTED, the following air rifles; Webley, Weihrauch, Walther, 71 £85, Diana 25 + Diana scope
CABINET in good condition, Weihrauch, HW35 Export, BSA Hy-Score, Original etc. All in great £75, all-in go-to excellent order,
lockable. Tel: 07786 418007 Meteor MK1, BSA Meteor Super. condition, both old and modern. ono. Tel: 07903 129622
(Fareham). Tel: 01529 413579. Tel: 07717 210632 (Middx). (Hallow Nr Worc.).
The editor reserves the right to edit adverts as may be required. Swap Shop is a service offered to readers who wish to undertake private transactions between themselves. There is no
need for such transactions to be made face to face (unless an airgun is FAC-rated), but Air Gunner requests that all due caution is excercised when buying or selling an airgun. You must
adhere to the current airgun laws. You can’t buy an airgun if you are under 18 years old. The Swap Shop is not offered to those who sell airguns as part of a business.

AIR FILLS BOTTLE & CYLINDER
FILLING AVAILABLE
SERVICE Why not give us a call

01527-852-555
UP TO
300 BAR www.scubaschool.org.uk
Shop Hours: Mon 10am – 6:30pm, Tue 10am – 6:30pm, Wed 10am – 6:30pm,
Thur 10am – 6pm, Fri 9am – 10pm, Sat 9am – 5:30pm, Sun 9am – 5:30pm
43 Alcester Road, Studley B80-7NJ
The New Amazing Aztec

Optics Emerald Range
The Aztec Optics Emerald 5.5-25 x 50
and the new 3-18 x 50
A dream of a scope
Second focal plane with calibrations 18x (true MOA) and at 9x.
MOA reticle and MOA turrets.
Low turrets - pull up/lock down low, and re-settable.
Push-on sidewheel for easier side parallax adjustment.
Specially designed in the USA for airgunners by airgunners.
With Aztec’s lifetime warranty.
Phone +44 (0)1953 860 323

Email: info@xabla.co.uk
Xabla is part of Gilbert Distribution Ltd
xabla.co.uk
AIRGUNNER 93
GUN SHOPS
Directory Key: Trade Associations: BASC Trade
Member
GTA Trade
Member
COUNTRYSIDE
ALLIANCE
Countryside Alliance
Trade Member Items stocked: Airguns Pistols
Airguns Pistols Clothing/ Knives
Clothing/
Optics Footwear
Optics Footwear Knives
Pellets&& AirSoft Archery
Decoys Pellets
Decoys
Accessories AirSoft
Hides Accessories
&&Hides
Archery&& Gunsafes
Equipment Gun
Equipment safes
MELBOURNE GUN LTD

Scotland 64 Church Street, Melbourne
Derbyshire DE73 8EJ
Tel: 01332 862091
Email: melbournegun@btconnect.com
Northern Web: melbournegun.com
Ireland
Opening hours: 9am-5pm every day bar Sunday
Credit cards:
North
A busy gun shop established for over 30 years, selling an
extensive range of new and secondhand shotguns, sporting
rifles and air rifles with all ammunition and equipment.
A large range of outdoor waterproof clothing. Part exchange
welcome. Secondhand guns wanted. Gunsmith available.
CITY AIRWEAPONS LINCOLN LTD

154a Newark Road,
Lincoln LN5 8QJ
Central Tel: 01522 576238
Web: www.cityairweaponslincoln.co.uk
East Credit cards:
Wales
Mail order to other RFDs. Theoben Specialist including FAC.
Combo deals available on new and used air weapons. Probably
the best prices in the area. Cash for Airweapons. Part X welcome.
London Specialist repairs. Classic airweapons bought and sold. FAC
& South conversions. On-site charging facilities. Large selection of pellets,
South West East quantity discounts.
IBSTOCK GUN & TACKLE

Isle of Wight 61-63 Chapel Street
Ibstock
Leicester
LE67 6HF
Tel: 01530 260901
BROM SPORTS
WALES Web: www.Ibstocktackle.co.uk
Brom Sports, 66 Widemarsh St Wide range of air rifles, scopes and accessories at discount
Hereford HR4 9HG prices. Daystate stockist. ALL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN
DRAGON FIELD SPORTS Tel: 01432 344610 Guns always wanted – Cash paid.
8 Egerton Street, Wrexham Town Centre Web: www.bromsports.co.uk
Tel: 01978 290990 Email: bromsportshereford@yahoo.co.uk
Fax: 01978 311141 Opening hours: Open 9 ’till 5 Tuesday to Saturday
Email: dragonfieldsports@googlemail.com Bank holiday Mondays 10am–3pm LONDON & S.E.
Web: www.dragonfieldsports.co.uk Credit cards:
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm
Credit cards: HEREFORD’S AIRGUN SPECIALISTS. A large range of Air guns
and accessories available including: Air Arms, BSA, Daystate,
Webley, Crossman, SMK, Hawke and many more. Also available, CRAWLEY SURPLUS STORE DBL SUSSEX LTD
Air Cylinder charging, Archery, Crossbows, Soft Air, Repairs & Unit 2 Access House, Stephenson Way,
Full range of: Air Rifles, Air Pistols, CO2 Pistols, Shotguns, servicing and much more. A family friendly outlet, with help and Three Bridges, Crawley RH10 1TN
Firearms. Also: Scopes, Lamps, Ammo, Camo Clothing, Archery. advice always available.
Servicing and Repairs.
Tel: 01293 525880
Fax: 01293 522749
KEXBY FIELD SPORTS Email: sales@surplusstore.co.uk
CENTRAL High Street, Kexby, Gainsborough, Web: www.airpistols.co.uk
DN21 5LZ Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9.30am–5.30pm
Tel: 01427 787157 Credit cards:
DRAPERS AIRGUN CENTRE Mob: 07776 282324
124–128 Hartley Road, Nottingham NG7 3AJ Email: kexbycountrystore@btinternet.com
Tel: 01159 702525 Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8.30am–7pm, We have moved to a larger showroom with a testing range and
Email: sales@drapers-airguns.co.uk Sat 8.30am–5.30pm, Sun 9am–12pm free parking. Always a large range of CO2 pistols, rifles, airsoft
Web: www.drapers-airguns.co.uk Credit cards: guns, gas blow back pistols. Major brands stocked, SMK,
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9am–5.30pm Umarex, Weihrauch, Air Arms, Gamo, BSA, Brocock. Large range
Closed Sundays and Mondays of clothing and accessories. Visit online www.airpistols.co.uk.
Credit cards:
New and used air rifles. Most leading brands stocked.
Part exchange a pleasure. Try before you buy.
Scopes, lamps, slings, gun bags, clothing, boots,
The Midlands largest Airgun Showroom and Sales Experts. Selling wellingtons, camo nets, poles, decoys etc. C&H WESTON
Everything you need to get started or uprade!
everything from spare parts to accessories to the most sought after 12 East Street, Brighton,
rifles and collectors pieces! We supply everything from new and used Sussex BN1 1HP
airguns and their accessories through to clothing, hunting knives and SHOOTING PARTY Tel: 01273 326338/733832
binoculars, and we offer a great service at the shop itself along with
competitive prices. Easily accessible from the M1 motorway as well as Unit 4C, Birchbrook Industrial Estate, Fax: 01273 720107
Newark/Melton directions, with ample parking very close by. Birchbrook Lane, Shenstone, Staffordshire WS14 0DJ Email: info@chweston.co.uk
Tel: 01543 480361 Web: www.chweston.co.uk
WALKERS OF TROWELL Web: www.shootingparty.uk Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9–5.30. Sun & Bank Hol 10.30–4.30
Credit cards: Credit cards:
Nottingham Road, Trowell,
Nottingham NG9 3PA
Tel: 0115 9307798
Email: sales@walkersoftrowell.com We are the exclusive importer and Distributor of PAO Rifle & Pistol Established 1819, C&H Weston offer a friendly service.
Credit cards: scopes, sights, lasers and Range Finders and the AirForceOne range We stock all good brands such as Air Arms, BSA, Daystate,
of Airguns & Accessories, including the MOSIN-NAGANT Steel BB Falcon, Brocock, Weihrauch, Gamo, Theoben, FX.
Stockists of: Daystate, BSA, Weihrauch, Air Arms, Rifle , the Trophy & Taichi Pistols and Panther pellets. 100 + Airguns Massive pellet range, chronographs, scales, gun cabinets,
Umarex, Hawke, plus a large range of Pellets & Accessories. always in stock. Used airguns always wanted – cash paid. Try before servicing. Scopes by Lightstream, Hawke, Nikko, BSA,
Fishing Tackle & Outdoor Clothing. you buy in our indoor range. MTC, Nikon, AGS. PX a pleasure.
Services offered: Gunsmith Repairs & Compressed
Servicing Air
Power
Testing
Range
Facilities
Credit
available To advertise your gunshop on these pages please call us on 01189 742 514
G. E. FULTON PARK STREET GUNS

Bisley Camp, Brookwood 1-2 Park Street Lane, Park St. COUNTRYSIDE SCOTLAND
ALLIANCE
Woking, Surrey GU24 0NZ St. Albans, Herts AL2 2NE
Tel: 01483 473204 Tel: 01727 872646 / 872669 LOCHMABEN SHOOTING SUPPLIES
Fax: 01483 475011 Fax: 01727 875449
5-6 Laverockhall Farm Road,
Email: gefulton@btconnect.com Email: parkstreetguns@talk21.com
Lochmaben, Lockerbie, DG11 1RE
Web: www.fultonsofbisley.com Web: www.gunshot.co.uk
Tel: 01387 811079
Opening hours: 9.00am - 5.30pm Mon - Sun 7 days a week Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9–5.30, Sat 9–5
Web: www.lochmabenshootingsupplies.co.uk
Credit cards: Credit cards: Opening hours: Tues-Fri 10-6pm, Sat 9-4pm
Sun by appointment, Mon Closed.
Credit cards:
Stockists of BSA, Air Arms, Gamo, Weihrauch. New and used air We sell all major makes of airguns including BSA, Weihrauch,
rifles and accessories. Scopes. Fitting service. Pre-charged, CO2, Gamo, Daystate, Umarex and more. All pellets and decoying
spring power. Service and repair of all guns. equipment. Also in-house airgun smith service and power testing
facilities. Friendly and knowledgeable service – always! Scottish Government approved 30m and 10m indoor shooting ranges. We
cater for .22 rimfire and air guns. We also hire guns to use on our ranges. No
licenses required! Fully stocked shop and gun room. New and used rifles/
CHICHESTER ARMOURY RONNIE SUNSHINES shotguns/airguns
43 West St, Chichester, COUNTRYSIDE
ALLIANCE
4 Canalside, Northbridge Road
Sussex PO19 1RP Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1EG GLASGOW & EDINBURGH FIELD SPORTS
Tel: 01243 774687 Tel/Fax: 01442 872829
Email: enquiries@chiarm.co.uk Email: info@ronniesunshines.com Unit 1, The Point Retail Park,
Web: www.chiarm.co.uk Web: www.ronniesunshines.com 29 Saracen St, Glasgow G22 5HT
Opening hours: 9.30-1 2-5.00 Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm Tel: 0141 212 8880
Credit cards: Credit cards: Edinburgh Field Sports, Unit E Granton Retail Park,
65 West Harbour Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1PW
Web: www.glasgowfieldsports.co.uk
Good selection of new and used air rifles, stocking spring and Credit cards:
pre-charged guns. Help and advice always available. Hertfordshire’s leading Airgun Specialists we stock Weihrauch, Daystate,
Air Arms, BSA, Logun, SMK, and many more. Plus a large range of CO2
pistols, scopes, clothing and a comprehensive stock of airgun accessories. Central Scotland’s premier retailers of shooting and hunting equipment and clothing.
EMMETT & STONE COUNTRY SPORTS We are also Bushcraft and Survival specialists supplying all the kit you need
to survive. Come and visit our shop and Try before you buy on our purpose
Wilton Farm, Marlow Road built indoor range. Or visit our website www.ronniesunshines.com EAST
Little Marlow, Bucks SL7 3RR
Tel: 01628 474187 COUNTRY SPORTING GUNS
Email: info@emmettandstone.co.uk PORTSMOUTH GUN CENTRE
Cannons Cottage, Punchbowl Lane, Brothertoft,
Web: www.emmettandstone.co.uk 295 London Road, Portsmouth PO2 9HF Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3SB
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Tel: 02392 660 574 Email: sales@portsmouthguncentre.com Line 1: 01205 311246
Credit cards: Line 2: 01205 369470
We stock rifles, pistols, shotguns, airguns and black powder weapons. Email: stvdxn440@gmail.com
Keeping the leading brands in stock, the business can accommodate all Web: www.countrysportingguns.co.uk
enquiries from customers and shooters alike. Complimenting the vast
RFD to RFD transfers. Large stock of new & used guns in stock from all range of firearms, Portsmouth Gun Centre also carries a large amount of
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 9am–5.30pm
the major brands: Air Arms, BSA, Crossman, Gamo, Daystate, Weihrauch, accessories, ammunition, clothing and miscellaneous shooting equipment. We now sell impact airguns!!
Umarex, Webley, Theoben, FX, Sig. Cylinder filling on site. 50m Air Rifle We supply airguns and shooting accessories, stocking all major air
Range. All air guns servicing undertaken. rifle brands, optics and silencers. Setup and tuning service. We are
STRINGTOWN SUPPLIES selected BSA area dealers. Sporting rifles and shotguns including ammo.
29 High Street, Polegate New and secondhand rifles and shotguns. SHOOTING RANGE. We buy
MAY OF LONDON LTD airguns. This is the home of the Grand European 80 Varmint air rifle.
East Sussex BN26 5AB
21-23 Cherry Tree Rise, Tel: 01323 488844
Buckhurst hill, Essex IG9 6EU
Email: stringtownsupplies@btinternet.com T.R. ROBB
Tel: 0208 504 5946
Web: www.stringtownsupplies.com
Email: trueshot@btconnect.com 316 High Road, South Benfleet
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stringtownsurplus Essex SS7 5HB Tel: 01268 752888
Web: www.mayoflondon.com
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9.30am–5.30pm, Sun 10.30am–2.30pm Web: www.trrobb.com
Opening hours: Tues–Fri 9.30am–6pm, Sat 9.30am–5.30pm
Credit cards:
Credit cards:
Why not visit our amazing shop (‘The Aladdin’s Cave’ as its
known!) Secondhand and new airguns. Air Arms, BSA, Crosman, Full range of air rifles and pistols. Soft-air and Simmons scope
Gamo, Hawke, SMK, Umarex, Webley, Weihrauch etc. Plus: Army specialist. Tuning kits and Customising Service.
Air rifle and pistol sales and servicing. Dive cylinders and filling surplus, camo clothing, Jack Pyke, archery, crossbows, airsoft,
station on-site, indoor range, vast range of goods and accessories. de-acts, paintball. Mail order service. Also dealer to dealer.
Expert and friendly advice always given. We also sell shotguns,
PNEUMATIC BALLISTICS
rifles, cartridges, ammunition, clays, cabinets and clothing. C/o Fern House, The Street, Sheeting,
BICESTER TARGET Essex CM22 7LR
GREENFIELDS AIRGUN CENTRE Tel: 01493 733462 | 07917 160314
Walton Moore offices
Email: enquiries@pneumaticballistics.com
The Shooting Grounds, Sturry Hill, Sturry, Canterbury 6 Grange Mews, Station Road
Web: www.pneumaticballistics.com
CT2 0NG Launton, Near Bicester,
Opening hours: Mon to Sat 9am–5pm
Tel: 01227 713222 Oxfordshire, OX26 5EG
Credit cards:
Fax: 01227 710611 Tel: 01869 45 71 70
Email: sales@greenfieldsshooting.co.uk Email: info@bicestertarget.co.uk
Web: www.greenfieldsshooting.co.uk Web: www.bicestertarget.co.uk An innovative developer and retailer of revolutionary technology for
Opening hours: Tues–Sat 8.30am–5.30pm. Air Rifles. We sell new and used rifles and shooting accessories including
Unique to Bicester Target and unlike any other air gun outlet, every pellet magazines which we manufacture ourselves. We offer repairs
Sun 9am–1.00pm. Closed Mon and servicing for most makes of firearms which is carried out by our
rifle and pistol in our shop is available to test and try out, making
Credit cards: sure that the rifle or pistol you choose is the correct one for you not experienced gunmaker. Go to our website to find out more.
only in terms of fit, but also is correct for the discipline of shooting
you choose to undertake. This concept really is where we stand
Stockists of BSA, Webley, Air Arms, Logun, Weihrauch, Gamo out from any other retailer. ANGLIA TACKLE AND GUN
and many more. Helpful Friendly Advice Always Available.
Tel: 01603 870353
Email: sales@angliatackleandgun.co.uk
Web: www.angliatackleandgun.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE YOUR GUN SHOP ON THESE PAGES PLEASE CALL US ON
01189 742 514 Outdoor supplies specialist for all your hunting and shooting needs.
We supply the highest quality products and prices throughout East
Anglia.
Products from BSA, Air Arms, Weihrauch and many more...
GUN SHOPS
Directory Key: Trade Associations: BASC Trade
Member
GTA Trade
Member
COUNTRYSIDE
ALLIANCE
Countryside Alliance
Trade Member Items stocked:
ADVERTISE YOUR GUNSHOP
Airguns
01189 742 514
Pistols Optics Clothing/
Footwear Knives
Decoys Pellets &
& Hides Accessories AirSoft
Archery & Gunsmith &
Equipment Gun safes Repairs
MOOREDGES AIRGUNS
The Chantreys, Mooredges Road, Thorne,
Doncaster DN8 5RY
North Tel: 01405 741706
Fax: 01405 740936
Email: info@mooredges.com
Twitter: @Mooredges_info Web: www.mooredges.com
Opening hours: Open 6 days a week, closed Tuesdays.
Mon - Sat 9.00am - 5.30pm. Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Open Bank Holidays
Credit cards:
Extensive range of all leading airguns, scopes and accessories.

Central Also a wide range of camo clothing and footwear available.
East WIRRAL GUNS

Wales 2F Whitby Rd, Ellesmere
Port, South Wirral
CH65 8AD
Tel: 0151 355 6666
Opening hours: Monday –
London Friday 10am-5pm
& South Saturday 10am-3pm.
East Closed Wednesdays &
South West Sundays
Email: shop@wirralguns.co.uk Web: www.wirralguns.co.uk
Credit cards: Finance available
Isle of Wight
Air rifles, Air pistols & Accessories from all manufacturers.
Air fills for PCP & Paintball, Air gun repairs. Airguns to suit
everyone’s budget £££.
NORTH WARRINGTON GUNS SOUTH WEST

53 Norris Street, Warrington, Cheshire WA2 7RJ
SUNDERLAND SCUBA CENTRE Tel: 01925 415901
Email: sales@warringtonguns.com IAN HODGE SHOOTING & FIELD SPORTS
4A Atkinsons Buildings, Trimdon Street
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR4 6AH Web: www.warringtonguns.com Penbarn, Burlawn, Wadebridge,
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm Cornwall PL27 7LA
Tel: 01915 670147
Sat 9am - 4.30pm Tel: 01208 813651
Email: contact@sunderlandairguns.com
Credit cards: Email: sales@ianhodgefieldsports.co.uk
Web: www.sunderlandairguns.com
Web: www.ianhodgefieldsports.co.uk
Opening hours: 9.00-5.30 Mon-Fri | 9.00-4.30 Sat | 10.00-3.00 Sun
Selection of air rifles including BSA, Air Arms, Daystate, Cometa, Credit cards:
Credit cards:
Brocock, Webley, Weihrauch, Edgar, FX, Walther and more. Rimfire
and centre fire rifles, shotguns, ammunition and cartridges available here.
Stockists of Weihrauch, Webley, BSA, Norica, Gamo, Hammerli, scopes, BURY AIR GUNS Cornwall’s premier gun shop. New and used guns and accessories.
lamps, pellets and accessories. Airsoft guns stocked, crossbows & archery Ian Hodge Fieldsports has been supplying fieldsports accessories
available. Guns serviced and repaired. Airgun and cylinder refills to 300 bar. 12 Bolton Street, Bury & equipment since 1991. From small beginnings the business has
Lancashire BL9 0LQ grown to be one of the foremost mail order retailers in the country.
TONY’S CAMO & AIRGUN CENTRE Tel: 0161 764 1915
Web: www.buryairguns.co.uk
Moorcroft Mews, High St, Saltney, Chester, Flintshire CH4 8SH COUNTRYWIDE
Tel: 01244 681191 Web: www.tonyscamo.co.uk and www.burysports.co.uk
Email: sales@burysports.co.uk Bradford Road, Melksham,
Opening hours: Tue - Sat 9am - 5:30 pm
Opening hours: 9.15 - 5.00 Closed Sunday Wiltshire, SN12 8LQ
Credit cards: Tel: 01225 701473
Email: enquiries@countrywidefarmers.co.uk
A huge range of guns, accessories Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8.30-18.00,
and clothing. See website for more details. The North’s largest airgun, sports and trophy store established Sat 8.30-17.30, Sun 10-16.00
1959. Only fifteen minutes from Manchester city centre,
Junction 2 M66, opposite the East Lancashire steam railway. Credit cards:
PHOENIX FIELD SPORTS SUPPLIES
37-41 High Street, Old Town, Bridlington
East Yorkshire YO164PR BRADFORD STALKER
Tel: 01262 605512 Ouston Bank Farm, Ouston, Offers a great selection of new & used air guns. Stockists of Weirauch,
Email: info@fieldgear.co.uk Chester Le Street, County BSA, Air Arms, Daystate, Gamo, Umarex, SMK and Crosman. Gun
Opening hours: Wed - Sat 10am - 5pm Durham, DH2 1BB repair on site. Good selection of scopes on site. Other stores located
Tel: 0191 4100565 in Bearley, Bourton on the Water, Chepstow, Chipping Norton,
(Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Gloucester, Ledbury, Melton Mowbray, Salisbury and Thornbury.
Credit cards: Email: contact@bradfordstalker.co.uk Web: www.bradfordstalker.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon- Fri 9.00 – 5.30 / Sat 9.00 – 5.00
Shooting, Fishing & Archery Equipment - Air rifles: Weihrauch, Walther, Credit cards: Finance available CRACKSHOT - DEVON
Crosman, Hammerli, Kral, Diana and Remington. Shotguns: Sabbati and
Investarm etc. Pellets: RWS, Crosman, Walther, Lanes, Remington and 1 & 2 Sabre Close,
Visit our spacious showroom with hassle free on site parking. Wide range
Diana etc. PCP air bottles. Working dog equipment: Whistles, of rifles & pistols: BSA, Weihrauch, Daystate, Webley, Brocock, FX, Air
Heathfield, Newton Abbot,
dummies, leads, sticks, etc. Also: Cartridges,Victory cartridges, gunslips, Arms, Gamo, Umarex, Walther. Clothing & accessories inc Night vision, Devon GB, TQ12 6TW
Hawke optics, clothing and footwear. Sportchief clothing range. Jack Scopes, cylinders, bags, pellets, lamping equipment. Airgun & cylinder Tel: 01626 242971
Pyke stockists Clulite litelamps, battery packs, torches, bags, equipment, refills available, services & repairs arranged.
safety eyewear, ear defenders, camo nets, pocket knives and decoys. Email: info@crackshot.uk
Web: www.crackshot.uk
WIGHILL PARK GUNS Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9 - 5
MANCHESTER AIR GUNS
Wighill Park, Nr Tadcaster, Credit cards:
470 Oldham Road, Failsworth, North Yorkshire LS24 8BW
Manchester M35 0FH Tel: 01937 833757 Fax: 01937 530563
Tel: 0161 681 7947 Email: info@wighillparkguns.co.uk
Web: www.manchesterairguns.com Web: www.wighillparkguns.co.uk
Email: info@manchesterairguns.com Opening hours: Wed - Sat 9-5 Devon’s leading Airgun Specialists we stock Weihrauch,
Hours: 10 - 5 Mon - Sat. Open most bank holidays until 2 Credit cards: Daystate, Air Arms, BSA and many more. Plus a large range of
Credit cards: All credit cards accepted CO2 pistols, scopes, and a comprehensive stock of airgun
accessories. We are also Bushcraft and Survival specialists
supplying all the kit you need to survive. Come and visit our shop
Britain’s first Airgun Only Gunshop (since 1977). Visit one of Britain‘s best stocked Airgun Shops in the heart of the and Try before you buy on our purpose built indoor range. Or visit:
Large stocks of airguns, scopes and pellets. Servicing, repairs Yorkshire countryside. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY ON OUR www.crackshot.uk
and re-blueing. Free advice with pleasure! INDOOR RANGE. Part exchange a specialty.
AIR GUNNER
shtwz
Masters of the night

The editor is in the dark about a small torch from Nightmaster
I
’m a self-confessed light addict, in love
with modern high-power pocket torches.
These small, black, aluminium-bodied
devices might all look alike, but they vary
hugely in their features and outputs, not
to mention their cost. The good folks at
Nightmaster know their stuff when it comes
to impossibly powerful big torches and
now they have just added a pocket-sized
(5”-long) model that has plenty of useful
features in a truly compact package.
It runs on the industry standard 18650
rechargable battery, included in the price.
These batteries are famously tough and
power some of the hairiest torches out
there. Interestingly, it is charged in the
torch with the USB cable supplied, so there’s
no need for a separate charger.
The construction is all metal, with
knurled sections applied to offer
a secure grip to cold hands on a
chilly, dark night, and there
is the choice of a big, wide
flood, or a more focused
beam, achieved by
sliding the forward
section like a
trombone. I found
that I could do
this with one The NMR30 comes in this
hand, which was neat protective case
… handy (sorry),
but seriously, I did find
it a useful feature. Some
torches I own need both hands
to focus, so this unusual method was very
welcome.
excellent torch is
POWER SETTINGS the one we all love the
The power button illuminates as you switch most. At £36.95 it seems like an
on, and each further press takes you lower absolute bargain, and the kind of thing
and lower through the output settings you could leave in your car or truck all the
until you reach the emergency strobe. One time, to be there just when you need it. It
further press takes you to the SOS output, can even be charged in your car so it will
but let’s hope we never need that one. always be fully topped up and ready to go
The torch comes in a neat padded plastic hunting, or just there on a dark night
case which is nice to get free, but seems when you need to fix a flat. ■
a little bit over the top for such a tough
torch. However, I love little cases like this www.nightmaster.co.uk
and would use it to carry spare pellets and Model: NMR30
my folding knife, or even a smartphone as RRP: £36.95
long as you don’t own one of those huge
things. The battery is charged inside
I guess the stand-out feature of this the torch, which is handy

ul{Gtvu{o July issue on sale 23rd May 2018
R for Regulator
The Wolverine R will be in for the Big Test
Ballistically
Brilliant!
We test this tiny chronograph


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