Air Gunner May 2015

WIN

A NEW EVANIX WINDY CITY RIFLE

WORTH £790! FACTORY

GUNNER

5

VISIT

We drop in on Air Arms

ESSENTIAL HUNTING SKILLS

The new editor shares his knowledge

CAN YOU BUY RESULTS?

Keith has his best-ever score with his new gun

FIRST TEST!

EVANIX

WINDY CITY

This dynamic rifle is whipping up a storm

4 PAGES OF SHOW NEWS

MAY 2015

£3.99

We bring you all the lastest products and gear from IWA www.airgunshooting.co.uk

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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR WWW.AIRGUNSHOOTING.CO.UK Find us on facebook too!

AIR GUNNER EVOLUTION HOUSE, 2-6 EASTHAMPSTEAD ROAD, WOKINGHAM, RG40 2EG EDITORIAL Editor Phill Price Tel: 01189 742 501 [email protected] Editor-in-chief Terry Doe [email protected] Designer Keith Harris

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ello, I’m Phill Price, the new Air Gunner editor. Many of you will know me from my articles in our sister magazine Airgun World. I worked very closely with the previous editor, Matt Clark, for five years as his technical editor, so Air Gunner is dear to my heart. I’ve shot airguns for well over 30 years, being primarily a hunter with a little bit of target shooting finding its way in now and then, but being out in our beautiful countryside is what really brings me joy. I’m also involved with other country sports, working my two black Labradors over the winter on game shoots, fly fishing, fox shooting and deer stalking. Over the coming months I plan to introduce a new look and feel to the magazine that reflects my love of airguns and the first class sport they bring to thousands of

H

PUBLISHING

people all round the world every day. Alongside my rifle shooting I have a passion for pistols and enjoy seeing just what they can do. My last foray into competition was IPAS (Iron Plate Action Shooting) which is a fast and exciting handgun sport and one I’d like to see grow in popularity. In my late teens I worked in a

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE

gun shop during the era when spring piston airguns were the kings of the hill. I scrimped and saved to afford the guns of my dreams and over the years owned a Webley Vulcan, Omega and Tempest, a Weihrauch HW80 and HW77, and a Feinwerkbau 127 before making the move to a precharged pneumatic, the Air Arms S410. That rifle was designed by my old friend and engineering genius Ken Turner and he ‘fettled’ my one before delivering it to me. It gave me over 12 years of totally reliable service and feels like an extension of my body while it’s on aim. Today I have the unbelievable good fortune of being able to try just about every airgun that comes onto the market, so I know their strengths and weaknesses intimately. While I mostly shoot sub 12 ft.lbs. guns I also own a 32 ft.lbs. .22 that allows me to understand high-power FAC hunting performance. Many people have told me of the growing interest in this type of airgun and I’ll test them now and then in the future. Thank you for buying Air Gunner. I hope the changes I make will add to your reading pleasure and please feel free to email me with your thoughts on new articles you’d like to see.

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www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 3

CONTENTS MAY 2015 > ISSUE 373

A NEW EVANIX CITY RIFLE WIN WINDY

WORTH £790! FACTORY

GUNNER

5

21

VISIT

We drop in on Air Arms

ESSENTIAL HUNTING SKILLS

The new editor shares his knowledge

CAN YOU BUY RESULTS?

Keith has his best ever score with his new gun

FIRST TEST

ON THE COVER ... 39 Five Top Tips!

EVANIX

The editor shares his hunting smarts 21 The Big Test Evanix Windy City 45 HFT News

WINDY CITY

The editor takes a first look at this exciting new rifle from Korea

Theresa Reed brings us all the hot hunter field target action

31 Air Arms visit

86 Tools of the trade

This dynamic rifle is wipping up a storm

4 PAGES OF SHOW NEWS

We bring you all the lastest products and gear from IWA

03 ED’S LETTER

The new editor welcomes you

07 NEWS

Read our bumper IWA show report, and look out for some truly exciting Air Gunner test subjects - coming soon!

12 LETTERS

Let us know what you’re thinking about and doing within our wonderful sport

13 GURU

The Guru takes on a vital question from a would-be hunter. If you’d like to consult the master, simply contact us at the mag

16 CLUB SCENE

Gary Chillingworth visits a new club and has an ‘interesting’ day out

4 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

MAY 2015

£3.99

Keith Warburton visit’s Air Arms’ Hailsham factory and is blown away by their investment in technology www.airgunshooting.co.uk

27 TEAM WORK

Eddie Jones takes a buddy hunting, to improve the odds in his efforts to stop grey squirrels damaging woodland

35 PRONE TO CHANGE

John Russel changes tactics to control problem rabbits by learning the benefits and challenges of using a bipod

41 FRED CARTER

This month Fred offers 10 quick-fire responses to your questions in his trademark no-nonsense style

48 EVANIX COMPETITION You can win the amazing Evanix Windy City worth a whopping £790 - and all for just £1.50!

Jerry Moss takes us through the kit he uses to control the greys

53 PRECISION DATA

The editor tests a remarkable new chronograph and is deeply impressed. Will this become a permanent part of the Air Gunner test kit?

56 COUNTRY KITCHEN In our new series, the editor’s wife reveals her favourite pigeon recipe

59 NSRA SHOP

Looking for a well-stocked shop near Bisley? Well, you’ve just found it

60 FIXED AT A STROKE

Our resident airgunsmith, Neil Price brings us part two of his Walther LGR repair. This month he rebuilds and tests this fine competition rifle

A NEW EVANIX CITY RIFLE WIN WINDY

WORTH £790! FACTORY

GUNNER

5

VISIT

We drop in on Air Arms

ESSENTIAL HUNTING SKILLS

The new editor shares his knowledge

CAN YOU BUY RESULTS?

Keith has his best ever score with his new gun

A NEW EVANIX CITY RIFLE WIN WINDY

WORTH £790!

FIRST TEST

EVANIX

FACTORY

GUNNER

5

VISIT

We drop in on Air Arms

ESSENTIAL HUNTING SKILLS

The new editor shares his knowledge

CAN YOU BUY RESULTS?

Keith has his best ever score with his new gun

WINDY CITY

This dynamic rifle is wipping up a storm

4 PAGES OF SHOW NEWS

MAY 2015

£3.99

FIRST TEST

EVANIX

WINDY CITY

We bring you all the lastest products and gear from IWA www.airgunshooting.co.uk

This dynamic rifle is wipping up a storm

4 PAGES OF SHOW NEWS

MAY 2015

£3.99

We bring you all the lastest products and gear from IWA www.airgunshooting.co.uk

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69 ON THE UP

Keith Warburton answers the question; ‘can money buy results?’ in the best way possible, as he takes his new Air Arms HFT500 into battle

74 SAVIDGE TREATMENT

Steve Prime reviews a tuned SMK in direct comparison to one from the box. What will the tuned rifle deliver - and is it worth the extra cash?

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79 THE MIDLAND GUN COMPANY

John Atkins takes a considered look back at the wares of a major airgun company from yesteryear



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Gary Chillingworth gets his hands on some serious full-bore handguns in Florida. Will his airgun training help him make an impact Stateside?

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See just a selection of the exciting features coming up in June’s issue

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IWA NEWS SPECIAL!

The editor reports on the most eye-catching products at the annual Nuremberg shooting show Flying to Germany for the IWA show is one of the absolute highlights of my year. The show itself is always exciting, and Nuremberg is a truly

impressive place to be. During my visit, I’ll walk around 10 kilometres every day, diverting this way and that, as each must-see product grabs my

SPEC-TACTICAL

attention. The result is both uplifting and exhausting, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Here’s a whistle-stop tour of what diverted me this year.

The Spector Tactical is ready to go.

I had a swift scan of the, always impressive, Highland Outdoors stand, where among their latest clothing, scopes, footwear and all manner of desirable sporting stuff, I found the Webley Spector Tactical, in a couple of versions. I’m usually neckdeep in technological breakthroughs at IWA, so it was refreshing to see a break-barrel springer get a little attention for a change. I’m told this ambidextrous, polymer-stocked sporter is designed to retail for around £150, which could make it a handy prospect in more ways than one. I’ve placed a request for a test model, so I’ll soon be inspecting a Spector.

BEST WESSON? Just over the way from Highland Outdoors I found the ASG stand, although I was hardly likely to miss it, really! Surrounded by all sorts of airsoft, BB and pellet-firing guns, I was drawn to an extremely nice

looking Dan Wesson 715 pistol, still apparently in development. This one will shoot .177 pellets, and as an authentic touch, the cylinder rotates anti-clockwise, and it sports a genuine Hogue grip, exactly like the live-ammo version. Definitely worth a test.

ASG’s Dan Wesson is a quality item.

KOREA CHOICE As you’ll see in this issue, I’m testing an Evanix rifle, so my interest in this emerging brand was well and truly piqued by the company’s intriguing array of PCPs. Quite a few aren’t relevant to the UK market, but plenty

are, and you’ll be seeing more and more of these in Air Gunner over the coming months. There are some unique designs from which to choose, and I left the Evanix stand with my head spinning. Testing times ahead! Enough Evanix options to make a chap’s head spin.

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IWA NEWS SPECIAL! FLOATS YOUR BOAT?

Armada ahoy!

Crosman’s IWA presence is perfectly in line with its global brand profile, and I could have picked out a dozen noteworthy samples from its vast stand, but it was the Armada that really turned my head. This is a 10-shot, boltaction PCP, built on an ambidextrous AR15 platform, with Picatinny rails, variable stock and an adjustable, two-stage trigger … plus loads more essential features. UK agents, A.S.I., have assured me that the Armada is on approach, so that’s yet another rifle for the Air Gunner test bench. Gadget overload!

SOARING HAWKE Shows like IWA are the perfect showcase for rebranding exercises, and Hawke Optics took that opportunity and ran with it. The new stand was impressive, and the four-tier scope range even more so. These scopes, now tagged

Vantage IR, Panorama, Endurance and Frontier, represent the Hawke range right across the spectrum, and from my first examination I can, literally, see what all the fuss is about. Hawke is determined to offer something good for every airgunner, and the word from IWA is that they’ve done it.

Hawke flying ever higher.

APPEARING LIVE! WRIST ASSURED Come on, you’ve got to love this Leatherman Tread multi-tool bracelet. Here we have a proper boys’ toy, and I’ll tell you right now that I’m tracking one of these down as this magazine goes to press. The Tread contains up to 25 individual tools, depending on the number of links you need for your wrist size, and you can even buy one attached to a Swiss watch. The bracelet alone will set you back around £140, but I think it’s worth it for the fiddle factor alone. How have I lived without one of these?

Diana is an iconic brand, with its very own icon, in the form of Diana the huntress. Well, this year she appeared in person … sort of. A specialist model, complete with gold paint job, flowing gown and bow and arrow, was engaged as a living tribute, and she provided hours of fascinating viewing as she went through her super-slo-mo’ posing routine. Right next to ‘Diana’ was the anniversary edition of the 340 N-Tec, break-barrel sporter, which is quite an impressive model in itself. The special edition rifle sports gold inlay and laserenhanced grain, plus a mile-deep, hi-gloss stock finish. Diana lives!

8 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

Diana had two remarkable models on show.

WINNER! FIT FOR PURPOSE I always spend time on the Weihrauch stand, chatting to company directors, Hans and Stefan Weihrauch, and trying to get them to reveal their prestigious company’s plans for future models. The brothers always smile indulgently at me and tell me nothing, apart from, ‘we shall see.’ This time around, at least I had the new, adjustable-stock

The winner of the Rotex RM8 in April’s competition is Trevor Warner who texted in with the right answer, ‘A’. He lives in Norwich and we hope he’ll have a great time with is hew rifle. Well done, Trev! See our latest comp on page 48. HW100 to discuss, and very practical it looked, too. Better fit means greater efficiency, and that can only be a good thing. An adjustable HW100? Yes please.

FX MAKES AN IMPACT FX Airguns of Sweden always have a show-stopper or two, and this year’s was nothing short of amazing. The FX Impact is a featurespacked bullpup that’s more of an entire system, than a rifle. You can change its barrels in seconds – choose from .177, .22, .25 and .30 calibres – plus it has twin power-adjusters, a ‘direct connect’ trigger that needs no extended link rods, and a centrally-placed side lever. If that’s not enough, the whole thing takes down into

a briefcase-sized gun case. There’s lots more to tell you about these, and other, FX airguns, and I’ll reveal all when the test model arrives, although it will take me a week to explore its features!

The epic FX Airguns Impact. It all fits in here, too!

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 9

IWA NEWS SPECIAL! BRO’ AT THE SHOW

The resurgence of Brocock continues apace, and I spotted two new models on my IWA travels. First up was a neat, skeletonstocked, laminate version of the Contour S6, which really looked the part. I’ve shot the Contour a few times and always

thought it would make a good specialised sporter, say for rats, or feral pigeons, when clambering over obstacles is on the cards and space is at a premium. The Minelli laminate woodwork adds increased toughness to lightness and portability, and I wouldn’t mind giving that a go. The same goes for the prototype I saw,

although the presence of a dial-up power adjuster tells me this one may be intended for the overseas market, but that remains to be confirmed, along with just about every other detail. That’s the problem with prototypes; you never know what you’re going to get until it actually arrives.

Looks the part, doesn’t it?

A brace of new Brococks!

ATAMAN ON TARGET The Ataman M2 Sport is probably the most simple, hi-tech match rifle I’ve ever seen, and all the better for it. Look at that gently-curved laminate stock for a start – and what a fine start it is. Onto this has been grafted an anatomical grip and a hamster, plus the obligatory goanywhere cheek piece and butt pad. Somehow,

the ‘Robocop’ features manage to complement the understatement of that rainbow of laminate, and the whole thing just looks ‘right’. How it shoots could be another matter entirely, but, as ever, we’ll only know when the import deal is signed and sealed, and the rifles are delivered. I’m told it’s happening, though, so bring it on!

Simply does it - in a hi-tech kinda way.

Any colour you like ...

A SAUER TASTE

Sig Air means business.

Shooting mega-firm, Sig Sauer, is getting into airguns – all sorts of airguns – in a big way, and this SIG MPX is just one of them. The MPX is a near-perfect replica of the world renowned tactical firearm of the same name. This one runs the 88gm Co2 tank, and it fires pellets, but it looked tremendous fun from where I was standing. Admittedly, that was nowhere near a test range, but who knows what the future holds for Sig Air? 10 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY … Obviously, if you want to promote your ‘choose the colour of your scope’ option, you need a Star Wars stormtrooper. Of course you do. No, I haven’t a clue, either, but I’m a huge Star Wars fan and there was no way I could just stroll on past this exhibit. Schmidt & Bender is the company in question, and considering that they make some of the finest optics on the planet, I guess they must know what they’re doing, but I’m still struggling to see the appeal of a purple scope. Maybe I just don’t have that star quality.

UMAREXHIBITION! For me, the most impressive stand of them all was Umarex. I was told by the company CEO, Eyke Pflaumer, that it takes 22 articulated lorries to get this stand on site. Not only was it a huge complex of selfcontained, themed exhibits covering this company’s vast range of sporting products, the Umarex experience was staffed by some of the most knowledgeable people I’ve ever pestered. Nothing was too much trouble to explain, and thanks to UK importers,

Armex, I managed to get my entire testing wish list approved on the spot. There are far too many products to list here, but look out for reviews on the new Peacemakers, some excellent upgrades on established Walthers, a range of amazing torches and knives, plus a stack of other goodies, some of which we hope to give away as prizes. There won’t be 22 truck loads, but it’s definitely worth checking out!

Umarex’s new Peacemaker has the perfect weight and balance

BULLPUPS APLENTY! If one air rifle design dominated IWA 2015, it was the bullpup. I spotted at least 10 different manufacturers displaying these ‘distinctive’ guns, and there’s no doubt that they’ll be figuring in many airgunners’ plans for at least the next few years. Check out this cammo finished model from Airgun

Technology, a Czech Republic-based company, that specialises in bullpups. I liked the fully-moderated barrel and interchangeable side lever, plus the trigger was a joy to use. I was told that, ‘Airgun Technology is in negotiation’ with several interested parties’, and that doesn’t surprise me one bit.

Just one of the candidates for ‘best bullpup in show’.

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 11

YOUR LETTERS LEOFTTTHEE R MONTH

New friends Hi Phill, Just a quick mail in response to Louis Clark’s ‘Shooting Buddy’ request. As an avid airgun collector in Buckinghamshire I would love the opportunity to move my hobby and sport to the next level. I am desperate to find a permission and Louis’ email sounds like an ideal opportunity. I am BASC-insured and a member of a local airgun shooting club. I have never hunted before, but am fairly consistent with my preferred choice of full-power classic springers and feel I am

ready to take this to the next stage, if I had the opportunity. I live near Marlow, Buckinghamshire, but I’m prepared to travel within the county. Many thanks for a great magazine! Regards Phil Jones Ed. If Louis drops me an email I’ll pass your details on.

Warning from history Recently I remembered my late uncle (born in 1906) telling me about some young men who worked on a farm in the 1920s. There were rats in the stable and although they had an airgun they had no pellets, so they resorted to shooting grains of wheat and actually killed some rats. My uncle warned me against doing this because the ricochets could be very dangerous and result in a loss

of sight. I’d also like to say that Matt Clark will be sadly missed as the editor. I met him at the game fair in 2009 and I hope all goes well in his new job E. Bailey Lincs Ed. We miss Matt, too, but he’s having a good time in his new job so we can all be happy for him.

FAC Hunting I use an FAC power Theoben as my main hunting gun and I’d like to know your opinion on shooting up into trees. I shoot a lot of squirrels and pigeons and I think I’m being safe but one of my mates at the pub says it’s dangerous Pete Smith, Brighton Ed. It’s a good point and one I’m

happy to answer. I do the same thing and I apply the same safety rules that I would for a 12 ft.lbs. rifle, namely, I have to be confident of what’s behind my quarry so that if I miss, the pellet will land somewhere safe. Remember that our pellets often pass straight through our quarry even with a perfect hit, so a safe area behind is vital for every shot.

12 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

Dear editor My love affair with airguns began in the mid 1960s but it came to an abrupt end in 2008 when I suffered a series of major health problems, which included two heart attacks, kidney failure and blood on my lungs. Back home again, I gave a lot of thought to what I should do about my airgun collection. I came to the conclusion that the best option would be to sell them, not separately to private buyers, but as a full collection to a gun shop, buyer/seller. My collection consisted of some great rifles which included a Theoben Sirocco, Air Arms Rapide, Weihrauch HW80, Anschutz 335, a Beeman C1 carbine, and my all-time favourite BSA Mercury S. Unable to work, the money I made on the guns helped to keep our heads above water for a while. With my health improving a little I really began to miss my guns. It soon became clear to me that would never be able to afford to replace my guns with similar models. The answer to my problem came

in the form of a Seeker rifle kit from Armex. It consisted of the .22 break barrel rifle complete with a scope, mounts and a silencer … and the price? Believe it or not, £199 - truly amazing! In my opinion, the Seeker looks very much like the original BSA Lightning, with a basic plain stock and trigger. It’s a whole load of fun, great for dispatching rats and rabbits, and perfect for plinking sessions. Do yourself a favour and buy a Seeker now while they’re available at this price. Not all of us can afford to pay £2000 for a top-end PCP rifle. Ken Lambourne, New Brighton. Ed. Are you sure you don’t work for Armex? That’s one hell of an advert for them … just kidding. The Seeker is a good gun and great value too.

AIRGUN GURU Precision pellet placement is vital for success

GET IN TOUCH Post your letters to: Letters, Air Gunner, 2-6 Easthampstead Road, Wokingham, RG40 2EG

[email protected] GURU TIP: Airgun pellets are made from a soft lead alloy so it’s best to carry them in a protective container. This keeps them clean and prevents the skirts from getting squashed. A pouch worn around your neck is a popular choice.

Q

. As a recent ‘empty nester’ returnee to the wonderful world of airguns, I did a lot of research before deciding to buy a TX200 (.177) with a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 AO scope, and I’m chuffed with the performance of both. So far, I am only shooting at inanimate targets, mainly halfinch spinners or paper targets, though my ultimate goal is to get into airgun hunting. One of my friends has a mixed farm

that’s plagued by rabbits, and he’s more than happy (in fact he’s very keen) for me to shoot there, but I don’t want to hunt until I know that my shooting skills are up to the mark. Can Guru give me some measure of accuracy that he believes is necessary for humane rabbit hunting?

A

GURU SAYS: First, I applaud you for recognising that a certain standard of

A small ‘spinner-type’ target is a great choice for the hunter

marksmanship is needed for humane hunting. There are two aspects to airgun hunting, one being the shooting, the other being the fieldcraft, and either can make up for a slight deficiency in the other, to an extent. A top shot can make up for less impressive fieldcraft by shooting at slightly longer ranges, and a less than top shot can make up for his shooting ability by getting closer to the target. The target, in the case of a rabbit, is the brain, preferably near the brain stem, which connects it to the rest of the body, and a hit to the brain is lights out. For many years, the recognised standard for hunting accuracy was the one-inch circle, the consensus being that if you could get pellets within half an inch of the intended point of impact, the shot would result in a clean kill. That is what I used to advise, but years of experience have made me think again, and I now believe that the accuracy ideally needs to be based on a halfinch circle. We’re not talking about shooting ½” groups, because airgun hunting is not about

shooting groups, but taking shots separated by minutes or hours, and getting every pellet within, or with a good overlap of the edge, of a halfinch circle. Your half-inch spinners are the ideal training target, because if they spin, that would indicate a clean kill, and I’m going to suggest something that’s at once a game, a training regime, and a way to discover your current maximum hunting range. Start at 20 yards from the target for standing shots, say 25 for sitting or kneeling shots, or 30 for prone shots. Take a shot and, if you hit the spinner, take a step back, if you miss, a step forward. Don’t rush, you’re trying to simulate hunting shots, so the longer between shots the better. Eventually, you will end up at your own personalised maximum hunting range, and you will know that your marksmanship is up to the job. Don’t forget to practise at various gradients and in varying wind speeds and, if you have any time left over, why not visit the farm and learn where the rabbits go (and when), and how to get within range of them? ■

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CLUB

SCENE Gary Chillingworth brings us a report on two clubs where the fun never stops

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his month, I am pleased to say that I was able to shoot at two new clubs, Furnace Mill and Lincs, and without beating about the bush, they were both great. Furnace Mill is a relatively new club to the HFT world and like a growing number of shooting venues it is set within the grounds of a fishery. There has been a growing trend of late for HFT clubs to share their grounds with shotgunners, archers, and now fishermen. This can be a massive boon for shooters, because clubs like this often have great facilities, and unlike dedicated HFT clubs, these are often open 365 days a week. Furnace Mill, for instance, has a great shop that incorporates a café where you can buy some pellets and have a welcome cup of tea, as well as a very tasty bacon sandwich. Outside the shop there is a covered plinking range and hard-standing for parking, and this may not sound like much, but trust me, there is nothing worse than going shooting in the middle of winter and getting your car stuck in the mud. Even worse is arriving for a day’s practice only to have the heavens open and then spending the next few hours in a car, waiting for it to dry out. Covered plinking ranges are great, because you can sit in comfort and have a shoot, then relax and talk rubbish with your friends. The shoot itself was a welcome foray into the world of UKAHFT, and the course setters and marshals did themselves proud. The course was essentially in two parts; as you walked along the firing line, you either shot to the right toward short targets of 25 to 30 yards up a bank, or you shot to the left, where the targets were long and

Above: Mark Carter shows how it’s done with his HFT500

Below: Nick Yates shot superbly to take top spot.

across a valley. I enjoyed the valley targets the most, because the wind whipped through this area and it was hard to judge how many mil-dots of windage you had to give. From a personal point of view, if I was the head honcho of Furnace Mill, this is the area that I would concentrate on. The scope for interesting and hard targets that they have there is massive, and I have no doubt that if the valley is developed

Kieran Turner and Stuart Hall. It was agreed that the winner should be decided through some hand-to-hand combat, and I am glad to say that Elliot was the last man standing and was crowned the winner. Furnace Mill will become a great venue for HFT. It is open all week, and for shooters who just want to compete or just want to have a plink and set up their gun, this is the perfect venue. If you live close to Kidderminster, then

“If I was the head honcho of Furnace Mill, this is the area that I would concentrate on” Below: The Lincs gremlin - don’t feed it after midnight!

16 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

further, it will soon become a daunting area to shoot. Unfortunately, three shots into the course my gun went down with a fault, so a very nice gentleman allowed me to use his Daystate Mk4 and I must admit, it was nice to use one again. The course that was laid out was tricky, but for the cream of the UKAHFT who had turned up for this inaugural shoot, it was a fairly easy one, and four shooters came in with a 59ex60: these were Eliot Compton, Nigel Jones,

this could be the club for you. http://www.furnacemill.net/

Lincs HFT Lincs HFT club is one of those clubs that has been around for many years. In fact, in the distant past, there was even a UKAHFT round held there, and from what I have been told, it was very good. Then, for some reason or another, this great club chose to slow down, concentrate on its members, and hold more local club shoots. Now, in

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2015, like the mighty dragon, Smaug, this club is starting to stir once again and reach out to the shooters of the UKAHFT and this is a very good thing. For me, this was an exciting shoot because I got to try out a new gun that I have just purchased and this club provided a perfect opportunity to run it through its paces.

Top: The valley area made for some testing shots Above: Furnace Mill plinking range Right: Dave Albard used his FTP900 to claim 4th place

Open venue Lincs HFT is a fairly open venue, mainly in a field, but you shoot into woodland that surrounds the edge of the shooting area. The thing is though, with years of experience, the coursesetting team have become masters of confusion, and I often found myself scratching my head and trying to work out the range - was it a 35mm at 45 yards, or a 25mm at 37 yards? It turned out to be a 20mm at 30 yards. The target placement was second to none, with tricky 15mm and tough kneelers and standers, and there was even a target up a tree that was swaying in the wind. OK, not strictly

HFT legal, but it was fun to shoot and even though I missed the blighter, I was very glad it was there. One interesting target was a 9-yard gremlin shot. Apparently, this is the mascot of Lincs and a similar gremlin can be seen in the local cathedral. Personally, I think this hideous creature was based on Nick Yates, but it would be wrong of me to say that and it would also be very hurtful. I travelled down to the shoot with

awful. I honestly think we couldn’t have got any wetter if Alex Larkin had turned one of his fire hoses on us, but the complexity and fun nature of the course was brilliant and, for me, shooting with my good friend Paul Relf made the day a perfect one. I have no doubt that just like Furnace Mill, Lincs will continue to go from strength to strength and I have no doubt that they will be capable of

“The target placement was second to none, with tricky 15mm and tough kneelers and standers” Above: Graham Cole and Nick Monaghan display their customary class and poise

my normal shooting buddies, Jean Greatrex, Geoff Ryder and Alex Larkin, and we all agreed that this club certainly has something to offer for the modern competition shooter. The welcome was warm, the tea hot and plentiful, and there was a wonderful, covered plinking range, which was a real blessing because the weather was

NOT ALL SCOPE MOUNTS ARE THE SAME

hosting a round of the UKAHFT in the near future. On the day, though, the Maldon massive was given a shooting lesson by Lincs very own gremlin, Nick Yates, who shot a very impressive 53, and this just goes to show that you should never ever get a Lincs shooter wet, or feed them after midnight. Well done, Lincs. Cracking job! ■

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YOU CAN DO Simple tips and tricks to improve your airgunning

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e can’t all be airgun boffins, and some of us don’t want to be out on the training range every spare minute we get, but I’m sure most of us would like to be that little bit better at what we do, or get that much more from our airgun shooting. That’s why we’ve got together with some of the most knowledgeable shooters, hunters, plinkers, tuners, and all-round experts from the world of airgunning, to bring you those easy, practical upgrades any of us can do. We know that these ideas work, because we’ve tried them ourselves,

There’s a huge resource of knowledge and experience among our readership, and we’d like to tap into that by asking you to share those little things that have meant a lot to your airgun shooting. Please, send us your top tips and quick wins, via the usual addresses, and we’ll put them on the page. Trust us, you can do this!

NO IFS ANDS OR BUTTS Lots of modern air rifles are fitted with adjustable butt pads, these days, and this tip will help you to get the most out of them. It takes

“We know that these ideas work, because we’ve tried them ourselves” and we know that, if you try them out, you’ll see genuine improvement. The plan is to build on these proven tips and tweaks, until, month by month, we’ll see our abilities rise, taking our enjoyment right along with it.

THIS!

seconds to do and costs just a few pence, but it can really make a difference to your results, and that’s exactly the sort of tip we like. If your rifle doesn’t have an adjustable butt pad, consider having one fitted, because they can help

18 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

Main: ... nudged down for kneeling, before being ....

significantly with gun fit and eyescope alignment. Most shooters will find that their adjustable butt pad provides perfect shoulder contact when moved to accommodate the standing, kneeling and prone stances. Tightening the movable section of the butt pad to a sliding fit allows you to shift it by hand, in a second, to set it in position for the stance you need.

EASY DOES IT Top right: ...positioned perfectly for prone.

Bottom right: Set in a second for standing, then ...

Begin by buying a packet of selfadhesive stickers, and place one in the centre of your butt pad. Then, adjust the pad until it’s perfect for the stances you use, and apply a sticker, lined up with the central one, to provide an instant reference. Mark the sticker to show the stance, and you can instantly adjust your butt pad to the ideal position, every time. Easy – and so effective! ■

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THE BIG TEST

ON THE FIRING LINE THIS MONTH:

WINDY CITY

The editor gets wind of a new candidate for your sporter shortlist

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any of us have heard of Evanix but how much do we really know? Over the years, I’ve seen the Evanix company displaying at many international shooting shows, but their presence in the UK has been patchy. They’ve made rifles for people who have branded them with their own name, but now it seems to me that they’ve found a new home and a great partnership with Hastings-based AC Guns. I use the word ‘partnership’ because their in-house expertise is refining the products and offering their findings back to the factory in the form of ongoing refinements. This allows the manufacturer to improve its output and AC Guns to sell better rifles. As

aM n:i good support off hand

in all the best deals, both parties gain T he from the relationship. The range is extensive and contains the ultra-fashionable bullpups in a variety of guises, but for my first proper test I chose a far more conventional model, although it’s not without innovations. The test rifle is the curiously named ‘Windy City’, which I thought was Chicago, but what do I know? In essence, it’s a very conventional barrel-overreservoir pre-charged pneumatic, and no less a gun for that.

As the stocrifles arrive from Korea at AC Gun’s workshops, every one - and I do mean every one - is examined by their gunsmith, chronographed and then worked on if necessary. AC has a zero-tolerance policy for any feature or performance parameter that does not meet their high standards. This is something that I really admire and appreciate. It’s a fact, and I really mean it, that everything manufactured by mankind will have some failures and it’s only with vigorous quality control that they can Ô

“it’s a very conventional barrel-over-reservoir precharged pneumatic, and no less a gun for that” www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 21

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be weeded out. Evanix has its own quality control, so what AC Guns does for us is a kind of belt-and-braces approach, and I love it. All credit to them for what they do.

Hardwood Two things strike you on first contact with the Windy City. First is the wood. It’s an Indonesian hardwood; sepacia, which has a distinct red tone which I found quite appealing,

the long ‘tongue’ that extends under the bottle, offering warm contact on freezing winter days. It also offers some protection to the bottle if the rifle were dropped. I had a good look to see if there was enough ‘meat’ here to drill a hole to accept a sling swivel stud, but I think the answer is ‘no’. However, at the front of the buddy bottle is a metal clamp that supports the barrel shroud against the bottle, and I wonder if some

“AC guns are quality checking and fettling every gun that passes through their hands” and perhaps a little exotic. My test sample was quite nicely figured, but as wood is a natural product every gun will be unique. The shape is clever in that it manages to blend the carbon fibre buddy bottle into its lines, making for a smoother, sleeker look that most ‘bottle’ guns can’t manage. Part of this is

inventive engineer could create a stud position on that. Speaking as a walkall-day kind of hunter, a sling is not negotiable on my rifles. The pistol grip offers two positions, or perhaps I should say four because this is an ambidextrous stock.

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Above: The long side lever moves smoothly and needs little effort

You can shoot thumb-up, or thumbthrough. I’m usually a thumb-up shooter but I couldn’t get comfortable that way with this stock, so I was glad to be so relaxed with my thumb through the hole. There are neat chequering panels here, and on the front of the grip some finger grooves. These are a little bit ‘Marmite’, affected by the size and shape of your hand and fingers, so as I always recommend, be sure to have handled any new rifle before you buy it.

High cheek The cheek piece is quite high, something that all scope-only guns should feature. It has a noticeable up-sweep to the rear, which adds a little flair. Behind this we find a well shaped

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Right: The all metal magazine is made in England

Left: This is a surprisingly light rifle despite its chunky looks

“The cheek piece is quite high, something that all scope-only guns should feature”

rubber butt-pad which is vertically adjustable. I have mixed feelings about these because if they’re set to be perfect for standing shots, they’re worse then useless for prone shots and vice-versa. I set them in a middle position and leave them alone. The action has a long and stylish side lever that moves with an impressively smooth and light action. This can be cocked silently, a feature that every hunter will appreciate. Much is this is down to the careful inspection and lubrication that AC

Below: The red tint of the sepacia wood can be clearly seen

Guns applies. They found that the magazine, supplied with the guns by Evanix, was engineered to work with the super-heavyweight ammo that shooters use in countries with no power limits. Because of this, AC Guns asked an English specialist to manufacture a new mag’, just for our needs, which is all metal. This is good, but there’s a real knack to loading it which took me a few minutes to master. Even after this, I don’t think I could load it eyes-off in the dark which I can with some of my other magazines. My preference would be to load two or three at home before I set out. They can be inserted from either side of the action until a neat little ball detent settles it in place. During my test I found cocking and loading 100% reliable with no jams or misfeeds at all. At the front of the aluminium action we find the shrouded barrel, supported, as mentioned, by a clamp

attached to the bottle. There are sound-deadening baffles inside which do a respectable job of cutting the noise, but if you like a really quiet rifle Evanix has provided a male thread at the muzzle to accept a secondary moderator. This is covered by a knurled thread protector for those of us who choose to leave as it came from the factory.

Good finish The standard of polishing and anodizing was good throughout with all the components matching nicely. What does look a little unusual is the carbon fibre buddy bottle. This exhibits a rather raw look that not everybody will appreciate but please don’t be put off. You see, many carbon fibre products have a topdressing of pretty carbon matt that serves no purpose other than to look good. If you ever see parts of formula one cars or fighter jets, they look just like this. They’re designed purely for performance with no concession to aesthetics. So what the Windy City wears is the strongest and lightest bottle it possibly can. The strong suit of the buddy bottle has always been capacity, and the Windy City makes the best use of this. The 048L volume delivers over 350 shots. Think about that. It’s almost a whole tin of pellets from one top-up. The required fill pressure is 200bar meaning that all dive bottles, both 232 and 300 bar, will work but you’d be a while filling it with a hand pump.Ô

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TEAM WORK Eddie Jones goes after squirrels with a skilled hunting partner

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his month’s feature takes me back a few years to when I raffled a day’s shooting and and appearance in Air Gunner in aid of the HFH charity. The winner, Mick Garvey, had a great day. He shot his first-ever squirrel and judging by his shooting later, he learned a few things along the way. Since then we have become very good friends and have gone out on occasion since. This month I asked Mick if he fancied going back to the place where he’d had his first squirrel, and have a catch up on how his shooting has been going. I also had ulterior motives.

Some of the landowner’s trees in the wood had been chewed pretty badly, and had asked me to go and see if I could sort out the squirrels that were doing the damage. Previous visits had

help. In past features, I’ve shown that the best way to get squirrels is with two people. You can use one person to keep the squirrel in sight whilst the other can get in place for a shot. If

“This method produces a lot more squirrels than if you are alone and Mick was the perfect person to help me with this job” seen plenty of squirrels about, but due to the open space and the size of the trees, I was either seen, or lost the squirrel playing chase around the tree. This was why I could do with Mick’s

the squirrel is playing hide-and-seek, you can coax it into a good shooting position by walking it around, and as soon as it is in place for your partner, keep still and let him do the rest.

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“It is good to get an early shot off and confidence starts to rise when you make it count” This method produces a lot more squirrels than if you are alone and Mick was the perfect person to help me with this job. It was about 7.30am when Mick arrived for breakfast, and the weather was pretty grim so there was no rush to start the hour’s drive to our chosen location. The forecast was for heavy rain until 11am, then sun and the odd shower for the rest of the day, with the wind also set to play a part.

Waiting game It was about 9am when we arrived, and the rain was still pretty bad so now the waiting game started. Usually, when the rain is heavy, you won’t see a squirrel about. They will be tucked up in their warm dreys, waiting for a gap in the weather, just like us. Be patient if you are in a similar situation, and keep warm and dry, but always be ready for when it stops. For once, the Met Office was spoton. At exactly 11am, the sun started pushing through the thinning clouds, so Mick and I got the rifles ready and set off to the wood. This was a good 30 acres in size, not the biggest but it has resulted in some pretty good shooting over the years, with a mix of quarry. As Mick had been here before, he knew all the safety

regarding footpaths and boundaries so we decided to keep a distance of about 60 yards apart, just in case we spooked a squirrel, and it might have run to either one of us. Mick had reached a corner of the wood that usually produces well and luckily, he didn’t let us down. I’d been keeping in line with him and watched religiously, just in case something moved toward me. I was just about to set off again when I noticed a rabbit running from Mick’s direction and it was heading right in front of me. I dropped to my knee to get as low as possible beccause the wind was still blowing pretty hard, even in the wood. The rabbit was only about 20 yards away when it stopped near some bushes.

On track I was lucky I had tracked it through the scope and as soon as it stopped to look where Mick was, I sent a pellet from the Impact straight for it. The pellet struck right on the money and the rabbit slumped on its side. The rabbit was a surprise start, not that I was complaining. It is good to get an early shot off and confidence starts to rise when

Above: Unsupported shots are tough Above right: Teamwork was the key to success Above far right: A bonus rabbit made me smile Far right: Great bag with a good friend Below: We believe in maximum camo

you make it count. Mick had not heard the shot and was surprised to see the rabbit when he joined up with me. It was not long before our first squirrel showed itself. I noticed Mick stop and scan the treetop with his scope, so I signalled over to him and got the nod to come and join him.

Signals He pointed to where the squirrel was, and as I looked in that direction, I noticed a tail blowing in the wind. The squirrel was between us and hard to see, so I signalled to Mick to get ready as I showed myself to the squirrel. I kept one eye on Mick and he soon gave the signal to stop as the squirrel crept around to him to stay out of my view. Mick took the shot with his Cricket Bullpup, and squirrel number one fell to the floor. Pleased we had both now opened our account we set off in search of another. It was not until we had reached the far end of the wood that we managed to get another chance. We spotted a squirrel running along the floor toward some big chestnut trees, so we carried on toward the last tree where we’d seen it, and started the scanning process again. It was a few seconds later when Mick took a shot, and squirrel fell from the tree, thanks to a lead treat, but that

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The mix of showers and sunshine had an effect on the squirrels showing themselves. We decided to take a half -hour wait for one last chance before the light started to fade. Mick was given the hotspot to stop his bottom lip quivering, and I took a spot that might produce a roosting pigeon. An hour later, Mick turned up with another squirrel, but I hadn’t seen anything within range, so I called it a day.

Great Catch-up It was great to catch up again with Mick and also I got to try his little Cricket that I had heard so much about. It is not my cup of tea, but it certainly does a job, so who am I to knock it? I’ll stick to my trusty Impact Airguns GSX100 and keep doing my bit for the farmers. ■

“Mick was given the hotspot to stop his bottom lip quivering and I took a spot that might produce a roosting pigeon” was not the end. As the squirrel was hit I noticed something move further up the tree. I called over to Mick, told him where to look and as I slowly walked back to get a better view, Mick took another shot. The squirrel had moved again to hide from me and presented a clear head-shot for Mick and he made it count. So that was four down, and it was definitely due to working together.

Back on patrol After a quick break, we headed off again and took the same route as before because it had been productive

the first time around. It was not until we had got halfway around that I finally got a chance. I could see a squirrel scratching around on the floor, but I had some cover in front of me, so I crept as low as possible until I reached a fallen log, and slid the rifle over the top. As I raised the scope to my eye, I could still see the squirrel, very clearly looking for food. With a nice rest I placed the crosshair just behind its eye and pulled the trigger. We were now three apiece, and with a smug look on my face, I casually strolled over to claim my prize.

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Assembly line The upper floor of the Air Arms factory is for the assembly of rifles and the ground floor is where the parts are fabricated. Alan George, the company’s General Manager, showed me round and let me see rows of dedicated CNC machines busy whirring away. I asked him how much it all cost. He called out the numbers as he pointed to the various lumps of advanced technology, while I did some mental arithmetic. I stopped adding when we got to £1.8 million. That’s some serious money, and I asked Claire where it had all come from. “The company was originally owned by my late father Bob Nicholls, and now by me and my three sisters. My father’s principle was to invest profits back into the company to ensure its survival and longevity. My sisters and I follow this principle, which means that we do not have to rely on outside finance. We invest in our people and our technology, our products and our

INDEPENDENT

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have been loaned an Air Arms HFT 500 rifle to use on extended test to see how much it might help this ordinary shooter be a better one, or as some might have it, make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Once I’d had the rifle for a few days I contacted Air Arms M.D. Claire West, which then resulted in an invitation to visit Air Arms to find out how and why they do things. To say I was impressed with what I saw and heard on my visit would be an understatement. Air Arms is an engineering business, proper name NSP Engineering Ltd, which started making airguns virtually by accident when an airgun client went bust and left them with debt and a lot of unpaid-for parts. It is a wholly British-owned company and quite unique in that it designs and manufactures in-house, in the UK, virtually all the parts it uses, apart from barrels and stocks.

EXPERTS

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Keith Warburton visits Air Arms and is duly impressed Above: Racks of guns are hand-built Right: Claire West is the MD of this successful company

Worldwide A number of years ago, Air Arms decided to develop their international markets, and this was accompanied by the appointment of John Rothery Wholesale to ensure that the domestic market continued to be well looked after. Today, while the UK is still Air Arms’ largest single market, and one that continues to grow, 50% of its production goes to their 40-plus export customers. The only Air Arms products not made by them in the UK are the

“To say I was impressed with what I saw and heard on my visit would be an understatement” markets. Quite simply, we are building not just a world-class company, but also a world-beating one, and we’re building on a foundation of unparalleled engineering excellence. We want to build a company that will endure.”

S200 rifle and the Alfa pistol, both of which are made for them in the Czech Republic, but both products do contain some AA technology. Then there are the Air Arms brand pellets which are made by pellet experts JSB, also in the Czech Republic. I asked Claire about

the pellets and she was keen to dispel a couple of myths. “No, we don’t issue JSB with our own particular lead alloy. And no, our pellets are not produced on the same dies as JSB’s. They are our own dies – if you examine the pellets closely you’ll see the profile is different. An Arm Arms pellet is simply not ‘the same as’ or even ‘particularly similar to’ a JSB pellet, other than they are both diabolo pellets made to very exacting standards.”

What’s new? Claire was coy about revealing details of upcoming products, but confirmed their ongoing development work. “We’re always working on two or three projects at any one time, in a

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rolling development programme. We have brought out three completely new products in the last two years (excluding the Limited Edition 30th anniversary S510), one of them was in development for two years, the others for 12 months each. That’s a lot of engineering and a lot of development.” And it’s not just in-house ideas that are developed. Air Arms takes great pains to stay as close as possible to

Above: Individual work-stations are always spotlessly clean and tidy

“I did some mental arithmetic. I stopped adding when we got to £1.8 million” their markets and their users, with new products being developed and tested, under conditions of great secrecy, by a panel of expert shooters. Which brought me round to one of the reasons for my visit. A hamster for the 32 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

HFT 500. You might have thought the HFT 500 would get a hamster similar to the laminate one on the FTP 900. However, it wouldn’t have blended very well with the fluid, yet purposeful, lines of the HFT 500. Instead, Air Arms has used its engineering and manufacturing skills to machine it out of alloy and finished it to reflect the harmonious design of the rifle which, as I’ve said before, I think is the most elegant and cohesive-looking rifle available off the shelf for HFT shooters. You might question the £94.99 cost for the hamster, but when you look deeper at the design, and see how it is made, it is a price well worth paying.

Spaced out The second reason for my visit was to pick up a set of butt spacers. By the time you read this, these should

be available from your local Air Arms retailer for £15.50 for a 20mm kit (a 40mm deluxe kit is also available). Extending the reach this way means I can now slide the trigger back toward the middle of its adjustment range, allowing access to all the trigger adjustment screws. One of the most contentious elements of the HFT 500 is the button trigger. I have to confess that even though I had set the second-stage release point as light as I dared, it still sometimes felt a bit heavy, and not quite the same every time I used the rifle. Alan Dennis, head of production and design, told me that the trigger was something they’d debated long and hard. The result is that you have the option of swivelling the button round so that you press on a flat surface rather than a rounded one. Thus the pull load is spread across a larger skin

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area and should feel lighter. This article isn’t just about Air Arms, though. I need to tell you about the rifle in competition. Last time, I’d shot it competitively for the first time (see page 69), and achieved the best score I’d ever had, measured as a percentage of the winning shooter’s score. I was pretty pleased with myself. Isn’t it great how nature doesn’t tolerate smugness for very long?

Post op I’d not shot for several weeks because I was recovering from an operation; in fact, I didn’t really set foot outdoors for the best part of a month. I used the time to try to polish my technique for standing shots, and found that I could shoot through the house and give myself an approximately 12yard range. This determined that the best standing hold for me, with this particular rifle, is not the ‘artillery’ or ‘hunting’ hold with an extended leading arm, but a target-shooting stance with my upper arm braced against my body. The hamster should make this even more effective. My excuse for an incredibly poor

Above left: One day this material will be a gun Above right: When the CNC machines have finished nibbling, the FTP900’s action appears

Below left: These butt spacers further customise the rifle’s fit Below right: The new hamster is like nothing else I’ve seen

“My excuse for an incredibly poor showing in the next competition is that I was, unbeknown to myself, suffering from quite a severe infection” showing in the next competition is that I was, unbeknown to myself, suffering from quite a severe infection which I think was inducing a tremor and making it hard to hold aim on distant targets; ten hours later my whole body was vibrating like a bow

string. It was rather frightening at the time, but I’m pretty much recovered now, thanks for asking. I’m now looking forward to shooting the HFT 500 complete with new hamster and butt spacer and with the flat trigger face, and I’ll let you know how I get on. Happy days! ■

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PRONE TO CHANGE John Russell changes tactics to pursue problem rabbits

“There is an expression in the military: No plan survives contact with the enemy”

A

fter making several unproductive and frustrating hunting trips to my newly acquired permission, I decided that it was time for a change in tactics. As I have mentioned previously, my permission is almost completely devoid of the cover I would need in order to get close enough to a rabbit to take a shot. Most of the hedgerows and

trees have been removed to create large, prairie-type fields, which are very profitable for the arable farmer, but unfortunately provide very little concealment for the novice air rifle hunter. It was time for a new technique; the ambush. I had previously made several trips to the permission, not to hunt, but purely to conduct reconnaissance so I now knew where the rabbit burrows were on the permission and it should just be a matter of sitting and waiting for the rabbits to emerge from their burrows. The only extra piece of equipment needed to purchase was a beanbag seat as something comfortable to sit on. Fortunately, the field target shooters at my club, Mid Shires Marksman (www. midshiresmarksmen. co.uk) were able to provide all the advice I needed on the purchase of an FT-type beanbag. Being able to benefit from the advice of more experienced shooters is one of many good reasons

to join your local airgun club. Above: This picture illustrates how effective a head net and gloves are

Left: Uneven ground with lots of sharp stones, illustrates why a good mat is essential for comfortable prone shooting session.

Below: Witn no head net and gloves I would be seen easily

Planning I always drive to my permission with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. The hour-long journey gives me plenty of time to plan how I will hunt. My plan was quite simply to sit and wait for the rabbits to leave their burrows, and then shoot them. As I parked my car in the business centre car park, I started to enjoy the warming rays of the early morning sunshine. There is an expression in the military: ‘No plan survives contact with the enemy’, and I had just learned a hard lesson. The sun would be rising behind where I intended to sit and wait for the rabbits to emerge, and with very little available cover I would be silhouetted against the skyline. Rabbits do not have the best eyesight in the animal kingdom, but I knew I would stick out like the proverbial Ô sore thumb. My earlier excitement

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and optimism slowly began to drift away, but I was able to revive my enthusiasm with a flask of hot coffee and a packet of Jaffa Cakes. Suitably refreshed, I made my way to the ambush position with a revised plan. It was time to adopt a new shooting position; I was going prone. This would be a first for me, because I had never previously felt inclined to lie down on my belly in a wet and muddy field, but I was on a serious pest-control mission and desperate to begin my career as an air-rifle hunter. On my previous trips to the permission I had seen plenty of rabbits, but had never actually managed to shoot one.

Uncomfortable In theory, to lie on the ground should be very easy, but I soon found out it was not. Firstly, I learned that when I lie down, the safe pocket in my camouflage trousers, where I keep my car keys, connects very painfully to my inner thigh. In the next five minutes, I also discovered that all the sharp stones in the field were under my knees, and also how damp and cold the ground is in Cambridgeshire. It was a surprise just how quickly I became very uncomfortable. My desire to fidget constantly in an attempt to get more comfortable conflicted with the need to remain still. My subsequent research on the Internet revealed that the position in which I had chosen to lie down put most of my body weight on my chest, which just added to my discomfort. This resulted in a very bad case of the wobbles, because I was unable to concentrate on my shooting, and after about 20 very uncomfortable minutes I gave up and headed back to car. As a novice air rifle hunter it would have been very easy to be disappointed when the hunting trip did not go to plan, but after almost two years of looking for a hunting permission, I consider myself very fortunate to have one. The challenge is to make the best of what I have, and enjoy my time there. What I needed now was a shooting mat, similar to the type that I had seen HFT shooters using in Air Gunner and Airgun World pictures. A quick search on the Internet identified the AIM Range Mat from AIM Field Sports as being the most suitable (www. aimfieldsports.com), but at £92.50, it was out of my price range.

Army surplus Another search was needed to identify something army surplus, which would be both cheap and suitable for my needs and the German Army foldable kip map, although nowhere near as good as the AIM Range Mat, only cost me £7.95 plus delivery. It is made from insulating foam which protects the user from the cold and the wet, and when folded it fits neatly inside my rucksack. At approximately 220cms x 80cms it is long enough to lie on and gives me enough room to spread my elbows. This mat, along with other German Army surplus gear, is available from www.flecktarn.co.uk. Attaching a bipod to the front of my air rifle would help to provide a rocksteady rest for my prone shooting, and the support provided by the bipod would also help to eliminate the wobbles I had suffered from during my earlier attempt to use the prone position. The previous owner of my Air Arms S410 carbine had fitted studs to it, so it was ready to have a bipod attached. I opted for a Harris-type, 9 to 13-inch bipod; it has adjustable legs and a swivel action that enables me to keep my air rifle upright even if I am on a slope. Some words of warning for those people who are considering fitting studs to their PCP air rifles: Please remove the action from the stock before attempting to drill the stock. If you do not, then you risk damaging the gun with the drill and also the risk of an explosion of compressed air. I intend to lie on my shooting mat and wait for the rabbits to emerge from their burrows, so I need to enhance my camouflage. The open field provides absolutely no cover, so a pair of camouflage gloves, and a head net are essential requirements as you can see by the photos. The photographer was approximately 25 yards away from me, and took them from a ‘rabbit’s-eye’ perspective. The picture in which I am wearing the head net and camouflage gloves illustrates the effectiveness of these two items; both are from the Jack Pyke range of shooting gear. www.jackpykeshop.co.uk So, having purchased all the new hunting gear that I’d need to ambush the rabbit population of Cambridgeshire, it was time to research a more comfortable prone shooting position for use in the field, and I’ll cover that in the second part of this feature. ■

36 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

With the bipod tilted to the left, the advantage of one with tilt and swivel can be seen

How not to do it. Legs together and feet crossed puts weight on the chest which puts pressure on the lungs and heart

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Left: My kip mat is cheap but fully practical

Below: The legs are quick and easy to open

Here we see the legs at their shortest

“after almost two years of looking for a hunting permission, I consider myself very fortunate to have one” “The open field provides absolutely no cover, so a pair of camouflage gloves, and a head net are essential”

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5 TOP

HUNTING TIPS

The vast majority of Air Gunner readers are hunters, so here are my five top hunting tips learned from over 30 years in the field.

1. Use binoculars I always carry binoculars when I’m hunting and you should too. They offer so many advantages, it’s daft not to use them. I like to scan well ahead, searching every inch of grass, and the trees, for my quarry. You’d be surprised at just how often you’ll see a rabbit feeding, or pigeons in the treetops, that you simply couldn’t have seen with the naked eye. This allows me to plan my approach, using the shape of the land and any cover to hide me until I’m in range. Binos are vital for my favourite quarry, the grey squirrel; they’ll often flatten themselves on branches, almost completely out of sight, but with binoculars I can sometimes see a paw or a tail which then allows me to move into a position that lets me make the shot.

2. Slow down A wise old hunter once told me that we should stay still for twice as long as we move. In other words, stop hurrying around your shoot. It’s just as likely that your quarry will appear where you are as anywhere else, and movement is a huge give-away. Wild animals are highly attuned to spotting movement, so by minimising it you

maximise your success. Better yet, stay still and use your binoculars. I’ve often had a pigeon come in to roost close to me as I stood, offering the chance of a shot. Had I been moving it would have flown right past.

Right: I always carry binoculars when I hunt

there’s trouble in the area.

3. Walk thoughtfully

4. Listen

Many hunters go crashing along through the woods and wonder why they never see any birds or animals. The smart hunter thinks about every step from the moment they leave the car. I’ve shot rabbits using my car as a rest because I was aware enough to notice them as I arrived, and kept quiet as I took the rifle from the boot. Don’t fall into the trap of assuming

“Move silently everywhere, stay alert and slowly you’ll notice more.” that your prey will be where you saw it last time and nowhere else. Move silently everywhere, stay alert and slowly you’ll notice more. The small songbirds, deer, and badgers will all react when they see you and if they run or give an alarm, every other living creature will hear it and know that

If you focus on everything moving around you, you’ll soon tune into the noises of the countryside. Take squirrels again; as they race up and down trees, their claws make a distinct scratching noise that can guide you towards their location. Often, they’ll be on the opposite side of the trunk to you but you’ll still locate them roughly. This allows you to search in the right area, rather than just looking everywhere. In thick woodland you can sometimes hear pigeons landing. Their wings give a distinctive whistle as they come in, which helps you to find them. Train your ears to identify these noises and you’ll have another weapon in your hunting arsenal.

5. Learn the land

Left: Staying in one place can be more productive than keeping on walking

Each time you visit your hunting permission try to memorise a new area along with important information such as how the prevailing wind affects it. In my part of the world, we mostly get south-westerlies, so I know how to approach the rabbit hot-spots with the wind in my face. I also know the most popular ‘sitty trees’ favoured by the pigeons and how to sneak into them without being seen by the sharp-eyed birds. I know the best places to cross muddy ditches, and where the steepest slopes are, too. This knowledge becomes vital at night if you’re lamping rabbits. Plunging into waistdeep water in midwinter isn’t funny, and falling hard on a slippery area can be downright dangerous. ■

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CARTER’S

QUICK-FIRE Q & A the right aim points will be required. As for disposing of the dead ones, fire is your friend and I lob the rats I shoot in one, once I’ve got it properly roaring. Alan Waters wants to know: What’s my maximum range with a non-FAC .177 rifle?

and that he’s not used to taking ‘high’ shots. What he meant was ‘steeplyangled’ shots, and the answer he’s looking for is literally dead simple. If the angle is steep enough and the target is far enough away, you’ll need to aim slightly low, but not by much. I sorted my aimpoints by shooting at the bare branches of a dead tree, varying the angles and distances, until I learned where to aim. Or, Jim could set up a target in the rafters and use that. Either way, those rats can climb like squirrels, so learning

Fred’s here to help, in his own inimitable way, so stand by for some no-nonsense responses

Fred says: I don’t know what your maximum range is, Alan, but it won’t be as far as your rifle’s, I can guarantee that. Any rifle good enough for hunting will outshoot you, me, and everyone else, especially in the field. To find your maximum range, take a target card marked with a one-inch circle, and, starting at 10 yards, shoot five shots at the circle. Move the card back five yards at a time until your pellets leave that one-inch circle. That’s your maximum range, and it gets shorter if the wind’s blowing. If you’re not happy about that range, get stuck into some training and learn to shoot better, OK? Ô

Above: The best place for dead rats. Above right: Rats can climb, so learn those aim points.

I

’m told I have just three pages to sort out 10 questions from Air Gunner readers, and that means there’s no room to mess about. You ask, I’ll answer, and let’s see if I can put some airgunners on the right track. Here goes.

Right: Your maximum range is limited by you, not your rifle.

Jim Linch asks: How well can rats climb, and how can I dispose of the ones I shoot? Fred says: The rest of Jim’s email explained that he shoots rats in a grain store, criss-crossed by girders, www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 41

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Les Frame asks: Fred, what do you think of the new wave of tactical guns coming in to the sport these days? Fred says: At first I hated them with a passion, but I’ve been asked to test a couple, lately, and I’ve surprised myself with how well they’ve performed. A big part of this is their stock-adjustability, because if a rifle fits, it shoots better. Guns that hit what you aim at tend to get a whole lot prettier, Les, and I’m starting to come round to the tactical thing. Peter Brace wants to know: How come there are loads of rabbit droppings on my shoot, but I hardly see a rabbit? Fred says: Some of my permissions suffered a near wipe-out of rabbits in the past two years, Peter, but their middens are still there, so it looks like the place should be crawling with rabbits. Old droppings are ‘bleached’ and broken down by light and rain,

Above: I still don’t think the tactical guns are pretty - but they seem to be pretty good! Right: The shameful horror of myxy.

Riight: Cammo counts, but it’s not there to make up for poor fieldcraft.

Below: Lots of old droppings ... Bottom: ... don’t always mean the rabbits are still there, but fresh ones do.

42 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

whereas fresh ones are usually dark and firm. The fact is, it’s better to see a scattering of fresh droppings, than great masses of old ones, but check for other signs, too, such as nibbled grass and crops near field borders, scrapes, and trackways from cover, as well as the obvious warrens and burrows. Dan Clewer wants to know: What’s the most important, cammo or fieldcraft? Fred says: There’s no ‘most important’ - cammo is part of fieldcraft. Don’t make the common mistake of thinking modern camouflage lets you off using proper stalking techniques. Cammo helps, it doesn’t replace anything. In fact, good fieldcraft and no hi-tech cammo will always outscore clumsy

technique and the best camouflage gear on the planet. The advances in camouflage are there to help us become better at hunting, not to make us lazy and sloppy. Steve Lascelle wants to know: How do I spot myxomatosis on my shoot? Fred says: When myxy is established in a rabbit, you’ll spot it right away.

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The animal’s eyes will be swollen and full of pus, the bases of its ears will also be swollen. The rabbit may be deaf as well as blind by this point, and it won’t run away. The problem with identifying myxy comes when it’s in its early stages, or after the rabbit has recovered, and some do these days. A rabbit can look normal but its liver can show light discolouration, although this can also be a symptom of Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD). The only thing to do, is despatch these animals instantly, and if possible, burn or bury them. Sean Morpeth would like to know: How do I pinpoint where roosting woodies perch? Fred says: Look for white droppings on the ground, plus pigeon feathers. If you see enough of these, then look for a suitable ambush point, from where you can set up a hide with a clear shot at the birds. Don’t be tempted to set up too closely, though, because woodies have incredibly sharp sight, and they’ll be extra-wary during the first few seconds after they settle at their roosting place.

Above: Eat a feral pigeon? Not a chance!.

Right: Feeders are magnets to squirrels ... Left: ... but you can get by without them - and I frequently do.

‘Monty’ needs to know: Is it possible to set up feeding stations for ambushing squirrels, without putting up feeders? I’m not allowed to have feeders on my woodland shoot.

Richard Lyons asks: I shoot dozens of feral pigeons and it seems a shame to waste the meat. Are they edible, for me or my dogs or ferrets? Fred says: First, Richard, I wouldn’t eat a feral pigeon for any money. I once saw the result of an analysis on some dead birds that had been sent to a medical laboratory, and it really shook me up. There were all sorts of pathogens and organisms found, most of them nasty, so I wouldn’t feed ferals to anything I cared about. It’s up to you, and I bet there will be those who use feral meat for their ferrets and dogs, but I’d never do it.

Left: Droppings and feathers are certain signs. Now sort out a hide. Below: If the right shot’s not on - don’t risk the wrong one.

wrong one. Yes, it can be frustrating, but there’s no alternative for a hunter worthy of the name. You can always try to get a better angle for the shot, but don’t risk a shot to the body, just because the head shot isn’t possible. ■

Fred says: That’s not a problem, Monty. Just do what I do and use the natural ‘feeders’ provided by the trees. I regularly bait nooks and crannies of trees around my woods, and the squirrels, and even woodies soon find the free food, provided it’s there on a regular basis. Don’t place it too low, or rats, mice and even deer will steal it, but once the squirrels know where that food is, they’ll come to it. I use maize, peanuts, and even pellets designed to feed fish – and it all works. Dave Marche has a question: I know you advocate head shots on quarry, but what do you do if there’s not a clear shot available? Fred says: That’s easy, David, if the right shot’s not on, I don’t take the www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 43

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DAYSTATE MIDLAND HUNTER SERIES

CHESTERFIELD HFT CLUB Round 3 I Theresa Reed survives the rain, hail and mud to bring us HFT news n December, Chesterfield HFT club, formerly known as Hollins Green - or the ‘Egg Farm’ to some - played host to Round 3 of the Daystate Midland Hunter Series. Given the circumstances, we were quite lucky to have been able to shoot this round because the farm houses a number of chickens and was on amber alert because of bird-flu, but other than a restriction on bringing dogs, we were fortunately allowed to carry on and shoot. Listening to my fellow shooters, it seems that Chesterfield is a bit like Marmite – you either love it or hate it. They’re not talking about the club

Right: The Chesterfield woods are full of challenges

Love it!

Personally, I love the place, but one thing’s for sure; you’d better zero before you arrive at the club! The zeroing range is positioned in an open field and the wind rips up the edge of it, sending your pellet flying off to the side even at 8 yards. Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but on this day, there were certainly a few exasperated shooters comparing windage points, especially at the longer ranges, and questioning whether there was something wrong with their equipment. As it happens, I did have something wrong with my scope that day. From

“…one thing’s for sure; you’d better zero before you arrive at the club” members you understand, but the course itself. The mixed reaction, I think, comes from a combination of great course setting, good use of the natural surroundings and an everprevailing wind that twists through the trees in varying degrees.

Below: Simon Harrison in sunshine, but not for long … Inset: Look at the hail on my mat

the off, I had a bias to the right even at close range. On the zeroing range I put it down to wind, but on the course, by the third peg it was obvious that something was wrong. Every shot, regardless of the wind, was off to the right. By the end of

the comp I’d sussed out how much to compensate for, but by then it was too late. When I got home, I found I had two loose scope mount screws. (Note to self, always check your equipment thoroughly before a comp!) The Chesterfield shooting ground is situated in a wooded Derbyshire dale nestled between sloping fields with what looks like an old stream bed running through the bottom. The course was laid out in a ‘U’ shape that followed the contour of the land. The targets were positioned up trees, down in dips and across banks that made rangefinding most interesting - read testing! Trying to eyeball a distance across a chasm can certainly play havoc with your mind and ranging skills, and given the colourful language that could be heard in the background, several shooters fell foul to the wellplaced targets and excellent range traps. I resorted to relying totally on my scope for rangefinding. Many of the targets were also positioned nicely to make the most of the wind, with adjoining pegs angled slightly differently to each other, so really making you think about how much windage to give it.

Four seasons in one day As if to match the mood of the shooters, the weather was changeable. On the drive up to Derbyshire, we’d travelled through a cloudburst, but by the time we started to shoot, the sun had come out, and then halfway around the course, the rain returned, followed by blustery winds, chased up with hail. By Ô www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 45

GUNTRADE GATEWAY

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To find out more about these and many more products, visit www.guntradegateway.co.uk

the last peg, it had all dried up, the wind dropped off, and so did the temperature. It was like having four seasons in one day. Any disgruntled thoughts, though, were soon forgotten by the time we’d walked back up to the farm buildings at the end of the comp. There, nestled in a lean-to barn was a welcome sight for any wet, cold and hungry shooter; a flaming chimanea, hot drinks and best of all, home-made chilli and chips, followed by a choice of delicious cakes, all of which were supplied by Casey’s better half, and sister, at Chesterfield. Maybe we could persuade them to turn up and cook at every competition. I’m not sure if it was because of the weather conditions, or due to the fact that Greg Hensman had got warm and comfy by the fire, but as the DMHS organiser, he very wisely decided that there would be no shoot-off this time. So the final scores were decided on count-back and the prizes were given out while we all hugged cups of tea and coffee.

Top: Elliot Reed lining up another kill

“Trying to eyeball a distance across a chasm can certainly play havoc with your mind and ranging skills”

Middle: James Howling Above: Simon Howath is giving James a good run his money Below: The author slithers into place for her next shot

46 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

I think someone from the Chesterfield crew may have put something in the drinks, or even the chilli. Because despite being told by several competitors, how they always score badly at Chesterfield, everyone

had smiles on their faces by the end of the day. I’ve no doubt we’ll all be back in the future, because Chesterfield is one of those places you just have to go and shoot, if only to challenge yourself! ■

OVERALL RESULTS OPEN – JAMES MCLACHLAN 58 RECOILING – BOB CLAY 47 .22 – SIMON HARRISON 44 VETS – NICK YATES 52 LADIES – KATHY THOMPSON 53 JUNIORS – ELLIOTT REED 49

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YOU CAN WIN! WORTH £790 As you’ll have read in this month’s big test, the Evanix Windy City is a remarkable new rifle to the British airgun market. Its most distinctive feature is the large capacity, carbon fibre buddy bottle which gives

the rifle over 350 shots per fill. crisp, two-stage trigger and a This is even more impressive thumbhole stock to create a top when you consider just how light grade hunting rifle. the rifle is. Top-class accuracy is backed up with a

THIS AWESOME RIFLE COULD ENTRY FORM

This is a snippet from a picture printed elsewhere in this issue. Can you spot which page it’s on?

Name Address Postcode

Daytime Tel

Email Prize to be sent to: (Name and address of your local gunshop) Postcode If you are under 18, an adult must sign on your behalf and give his/her name and address Name Address

BASA members can enter using one of their special ‘FREE ENTRY’ tokens

Postcode Closing date: Tuesday 7th May 2015 Tick if you have a subscription to Air Gunner Anyone involved in the preparation of this competition may not enter.

I’ve spotted the shot on page...

Archant Ltd, publisher of Air Gunner, would like to keep you up to date with any special offers or new products/services which might be of interest. Please tick if you DO wish for Archant Ltd to contact you in this way by email SMS. Please tick if you would prefer NOT to receive information by post phone. We occasionally pass your details onto carefully selected companies who wish to contact you with information about their products/services, please tick if you DO wish to be contacted in this way by email SMS. Please tick if you would prefer NOT to receive such information by post phone.

Send your answers to: March Jigsaw, Air Gunner, Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead Road, Wokingham, RG40 2EG 48 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

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AN EVANIX WINDY CITY RIFLE FOR £1.50

Scope not included

D BE YOURS FOR JUST £1.50! HOW TO ENTER By Post

Check out the jigsaw piece printed on the entry form below and see if you can spot from which main photo elsewhere in this edition it has been taken. When you have found the full picture, write down the page number on which it appears in the answer box below and send your completed entry form to the address at the bottom of the page. Entry costs just £1.50 per go cheque and postal orders payable to Air Gunner - and you can enter as many times as you like. As a bonus though, for every five entries you submit, you get another one free - i.e. six entries for £7.50

By Text Answer this question: What is the name of the targets Phill is writing about on page 85 A. Happy B. Snappy C. Trappy Text AGEvanix followed by your answer (e.g. C) your NAME and EMAIL ADDRESS to 80058. For example: ‘AGEvanix A J.Smith@ blogs.co.uk’ Texts cost £1.50 plus your standard network rate. Closing date for entries is Tuesday 7th May 2015- Winner will be announced in the July issue on sale 21st May 2015 BASA members may have one entry free provided the entry form is submitted with a validated ‘Free Competition entry’ token from their membership pack. Multiple entries allowed. If you do not wish to destroy your copy of the magazine you can send your entry on a separate piece of paper. Photocopies are also allowed. In the event of a tie, all correct entries will be put into a hat and there will be a draw to decide the winner. Prize is supplied on behalf of Air Gunner by the manufacturer. The prize will be sent to the winner’s designated gun shop who may levy an administration charge for handling.

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 49

The legend goes on…

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Available through your local gun shop. Distributed to the trade by ASI. Tel: 01728 688555 Web: www.a-s-i.co.uk

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DATA The editor is quick to try a new chrono that may answer his needs

M

y shooting friends and colleagues will tell you that I always have another question about airgun ballistics, no matter how many answers I find. I’ve researched many aspects including some groundbreaking work on terminal ballistics that disproved many long-held beliefs. Because of this, it’s no surprise that I’ve observed another situation for which I have a new grand theory. The problem is, I’ve been unable to test the idea because I needed a reliable chronograph that can be used downrange, even out to 50 yards. My trusty Skan chrono serves me very well as my everyday test machine, but it simply cannot be used at long range. I asked the manufacturers and received a very stern ‘No’.

Up and running As you can imagine, when I saw the chrono on test I quickly called Edgar Brothers’ PR department and asked for a test unit, which came the very next day. Assembly is much like other chronos I’ve used, so it took only a couple of minutes before I was up and running. The tripod supplied is lightweight and folds up very small to fit inside the carrying case. Speaking as the team photographer, I know from experience that for a tripod to be stable it needs to be big and heavy, so I took care with the one supplied. On uneven ground or on a windy day I’d weight it down for safety’s sake. In its favour, it’s highly adjustable in terms of height, making it very practical. The kit is comprehensive and has everything you need to take to the range, except for one 9v PP3 battery and four AAs. I applaud Caldwell for choosing common battery types, making getting replacements as easy as finding the local corner shop. The neat carrying case looks too small to

accept it all, but each component has its own space and internal dividers stop parts rubbing together. I was very pleased to see that the first .177 pellet I fired across it registered, as did all the others that followed. Now, that might sound a little daft, but I’ve had a lot of bad experiences with chronos’. Many

Main image: There a good wide area to shoot through Inset left: This neat battery pack holds 4 AAs Inset right: You connect your smartphone via a cable that comes with the chrono

“It seems that Caldwell has matched the sensors to the IR LEDs perfectly giving reliability”

have been totally flaky, reading well one minute and refusing to work the next. The Caldwell was rock-solid throughout my test.

Eye-catching features Two things caught my eye with this system. The first is that instead of relying on ambient light from the sky, the Premium Kit version replaces the sky screens with two banks of infra-red LEDs, so that the sensors have a clean, consistent source to work from. A friend of mine tried to make something like these years ago Ô

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with white LEDs, but with no luck. It seems that Caldwell has matched the sensors to the IR LEDs perfectly, giving reliability that’s second to none. This, for me, is a huge step forward and makes this machine worth buying just for that one reason.

Logging data The second thing I like is that you can download an app to your phone, which then becomes your data logger, calculating energy, shot-to-shot variation, maximum and minimum velocity, averaged over a shot-string of your choice. Unlike some, this app downloaded first time with no hassle. After reading the velocity at muzzle, I then placed the chrono downrange at 25 yards and shot again. Much to my delight it continued to read perfectly. Remember, this was swapping position from a sheltered area beside my house, to the end of the garden. No hassle, no glitches, just clean readings every time. This opens a door, allowing me to test my new theory at my convenience, not just when the weather is perfect. Out of interest, my Daystate Huntsman Regal was launching 8.44 grain JSB

“I then placed the chrono downrange at 25 yards and shot again. Much to my delight it continued to read perfectly” Top left: The tripod head is very light and should be treated with care Top right: The two wires hanging down supply power to the infra-red LEDs Right : Because we can’t see infra-red light, Caldwell built in a red LED so we know when it’s on Below left: A big LCD screen is easy to read, even at a distance

SPECS Importer: Edgar Brothers Web: shootingsports. edgarbrothers.com Tel: 01625 613177 Manufacturer: Caldwell Model: Ballistic Precision Chronograph On test: Premium kit Includes tripod, sky screens, infra-red lights, carrying case, all necessary cables. Batteries not included

RRP £163.00

54 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

Exacts at 770 fps and at 23 yards that had dropped to 670, a number that exactly calculates to their published ballistic coefficient of 0.0210. This reinforced my belief that this is a chrono I can rely upon. I expect you’d like to know what my mad, new ballistic theory is. Well, tough luck. Until I can start putting some meat on the bones I’m keeping it to myself. Better to stay quiet and let people think you’re a fool, than open your mouth and prove them right. However, be assured that if I can substantiate my theory, Air Gunner readers will be the first to know! ■

COUNTRY

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Our new writer Jane Price brings us the first of her delicous recipies

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ello, welcome to our new recipe section. Let me introduce myself. My name is Jane and I’m married to the editor, Phill Price. This gives me an insight into the world of airgunners, and the passion they have for their sport. Although I have only picked up an air rifle once to shoot at a couple of targets, I think I did quite well. One of the reasons why people enjoy shooting so much is that they like to imagine they can live off the land, live the rural ‘good life’, at least at the weekends! When Phill comes home from shooting I’m always glad if he brings home some pigeons for our supper, especially when he prepares them for the pot. I know one day he will get me to do it but for now he hands me the breasts on a plate, so all I have to do is cook them. I definitely get the easy bit. I suppose if wants to teach me the shooting or preparation part, I’ll have to teach him the cooking part. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and over

Above: On a cold winter’s day this is a properly warming meal

56 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

our 20 years together I have gained experience in game cooking; especially rabbit, pigeon, pheasant, duck and venison. I’ve been known to freeze many of these and make one enormous game terrine at Christmas, using a different meat in each layer. I also like making burgers for the freezer, and I have recently started making sausages, with Phill’s help of course – it’s definitely not a one-person job. During late summer and early autumn I enjoy collecting apples, damsons and plums from the trees in our garden and foraging in the local area for blackberries. My friends and family will vouch for my obsession with jam-making using all of these fruits together, in a ‘bramble jam’, to the extent that I have an entire cupboard just for my produce. It’s filled with the various jams and chutneys that I have made during the autumn. As the year goes on the cupboard has the same number of jars but more of them are empty, waiting

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,QJUHGLHQWV I love pigeon meat as does Phill

I like to chop the onions finely

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Simmering forairgun a longer time allows Above: All my practise payedthe off flavours to infuse more

to be used again. And that is one of the things that I love about this country style of cooking; that gardening, foraging, shooting and recycling all go together to make tasty food that’s good for the environment. And home-made jams, chutneys, sloe gin and pate can all be beautifully wrapped and given as gifts. ■

Right: The flour helps to seal the pigeon, and thickens the sauce

Left: All the ingredients are straight off the supermarket shelves

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RRP: £699.00 Incl Diopter Sight & Quickfill Adapter

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NSRA SHOP The editor drops into his local shop for a cup of tea

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eep inside the Lord Roberts shooting centre at the beautiful Bisley shooting ranges, you’ll find one of the best-stocked shops in the area. It’s that of the NSRA (National Smallbore Rifle Association) primarily specialising in target rifles and pistols but also carrying a good range of sporting and plinking guns. It’s been there for over 10 years, but isn’t that

well known to Air Gunner readers, which I think might be because it’s tucked away from sight until you get inside the range building. It’s an impressive facility built for the Commonwealth Games to house the airgun and smallbore competitions, and offers a comfortable café where you can have a snack or even a full meal. The shop is large and spacious with

Below left: Terry (left) and Ali are always smiling so you can expect a warm welcome

BISLEY

Below right: All the accessories you need are on hand Bottom: You’ll find a good selection of rifles and pistols

“They have a huge wealth of experience as well, so you know you’ll get good advice and great service whenever you”

who wrote for Air Gunner for many years and was one of our most popular contributors. He has a lifetime of experience, from the early days of field target competition to a long career as a hunter, which he was most famous for; there isn’t much he doesn’t know about airguns. His right-hand man is Ali who is a genuine contender for the world’s nicest man title. He’s a friendly guy and always welcomes customers with a smile. Backing them up are

everything well displayed, allowing you to get up close to the products for a proper look. In stock they have Air Arms, BSA, Walther and Hatsan rifles alongside Umarex Co2 pistols, alongside a huge stocks of accessories such as scopes, mounts, stacks of pellets and cleaning gear. Precharged airgun users can get their dive tanks filled there, which is a convenient and important service.

Le Chem The manager is Terry LeCheminant, Dave and Paul who work part-time and provide holiday cover. They have a huge wealth of experience as well, so you know you’ll get good advice and great service whenever you visit. An excellent feature of being inside the range is that, if you book in advance, you can test-fire the rifle you want to buy. The Lord Roberts Centre’s ranges are indoors, so if the weather’s bad you won’t need to get cold and wet during your test session. If you live in the area it’s well worth a visit. Bisley is the spiritual home of British shooting and it always feels special just being there, plus the shop has plenty of high-quality kit to tempt you. I might well see you there. ■

NSRA Shop Lord Roberts Centre Bisley Camp Brookwood GU24 ONP 01483 485511 www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 59

FIXED AT A STROKE Neil Price concludes the service of a classic Walther LFR I shoot bell target competitions in three local leagues, and one of my colleagues has used this Walther LGR single-stroke pneumatic for many, many years. When shooting it in a competition the other day, it suddenly would not hold air on the compression stroke, so it ended up coming home with me.

1 2 3

The firing valve seal looks like it has seen better days. I always replace the breech seal as a matter of course. All the parts required were available from stock from John Knibbs International:-

John Knibbs International Ltd Hillside, Shawbury Lane Shustoke Warwickshire B46 2RR www.airgunspares.com T:01675 481006

4

The original breech seal just crumbled into pieces when I was picking it out with the point of a needle. With the breech seal groove cleaned out, the new seal just seats in with finger pressure. Here is the new firing valve seal in situ. The new piston seal fitted. Getting this fully seated in the piston head can be difficult. I find that soaking the seal in a cup of hot water makes it more pliable and a lot easier to fit. Clean up all the components of the firing valve and put them back together. Thoroughly clean inside the action where the firing valve sits and push the firing valve assembly into its bore. Line up the slot in the firing valve body with the locating grub-screw. Wind in the grub-screw until you can feel the ‘dog

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point’ of the grub-screw locating in the groove in the firing valve body. Fit and tighten the tube locknut and then tighten the locating grub-screw. Refit the rocker bracket and firing valve transfer linkage and spring with the pillar nut and screw. Refit the firing valve rocker with its pivot pin and ‘C’ clip. With a smear of Moly grease on the outside of the new piston seal, it is ready for reassembly. The piston and cocking arm assembly fitted into the compression cylinder. Always ease the leading edge of the seal over the cut-outs in the action to stop them from being cut and chipped by the internal sharp edges. Fit the cocking lever into the back block and slip the back block complete into the back of the action. Secure with the two screws. Line up the bores in the cocking arm and back block and fit the cam pivot bolt in its correct position. Refit the spring clip on the bottom of the cocking lever pivot bolt. Refit the back block retaining plate and screw. Place the trigger housing in position with

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the plate on the transfer linkage located as shown relative to the trigger housing. Fix the trigger housing to the action with the three screws, remembering that the shorter screw goes towards the front of the action. Refit the trigger assembly into the trigger housing and secure with the four screws.

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All that is left now is to fit the action into the stock, fit the trigger guard, put the dioptre sight back on and then try it out to see if it now holds air. Success, it holds air and shoots at a consistent 6.2 ft.lbs. and is clinically accurate with an absolutely beautiful trigger action. That’s not bad for a rifle almost 45 years old.

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! 5 W .2 O & N 2 .2 OCK ST We always believed that the Trophy was a “winner”. Now it’s official. Readers of Airgun Shooter Magazine have voted it “Best CO2/Pneumatic pistol 2014”. Could it be “the overall quality of engineering which is nothing short of exceptional” or the fact that “the Trophy’s accuracy is quite exceptional” maybe it’s because “this pistol ‘points superbly” or because the trigger is “crisp. Predictable and light”1 Whatever the reason the Trophy is now even more desirable as it features a chequered grip stained dark walnut. It is also Europe’s only pistol that is available in .25 (6.35) calibre, delivering 5 ft/lb + muzzle energy in this powerful format. The even better news is that after the first consignment sold out in days, .22 and .25 are now back in stock!! 1 – Nigel Allen, Airgun Shooter December 2014

E LIBR ERY 2 CA IV IN .2 NG DEL 2 I CO LUD INC ND 10 X ES A UL S P CA

Park Street Guns Est. 1987

Credit Offered Subject to Status

BSA PCP BONANZA! 0% Instant Finance available on ALL BSA PCP Kits! For example:

R10VC Super Carbine with BSA 4-12x44 AO Mil Dot scope, gunslip, pellets & targets KIT PRICE £879. £439.50 DEPOSIT THEN 12 MONTHS AT £36.62 PER MONTH AT 0% APR

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Classic Credit also available with a minimum of 10% deposit and payments spread between 12 and 48 months, APR 19.9%, on these and any other product over £300! Stockists of BSA, Weihrauch, Walther, Remington & most major makes of airguns & accessories.

Tel: 01727 872646 | www.gunshot.co.uk 1-2 PARK STREET LANE, PARK STREET, ST. ALBANS, HERTS AL2 2NE

FAC AIRGUNS now back in stock… HUGE SELECTION,

SPECIAL OFFERS B.

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powering range from 20ftlbs to 100ftlbs, Many Discounted Down!

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A. Pulsar N750 Digital Night Vision £1299.00 B. Air Arms Ultimate Sporter £919.00 (Now in Stock) C. Photon XT 5x42 by Thomas £399.99 GREAT VALUE D. Hatsan 1000S including 4x32 scope & bag £159.95 E. HW100K Laminate with silencer £899.95 F. Umarex Colt Python 357 2.5” 177 BB £49.95 G. Umarex Hamerelli S26 Bicolour Multishot Pistol £99.95

HAMMERLI S26

H. Crosman SR357 Revolver BB £99.95

including gas and ammo

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Gamo PT85 Gift Pack £99.95

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Hawke Eclipse 30SF 6-24x50 SF £199.95

K. Crosman Nitro Venom .22 with Scope £239.95 L. Umarex IMI Mini Uzi CO2 .177 BB £119.95

£119.95

M. SMK Model 19 RRP £150 ON OFFER AT £100 N. Umarex Walther PPK/s £84.95 O. KWC M45 A1 1911 4.5mm CO2 Air Pistol £84.95 P. SMK XS501 CO2 Air Rifle NEW £119.00

124-128 HARTLEY RD, NOTTINGHAM NG7 3AJ WWW.DRAPERS-AIRGUNS.CO.UK

TELEPHONE: 0115 9702525

HUGE choice of MTC and Hawke Scopes in stock

Largest display of Airguns in the country! 100s ON SHOW An Approved Daystate & Air Arms Service Centre

64 AIR GUNNER

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PART 2 A E IN M E K A M MAKE MINE A PART 2

MAGNUM In part two Gary Chillingworth takes his new handgunning skills on holiday to America

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n part one of Make Mine a Magnum, I looked at some of the skills I would need to learn in order to help me shoot a full-powered handgun correctly and accurately. I wanted to see if training with an air pistol would help me to shoot the real thing, from a 9mm to a .44 Magnum. The areas I researched and trained for were gun safety, my shooting stance and trigger technique. Spending time with my Desert Eagle air pistol and my 1911 Airsoft was invaluable, and this training gave me a core set of skills which I hoped would serve me well Stateside. So with this small amount of knowledge, it was now time for me and my family to take our annual holiday and for me to go shooting. The first thing was to decide a set of parameters to help me to judge whether or not my skill set was better than that of someone who had never shot a handgun before. I needed to see how I would compare against an experienced handgun shooter. To pass a basic firearms course in the state of Florida, you are expected to be able

to shoot a 10-shot, 6-inch group at 10 feet or 3 metres. For those shooters who are experienced and want to achieve the rank of NRA instructor, they have to be able to shoot a 4-inch group at 50 feet or 16 metres. So, the parameters I set myself were to achieve a grade between these two.

Research Before leaving for Florida, I had done a bit of research into shooting ranges in the Sunshine State, and the one that stood head and shoulders above the rest was the Orlando Gun Club. I had looked at many different ranges and a lot of them seemed to be very good, but essentially you turned up, they gave you your gun and some ammo, told you which end was dangerous, and sent you on your way. The Orlando Gun Club seemed different; they were more interested in training shooters and making sure that not only did you have a great day, but you also left with a better understanding of gun safety and technique. So, after speaking with

Above: All my airgun practice paid off

Main: The .44 Magnum was a big, heavy revolver and all the better for it

Below: I even managed good groups with the hand-cannon

Jon Kirson, the range manager, it was agreed that I would take a two-hour private lesson and see what we could achieve. On arrival at the club, I was amazed as I walked in. It felt more like visiting a high-end boutique; there were comfy chairs in the lounge area and everything was spotlessly clean. I had to book in with my ID and this was done via a tablet computer and once I was squared away, I was given a full safety brief by a very attentive instructor by the name of Chuck. He asked me what I wanted to achieve and I told him that I wanted to see what sort of accuracy I could attain with a handgun and eventually, I wanted to shoot the big kahuna, the .44 Magnum. Chuck suggested that the best thing would be to start with the 9mm and work my way up, so the best pistol to do this with was the Glock 17. We went on to the range and after a range brief, I started to shoot. A great piece of advice was to load the clip with five rounds at a time, and after each batch of rounds, to make sure that your weapon is clear and check your target. You can then see if you are aiming right or left, up or down.

Fist shots We set the first target out to 15 feet and I fired five rounds at the centre. Amazingly, the grouping was about 3” and Chuck nodded in approval. As I sent more rounds downrange, and the

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feels great to hold and to shoot. The .45 ACP is also very different to the 9mm; the 9mm is fast and snappy, whereas the .45 ACP is big and powerful. I suppose the difference could be described as ‘a 9mm is like throwing a baseball and a .45 is like throwing a basketball’. The 1911 was a joy to shoot. I found it every bit as controllable as the Glock, and from an aesthetic point of view it was just great-looking along the top slide, and it was a thrill to know that I was shooting a piece of American history.

Do you feel lucky?

Burstout head Burstout head arms/gun andand arms/gun

Then it was time to shoot the Dirty Harry .44 Magnum. This particular version was the Smith and Wesson 629 with the long barrel and nickel plating, and as you hold this pistol in

Top left: Do not hook your finger round the trigger blade

targets got pushed further and further back, I realised that the training I had done with my air pistol had held me in good stead, and my groups were getting tighter and tighter. I came to the end of my first 100 rounds of ammunition and decided to shoot my final 10 at a target, out at 50 feet. I settled in and started to shoot, controlling my breathing and concentrating on the front sight and trigger control, and felt that all 10 rounds had gone where I wanted them. When the target came back, nine of the rounds were within 2½” of the central mark, and one was 3” out. From an accuracy point of view,

this would have qualified me as a NRA pistol instructor. It was then time to move up in calibre. There is one gun that I have always wanted to shoot and that is the Colt 1911 in .45 ACP. This round is almost twice the size of a 9mm and it is the favourite weapon of the mighty US Marine Corps. Shooting the 1911 is like shooting a piece of history. It was used by gangsters like Al Capone, and Bonnie and Clyde, but even though it has been around for over 100 years, it still feels like an efficient and modern firearm. Gone are the Glock’s polymer grips and lightweight frame, and in comes a beautiful piece of metal that

Above: Happiness is a warm machine gun

Right: Not bad, even if I do say so myself

Left: I truly loved the Colt 1911

66 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

your hands, you know that this is a hand-cannon; it’s heavy and powerful and it gives you a tingle around the back of your neck. As I returned to the range with a big grin on my face and a box of 50 rounds, I must admit to a small amount of trepidation. My wrists were already a little tired, but nothing was going to stop me from shooting this iconic pistol. Chuck had recommended that I shoot the .44 in single-action mode because this would increase accuracy. He explained that the trigger pull in single-action was between 2½ and 3 lbs, but in doubleaction it was nearer to 10lbs. I loaded the first five rounds and set the target at 30 feet, looked along the top sight, and did my best to control my racing heartbeat as I pulled the trigger. The Magnum recoiled in

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my hands and a spit of flame shot from the barrel, but the recoil was very different to that of the semiautomatics. It was big and powerful, but strangely very controllable. The recoil was straight up as opposed to the 1911, on which it goes up and to the left. This is because the revolver retains its brass and does not eject it to the right, so there is no Newtonian law saying that if something goes to the right, the same amount of force must go to the left. I fired the remaining four rounds and, to my amazement, they were all in the 9 or 10 ring. I pushed the target further out and fired again, and once more the rounds were all landing in the centre of the target. Chuck explained that because of the long barrel and the fact that I am a big chap and could control the recoil, the .44 Magnum is a very accurate weapon. I shot over 300 rounds and had a huge amount of fun, but the most interesting thing was that I had proved my point; the skills that I had developed with my air pistol were 100% transferable to a full-powered firearm, and this enabled me to start shooting to a reasonable standard

Above: The Ruger revolver was beautifully made

from round number one. Once we had finished, Chuck suggested one more gun; a fully-auto HK MP5 and I just felt it would be rude to say no. Fifty rounds and $40 dollars later, I had the biggest smile on my face and even though it was over in just a few seconds, this is something every gun enthusiast has to do at least once in their life.

The sunshine state The Orlando Gun Club is the place

Above: I even found time to be with my family

you want to go if you are travelling to Florida. The staff are professional, helpful and patient, and the club itself is state of the art with air filtration that keeps the air clean and fresh, and the weapons are all professionally maintained. If you fancy a visit, then you can contact them via their website, but Jon Kirson recommended that a perfect way to experience shooting in the USA is through Top Gun Tours. This company operates out of the Orlando Gun Club, and they have packages that allow you to shoot everything from an AK47 and Uzi to the Glock 17 and .44 Magnum. If this article has piqued your interest and you find yourself in Florida - and I would recommend it - get yourself an air pistol and some training. You can do this at home or you can join a club and, trust me, when you are standing there with a .44 in your hands, looking at the target, and the voice in your head is asking if it feels lucky, you’ll be glad that you trained yourself beforehand because this training will help to make sure that your rounds land straight and true from the very first shot. ■ www.topgunorlando.com

“From an accuracy point of view, this would have qualified me as a NRA pistol instructor”

Right:Of course, the instructor’s name was Chuck. What else could it be?

Below: Note my eyes have shut as the .44 blasted its bullet down range

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ON THE UP

Best choice I now wanted to find out which pellets the barrel favoured. It was a cold, dull day when I set up my target card at 35 yards in the garden. Why 35 yards? Quite simply it is the furthest distance at which I have a good chance of seeing where the pellet lands, provided my eyes aren’t too bleary. I’d fitted my preferred scope, the MTC Connect-24, using Sportsmatch mounts which, judging by the silky-smooth operation of the Allen bolts, are far better quality than anything else I’ve used. If you are testing pellets, you should really do so at an indoor range and shoot a fair number to produce a good average of your accuracy. You should then clean the barrel, and lead it in by shooting about 50 of the new pellets before commencing the accuracy test again. Well, that’s in an ideal world, and I seldom manage to find my way there. I was shooting outside on a very cold and damp day with a light, gusting breeze, and my methodology was to shoot each type of pellet in three groups of five, then change to the next one, shooting 10 off before the actual test. I was using a target sheet which has ½” circles, slightly smaller than the 15mm minimum kills on an HFT course.

Pellet-testing time

Keith Warburton takes the new HFT 500 into battle

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’ve had mixed views about cleaning barrels. This wasn’t helped by reading an article some time ago that quoted various manufacturers, with opinions ranging from ‘never’ to ‘when accuracy drops off’ and ‘regularly’, taking in ‘whenever you change pellets’ along the way. In their manual for the HFT 500, Air Arms says that consistent accuracy is enhanced by frequent barrel cleaning, perhaps as often as every 250 shots. So I decided to clean the barrel using a pull-through patch treated with Napier Gun Cleaner & Lubricant until it came clean, and then a patch with

a little oil on it. I made my own pull-through using a length of nylon twine, having melted the end to seal it. It’s simple to use, just slide it down the barrel, toward the breech, until the end protrudes from the action. Then unwind the twine so that it opens up and then slip a patch into the unwound section, lubricate it, and haul it through - squeeeak - until it pops out of the end. A lot of lead deposit came out, a legacy of other reviewers I think, and when I shot it afterwards, the grouping improved, enabling me to put 10 pellets into a 15mm kill at 30 yards.

Main: Once i’d finished adjusting the stock I felt the additional support it offered

Above: My range card if a vital tool

The first 10 shots (H&N FTT) were a bit wild until I settled down, but the next group of five came in at a respectable 15mm edge-to-edge, with four of them spanning just 12mm. Then I progressed to the Air Arms 4.52 pellets and the best group was 10mm. The JSB Exact 4.53mm diameter gave a best group of 16mm. Finally, the lightweight Air Arms Express could only manage an 18mm spread. The reason I shot four groups with the Express pellets was that after I’d shot the first group I filled the rifle with air again, because by then I had shot 70 pellets from the 190 BAR fill. That was a good idea, and the three groups that followed landed slightly higher than the first. Of the pellets tested, the results indicated that the HFT 500 preferred the Air Arms 4.52. At a later date, I will do comparison tests between the Air Arms and the JSB equivalent, because they aren’t necessarily the same. In my initial tests, I’d shot several strings of 90 pellets over the

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”I’m delighted to say that the HFT500 performed faultlessly”

chrono and the results were quite interesting. Using Air Arms 4.52 (8.4 grain) pellets, the first 30 pellets averaged 780.41 feet per second (11.4 fpe), the next 30 averaged 780.67 f/s, and the final string measured 762.11 fps, but the last ten shots in that string had averaged just 750.28 f/s or 10.5 foot pounds of energy.

Then I cleaned the barrel and changed to the slightly heavier H&N pellets: the first 30 averaged 766.15 fps (11.26ft.lbs.), the next 30 were at 767.33 fps (11.29 ft.lbs.) and the last 30 were at 754.44 fps (10.92 ft.lbs). The first 10 shots had been at 764.06 fps (11.2ft.lbs.) and the last 10 were at 747.22 fps (10.71 ft.lbs.).

”The Air Arms HFT 500 is putting out superbly consistent power levels”

Above: Most of my HFT shots are taken like this and I was immediately at home with the new rifle

Below: That’s a great group in anybody’s book

From my initial tests, it looks like the rifle’s sweet spot, where it gives the most consistent results from a 190 BAR fill, covers the first 70 shots or so. This is more than enough to allow you to fill the rifle before a competition, shoot 20 or so shots on the zeroing range and then shoot 30 shots during the competition, plus a handful for stoppages, and still have less than a 1.65% variation in power over the whole of the event. The Air Arms HFT500 is putting out superbly consistent power levels. Even better, I tested the rifle after the shoot at Cambridge with about 150 BAR still left in it. A 10-shot string averaged 777.61 fps / 11.3 ft.lbs, but I think the most important factor is that there was a variation of just 6.6fps over the string, a mere 0.84%. This is an incredibly consistent reading, and consistency is what we need most in competition shooting.

Ideal zero Left: My home-made pull-through was just the job

70 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

I then zeroed the rifle at 28 yards, which at this power level means, if I aim at the centre of a 15mm hit zone

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at ranges from 15 yards to 25 yards, which is the maximum that 15mm can go out to on a UKAHFT course, it should go in without touching the edge. A 20mm hit zone can be up to 30 yards and if I centre the reticle in the centre of a 20mm hit, it should be good out to that distance. If I’m unsure whether a target is at 30 or 35 yards (25mm) I’ll aim just inside the top of the kill and the pellet should still drop in okay. That’s the theory. In practice, my ranging card, based on the SCB-2 reticle of the Connect-24 scope is a little bit more complex, needing to cover ranges from 8 yards to 45. All that remained was to find out if I could live up to the rifle and scope. My first competition with the HFT 500 was at one of Cambridge HFT club’s regular Sunday shoots. The course at Cambridge is split over two woods, and the two halves of the course face in opposing directions, roughly north-south. With the UK’s prevailing westerly winds, this means that for half of the course the wind is blowing your pellets in one direction, and in the opposite direction on the

Above: If you want to know which pellet is most accurate you have to spend lots of time at the bench Below: Being a lefty I found this the best way to close the side lever

other half; a change which frequently catches out unwary shooters. I shot pretty well in the first half, but not so good in the second. I’m delighted to say that the HFT 500 performed faultlessly. As usual, the only component that showed intermittent faults was the mutt at the butt - me. Nevertheless, I finished with a score of 47 which I was very happy with in the conditions,

especially considering that the best on the day was a 53. Measuring my tally as a percentage of the top score, this turned out to be the second-best I’ve ever done in four years of competition shooting in Open class! As a first outing with a new rifle, I’m calling that truly impressive. Oh, and I beat Gary Chillingworth. Now that’s really impressive – and so very, very pleasing. ■

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AIR GUNNER 73

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SAVIDGE TREATMENT

and it was my wife’s and my entrylevel rifle as our introduction to the sport, and ours was scoped and came in .177 calibre, in a package deal from the Kibworth shooting ground shop.

Hard Knocks When we began training for our NSRA YPS Diploma, we were using the simple SMK15s and these proved sturdy, accurate and have certainly lasted the duration of time, having had what can only be called an extrely hard life. So back, to the XS19 or should I say ‘19s’ because Phil gave me an untouched ‘straight out of the box’ model and one that has been fettled, or to use the correct terminology ‘tuned’. He is so confident in the work carried out that he has put his own 12-month warranty on the gun, so any problems will be covered, not by the manufacturer, but by Leicestershire Airguns themselves; testament to

Steve Prime compares a tuned springer with one from the box

O

ccasionally, someone will ask if it’s possible for me to review a particular gun and, in all fairness, if the request is within the realms of reality, it would be impolite to refuse. This happened a few weeks ago when a shooting colleague of mine dropped a couple of rifles round for me to test and write a report on. Phil Savidge of Leicestershire Airguns, based in Melton - home of the pork pie - has tapped into something a little bit special, which without doubt will interest new shooters on a small budget wishing to purchase their first rifle. Many of us are aware of the benefits of customising and

Above: Having a standard gun and the tuned model sideby-side showed the improvements

Above: This is great accuracy for a gun in this class Right: A neat little sticker shows who did the work

74 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

tuning a rifle, but this is best done when the warranty on your purchase has expired because tampering with your gun when under warranty will invalidate any claim with the manufacturer should a fault arise. Phil’s main custom comes from the Melton and Rutland area, and the majority of his sales are rifles for hunting and vermin control, the most popular being in .22 calibre; hence the .22 SMK XS19 he placed into my palms. This rifle brings back some memories,

“I can honestly say the ART-tuned XS19 will give great pleasure to anyone who purchases one”

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their confidence in the work carried out, but the proof of the pudding is always in the eating, so read on. ART is the name, and tuning is the game. Take an SMK XS19 retailing at £139.95: strip, inspect, degrease and debur for a start. Remove the spring, replacing it with a specially sourced one that perfectly complements the ART tune-up, a corresponding top hat, spring guide, and if necessary a spring sleeve. Lubricate the internals with one of those special recipe lubes ingredients a secret (a bit like baking a cake) - and reassemble. Finally, test and stick a couple of good-looking ART stickers on, and voilà, job done. On the shelf you have an entry level, tuned rifle capable of around 11ft. lbs. (.177s tuned only to order) retailing at £184.95 with a full no-quibble warranty. There’s only one thing to say now – ‘off to the range for a bit of fun with a new, tuned gun’.

Above: Even off-hand we found the rifle easy to shoot

Range time Out of the box we tried the original XS19 and, for the money, it was quite impressive, but with anticipation building we couldn’t wait to try the

and front-end flip was eliminated, resulting in a fast and flat action. Both of us had our mouths open and, needless to say, the original XS19 did not get touched again except to return it to its box. Targets out - it was time to play and two types of pellets were used; Napier Power Hunters and then RWS Superfields. With 15 yards and open

“without doubt, this will interest new shooters on a small budget wishing to purchase their first rifle” ART tuned version. Yes, we were being a little smug thinking it would be an improvement, but after all it’s a cheap rifle and we were not raising our hopes too high. I like one-word statements and in this case it would be ‘surprise’. The initial cocking was a lot smoother and quieter (no ‘graunching’ sound) and the trigger certainly felt smoother, too. The biggest shock was on firing with no ‘twang’ from the spring,

sights, what could go wrong? Oh, our accuracy, of course. I blame varifocal lenses.

Better groups

Below: Apart from the stickers, externally the rifle is unchanged

The Napiers grouped better with a respectable result at 15 yards from a new gun, but at 20 yards the grouping was not so consistent. We put this down to the fact that we hadn’t had the time to test enough pellet brands and types to find the best-suited

pellet for the rifle. Alternatively, perhaps a couple of testers who can shoot properly may have been the real answer, only time, and more range sessions, would tell. It would be fair to say, the tuned SMK XS19 didn’t miss a beat and was really nice to shoot. I have been spoiled over the years with my tuned Weihrauch HW99s, but I have thrown ‘mucho dollar’ at it. I can honestly say an ART-tuned XS19 will give great pleasure to anyone who purchases one, and will give you with peace of mind from the back-up provided by the sellers.

Conclusion To conclude, the ART-tuned SMK XS19 is a superb, entry-level rifle, having had all the gremlins taken out, so to speak, for little more than £50 on the RRP. To finish, another single word statement; bargain! ■ For further information: Contact Phil Savidge on 07719 787079 at Leicestershire Airguns

Right: This one shows the company brand

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 75

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’ – though you must ensure the buyer is over 18 years of age. Are you looking to sell a gun? Dedicated gun enthusiasts read Air Gunner every month; if you’re looking to sell then they’re looking to buy! Alternatively, is there a gun you’ve been trying to find? Are you a collector or just looking for a particular treat? For all your buying and selling needs, Swap Shop is here! For only £4.00 (40 words max) your advert will appear in the next issue of Air Gunner and on our website. We are now able to accept your advert at www. airgunshooting.co.uk or by post addressed to Air Gunner Swap BSA AIR SPORTER .22 MKII £150, Diana 27 £60, post war Diana 25, made in Great Britain £55, Webley Vulcan MK1 £80, Diana Model 15 post war £30. Wanted – front sight for L. Jefferies u/l air rifle 7th batch (1907) plus front sight for L. Jefferies air rifle S no. 640 1ST BATCH, back sight blade and wheel for pre-war Diana 27. Tel. 0121 477 9401 (Birmingham). AIR BOTTLE 12LTR 300 BAR, hose gauge and bleed £175. Tel: 0116 220 4446 (Leicester). COLLECTOR HAS CASH waiting for air canes and old airguns of all types, also flintlock and percussion items. Tel: 01234 851424 (Bedford) AIR ARMS TX200 .22 Springer with Hawke scope, as new plus FX hand pump £550. Tel: 01536 483642 (Northants). UN-USED AIRFORCE ONE Trophy Vermin .22 single-shot pistol, ergonomic beech grip, cased, plus 1000 Air Arms pellets, ten Bisley Co2 capsules all for £170. Hawke Eclipse scope IR 4-16 x 50 AO, Mil-dot reticle, as new boxed with manual £60 inc post. Bergara all terrain chair with turntable seat all quickly dismantles, light and tough, into canvas satchel, condition as new £70. Tel: 01702 200718 (Essex).

WANTED – DIANA MOD 300R preferably NIB and unfired. Will also consider Diana Mod 75 with left hand stock but must be excellent condition, preferably boxed. Tel: 07531 626170 (Ormskirk) BSA AIRSPORTER .177. Really great condition one piece stock. Serial No. EF10979, £200. Tel: 07732 025066 (New Eltham). 2 X WALTHER CP88 by Umarex, .177. One in excellent condition, one for spares or repair, estimated £50, or less DIY. Over 1000 pellets and four Co2s. £100. Tel: 07735 218443 (Skipton). AIR ARMS .22 S410 classic rifle, walnut stock, silencer, strap, AGS top of the range mil-dot scope, gas bottle, cleaning kit, 2 mags and bag, pristine condition. £750 ono. Tel: 07931 506490. (N.Yorkshire). BSA R10 MK2 .177 walnut stock with 1.5-5 x 20 illuminated reticle scope with flip ups 30mm tube and sling, 3 litre bottle inc bag. As new only fired 50 pellets.£650. Tel: 07893 600202 BSA NO4 pre-war underlever and others. IE Original mode 50E, Heanel IV, V, VI, VII underlevers, WEBLEY MK11 Service, Britannia, Diana Model 25, improved Model D’s, Lincoln Jefferies. For

Shop, Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead Road, Wokingham, RG40 2EG. Please include your name, address, telephone number and a maximum of 40 words and make all cheques or PO’s payable to ‘Air Gunner’. Get your information to us by 10th MARCH for your chance to be in our MAY issue. We cannot guarantee which issue your advert will appear in. Please note that we cannot take your advert over the phone, though for any further information call Sharon on 01189 742 524 collection, spare or renovation. Tel: 01689 852862. WEIHRAUCH HW45 Silver Star, only fired about 200 times. Mint condition, never dropped. Only change from standard is the grip securing screws have been changed to stainless steel. Boxed and comes with pistol slip. Can send pictures to email address, £195.00. Tel: 07902 963266 (Wiltshire ). HW80 .22, mint condition, less than 70 shots fired. Kept in sheepskin gun slip all its life, £250.00. Webley Nemesis .177, mint condition and in original box, less than 70 shots £65 ono. Tel: 07872 475143 (Kent). WEIHRAUCH 100S .22, silencer, Hawke 6-24 x 50, Mil-dot, excellent condition, 2 mags, 3 litre air bottle and bag. HW90K .22, Hawke 3-9 x 50 scope, silencer and bag, good condition. Millita .177 No. 24560 with bag. RO 72 .177, No. 025898. Tel: 01427 612693 (Lincolnshire). LEUPOLD VXII 3-9 X 33 EFR fine duplex gold ring telescopic sight. Brand new and unused, cost £470, unwanted gift £375. Tel: 0174 9841774 (Somerset). BRATTON SOUND GUN safe, holds 5 scoped rifles, has internal lockable cabinet for pellets etc, 2 sets of keys, POA. Tel: 07762 569054

(Hertfordshire). AIR ARMS S400 Superlite Classic .177 with Hawke Eclipse 4-16 x 50 AIOR scope and silencer adaptor with HW silencer, Rowan Hamster and sling, £475.00. CS1000 walnut target stock £200.00. Crosman Nitro Venom Dusk .177 with 3-9 x 32 Centrepoint scope £95.00. Tel: 07762569054 (Hertfordshire). WEBLEY & SCOTT MK2 service air rifle .22 serial no.S5661, early example, in vgc, cased (not original), £400. Webley & Scott .177 air pistol, patent applied for, early example. serial no.1247, vgc. Buyer collects. Tel: 0161 4424158 (Stockport). REMINGTON EXPRESS RIFLE .177, very accurate, very little use, in pristine condition with scope or red dot. Received very good review in Airgun World. £140.00 Tel:07890781668 (Leics). UNDERLEVER AIR rifles wanted, pre 1960s, especially BSA, Haenel, Original, BSF, Webley, and any other spring operated items such as Britannia, Greener, Webley MKII service etc.

ALSO AIR PISTOLS and items for use as spares or restoration. Tel:01689 852862 (Kent).

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.

76 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

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Airguns sold by the Midland Gun Company by John Atkins Additional Photographs by Trevor Adams

C

ollecting the original ‘paperwork’ relating to old airguns can be a hobby in itself, but anyone contemplating limiting their collecting to a certain past period would do well to find and study surviving catalogues and lists of the relevant era as a guide to see what was on sale then. ‘Lists’ were often shorter versions of the main catalogues, restricted to one area of the business, and aimed at a certain section of the market. My article of December 2014 included a look at some airguns advertised by The Midland Gun Company in their 26th edition list dated 1914, where the ‘Batho’ (Diana No. 8) air pistol, named after the Bath Street, Birmingham address of the ‘Midland Gun’ (or ‘Midland’- as it was affectionately known) was offered, along with the Westley Richards ‘Highest Possible’ pistol, and this month I’m looking mainly at air pistols from later Midland editions. When studying old gun catalogues or the many excellent reprints now available, always bear in mind that many of the airguns, if correctly illustrated, might well be old stock. On the other hand, if old printing blocks have been used for convenience or economy, then the models actually on sale at that time might be later guns than those represented by the illustrations. The Trades Description Act - where pictures must show the actual goods - did not come into force until 1968 to prevent misleading consumers as to what they were spending their money on. Catalogues showing all the airguns accurately represented for the period are few and far between and usually, one or two oldies were still ‘standing’ - to use a printers’ term for earlier metal-type work and printing blocks remaining set up in a drawer for possible future use. If no fresh metal blocks to illustrate new or replacement models were supplied when it was time to prepare a new catalogue for printing, then in would go the old, original zinco or copper plate - or a stereo made from them, repeated from the last edition. Dennis Commins, the late Guns Review ‘Airgun Scene’ author had a 1919 trade magazine which stated that: ‘The Midland

Figure 1 Gun Company of Demon Gun Works, Bath Street, Birmingham, possess a well-equipped machine shop which is at present (1919) solely engaged in the manufacture of an airgun for which there is considerable demand’. It is unknown which model this was as at the time because it doesn’t appear to have been advertised in the Midland’s ‘Special Gun List’ or catalogues, where the usual

Figure 2

‘Gem’-types, and ‘Diana’ adult and junior sizes were advertised as ‘Demons’. Most likely, this was early work on the Standard and Model de Luxe No. 1 break-barrel models first appearing around 1924, at a time when pump-up air canes were also still being offered by the Midland Gun Co. in their 40th edition. The bulky ‘Parker Patent Precision’ crankwound air pistol lumbered its ponderous way into the Midland Gun Co. 1921-22 catalogue. A.T.C. Hale, Director of A. G. Parker & Co. Ltd. and E. E. Harris, Works Manager of the firm had patented it on May 11th 1920. A good, early example of this geared-wheel cocking Parker air pistol, serial number 5 is shown at the top of Figure 1. It once belonged to Mr. Albert Parker, who died in 1987 at the age of 83. He gave the pistol to the well-known Worcester shooting veteran, the late Wilf Elmes, and both Albert and Wilf shot together until Mr. Parker was well into

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Figure 1: Top: ‘Parker Patent Precision’ crank-wound air pistol appeared in the Midland Gun Co. 1921-22 catalogue. Below: Anson’s ‘Firefly’ push-in barrel air pistol, first appearing in 1925. Figure 2: Anson’s ‘Firefly’ air pistol advertised in the Midland Gun Co. 1928 catalogue.

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 79

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Figure 3

Figure 4 his 70s. Wilf approached me with a view to appraising the pistol’s performance and the very impressive results when teaming the old crank-wound pistol with H & N High Speed Match pellets were published in Air Gunner, June 1991. A later air pistol to feature in the Midland Gun Co. 1928 catalogue (Figure 2) was Anson’s ‘Firefly’- along with the ‘Duel’, ‘Hubertus’, ‘Tell’ and ‘Supreme’ air pistols and the Midland’s Demon break-barrel and BSA underlever air rifles. Anson’s ‘Firefly’ push-in barrel air pistol first appeared in 1925 and is shown below the big Parker in Figure 1. The now rare Firefly had a unique coil 80 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

Figure 5

spring tether (Figure 3) to ‘keep’ the inserter pin/ breech plug. Ironically, while the original breech plugs are encountered still in place on some surviving examples, the small spring tether meant to keep them from loss is nearly always missing. Tough to cock with two short concentric springs, this particular Firefly is quite powerful and is surprisingly accurate for the type, for some unknown reason. Moving on to a Midland Gun Co. 1936 catalogue, the air pistols featured are reproduced as Figure 4. The Webley ‘Mark I’, ‘Warrior’ and ‘Dolla Mark I’ illustrations all depict older, out-ofdate models and are good examples of drawings that may have accurately represented old stock pistols still being offered - or (more likely) are simply old printing blocks still being utilised. Describing the Webley as ‘new’, yet using the illustration of a 12-year old ‘Mark I’ pistol is stretching the use of that best-selling word ‘new’ a bit! Interestingly, while the Warrior features in this original 1936 Midland catalogue marked ‘List No. 2 63rd edition’, it fails to appear just one edition later, in a 64th edition Cornell Publications reprint that my fellow collector and writer, John Milewski, gave me. In the area the Warrior previously occupied on the air pistol page, a typeset panel appears about the Firearms Amendment Act of 1934. This

Figure 6 seems to suggest that supplies of Warrior pistols were exhausted - or on the way out - and the 63rd edition Midland Gun Co. List was maybe the last to show the pistol. In Figure 5, I’ve assembled a group of pistols as those advertised in the 1936 page. Top left: Pre December 1935 ‘straight grip’ Webley ‘Mark I’ and below it, an early Warrior with heavy chamfer to the cocking lever front. A pre-1927/28 F. Langenhan cast-iron pistol from before the oval-shape guard, Dolla Mark I days appears middle right. The Figure 3: The now rare ‘Firefly’ had a unique coil spring tether to ‘keep’ the inserter pin/breech plug. Figure 4: Air pistols advertised in The Midland Gun Co. 1936 catalogue. The Webley ‘Mark I’, ‘Warrior’ and ‘Dolla Mark I’ illustrations all depict older, out-of-date models. The drawings may have accurately represented old stock pistols still being offered - or simply old printing blocks were being utilised. Figure 5: Pistols as advertised in Figure 4. Top left: Pre December 1935 ‘straight grip’ Webley ‘Mark’ I and below it, an early ‘Warrior’ with heavy chamfer to the cocking lever front. A pre-1927/28 F. Langenhan castiron pistol from before the oval-shape guard ‘Dolla’ Mark I era appears middle right. Figure 6: ‘Slant grip’ Webley ‘Mark I’ pistol serial number 58676 would have been the current-shape model in 1936 - rather than the squarer, more vertical grip model advertised in Figure 4.

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Figure 7: 1930s JGA ‘Dolla Mark II’ sold in small purple carton with name in gold on the lid, containing an original ‘pillbox’ pellet container for 4.5 mm pointed slugs and three darts Figure 8: English language packaging of the JGA (for Julius Gottfried Anschütz) ‘Dolla’ Mark II Air Pistol Outfit as advertised in 1936 by Anschütz. Blue, lift-off lid with gold printing, including the original supplied target cards. [Photo courtesy of Trevor Adams] Figure 9: This group of pistols better represents the up-to-date models that should have been offered by the Midland Gun Co. in 1936

Figure 7

Figure 9: This group of pistols better represents the up-to-date models that should have been offered by the Midland Gun Co. in 1936

Figure 8 Webley Mark 1 pistol shown - serial number 25600, actually dates from 1927 and was among 5,514 Mark I and ‘Mark II Target Model’ pistols made that year up to December 1927, when serial numbers reached 27,507. Assuming a steady monthly production rate of approximately 460 Mark Is (including Mark IIs) that year, then serial no. 25600 probably dates from August 1927. The ‘Slant grip’ Webley Mark I pistol serial number 58676 shown as Figure 6 would have been the current-shape model in 1936 - rather than the squarer, more vertical grip model advertised. Around this time, the prewar Mark I serial numbers were hand-written centrally on top of the box labels, rather than on the instruction label pasted inside the lid. A 1930s JGA Dolla Mark II sold in a small purple carton with name in gold on the lid, containing an original ‘pillbox’ pellet container for 4.5mm pointed slugs and three

Figure 9

darts features in Figure 7. A rubber-stamping inside the lid gives lubricating instructions and recommends using ‘3-in-1’ oil. It’s fully nickel-plated with one-piece beechwood butt with brass medallions. I bought this Dolla Mark 2 in auction at Wallis & Wallis on 15th October 2003 for £250 (total with premium £294.05) - rather more than the eight shillings (40p) when new. From Dr. Trevor Adams’ collection, Figure 8 shows larger-size English language packaging of the JGA (for Julius Gottfried Anschütz) Dolla Mark II Air Pistol Outfit as advertised in 1936 by Anschütz. With blue lift-off lid with gold printing, the carton includes the original supplied target cards. To better represent the up-to-date models that should have been offered by the Midland Gun Co. in 1936, I’ve changed some of the pistols for Figure 9: This group of pistols now includes the re-styled, slant-grip Webley Mark I pistol without safety catch; the later

Figure 10: The ‘Dolla’ Mark 1 in a purple box with yellow label. The rubber -stamping found on both the ‘Dolla’ Mark I and ‘Dolla’ Mark II purple cartons recommended the use of ‘3-in-1’ oil. [Photo courtesy of Trevor Adams] Figure 11: Later ‘Dolla’ Mark I (squarer grip type as per the ‘Dolla Cub’) sold in the Cub-style plain box bearing a central label showing an earlier air pistol of this type

Warrior with rear recurve to the trigger guard bow and no chamfer to the cocking lever front, plus the oval trigger guard frame Dolla. Lower left is a nickelled pre-war Diana No. 2 all-steel air pistol. Boxes for boys’ guns have the lowest survival rates and despite the vast numbers of the No. 2 push-in barrel model produced (the two Mayer brothers estimated 100,000 per annum), original cartons for one of these are seldom seen. Thanks to Trevor Adams, I have the opportunity of showing a JGA Dolla Mark I push-in barrel pistol in Figure 10, housed in a similar purple carton to some Mark IIs, but with a yellow label. The rubber stamping, found on both the Dolla Mark I and Dolla

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Figure 10

Figure 11 www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 81

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Figure 12: 1936 Midland Gun Co. catalogue page advertising ‘King’ and ‘Daisy’ American B.B. guns and pellets from both Lane’s and Frank Clarke at this time Figure 13: ‘King’ single-shot lever-action No. 2136 cost 6/6d (32.5p) when sold by the Midland Gun Co. and was made from 1936 until the end of 1941

Figure 12 Mark II purple cartons, recommended the use of 3-in-1 oil for lubricating the plunger when cocked. This spindle oil, originally formulated to clean, lubricate and protect (hence the name) has been around since 1894 and was much used on guns. Nowadays, we never use it for airgun interiors because of the dieseling problem, but in a small, low-powered air pistol like the Dolla, violent detonation is unlikely to occur. However, it’s still best to

Figure 13

82 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

use a proper chamber oil, the choice of which would depend on whether your Dolla- type, push-in-barrel cocker uses an early metalto-metal piston fit, or more likely, a leather washer. The yellow label for the Anschütz Dolla Mark I is in English, and Trevor feels it was most probably stuck on the box in England maybe where the rubber-stamping also took place. Instead of the drawn brass barrels of

the earlier push-in barrel models, the label makes a clever feature of the new use of cheaper steel by telling us it’s the latest model with a steel barrel, as if it were an improvement or benefit, rather than the economy measure it probably really was! Figure 11 shows another type of carton for the Dolla of the later, squarer grip heel shape, some of which were stamped up ‘Cub’- although this one was not. Sold in the Cub-style plain box bearing a central label showing an early air pistol of this type, the illustration has been neatly drilled with a pellet hole through the mainspring and barrel. I don’t reject boxes with pellet holes in, though. To me, they’re all part of the history of the item, although I’d obviously preferred previous owners had used the separate card targets so often supplied with the box content. Another 1936 Midland Gun Co. catalogue page reproduced as Figure 12 advertised ‘King’ and ‘Daisy’ American B.B. guns and pellets from both Lane’s and Frank Clarke at this time. The King single-shot, lever-action No. 2136 (Figure 13) cost 6/6d (32.5p) when sold by the Midland Gun Co. and was made from 1936 until the end of 1941. Soon afterwards, the King line was discontinued by Daisy. The illustration used in the Midland’s 1936 catalogue, according to the small wording on the butt, is actually the 500-shot Daisy, that looks very similar to the King - as Charley Bennett and Ed Hough of Daisy had personally owned ‘Captain’ Markham’s 90% interest in Markham Air Rifle company since December 31st 1912, but kept the King line going for decades. The Demon Match Slugs were the first multi-ring pellet in 1928/29 and were actually Lane’s ‘Triumph’ packaged and sold by The Midland under their ‘Demon’ Trademark (registered 7th June 1889, 17th April 1891 and 10th November 1891. Interestingly, the Midland Gun Co. catalogues advertised No. 3 bore boxes of 500 ‘Bulldog’ waisted pellets. I don’t recall ever seeing Bulldog .25” examples in either packets or tins.

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Figure 14: Markings on one of the last ‘Kings’. This No. 2136 tying up neatly with the 1936 Midland Gun Co. catalogue - indicating by the last two numbers as the variation of the No. 21 introduced in 1936 Figure 15: ‘Daisy’ No. 25 pump slide action BB repeater shown cocked. Made for 65 years up until 1979 with nearly 60 variants, the No. 25 was the biggest selling airgun of all time Figure 16: The ‘Leader’ fluted airgun slug from F.C.B. (Frank Clark, Birmingham) cost 9d (4p) per box of 500 from the Midland Gun Co. in 1936

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

I first became interested in the Midland Gun Co. after reading that the company presented something of a mystery since it was founded. All Internet information states that the Midland Gun Company was established in 1887 or 1888 - yet my original catalogue of the company clearly states: ‘Established 1878’ on the front page. Assuming that a company should know better than anyone else when it was established, one assumes this earlier date is correct. Absorbed into Parker Hale in December 1956, who in turn were much later acquired by John Rothery Wholesale Ltd., the Midland Gun Co. name still appears to have survived in one form or another. ■

Markings on one of the last Kings are shown in Figure 14. This is No. 2136, tying up neatly with the 1936 Midland Gun Co. catalogue and indicating by the last two numbers as the variation of the No. 21 introduced in 1936. The Daisy No. 25 pump slide action BB repeater was the biggest selling airgun of all time and is shown cocked in Figure 15. It was made for 65 years, until 1979, with nearly 60 variants, a testimony to the design work of Charles F. Lefever. The ‘Leader’ fluted airgun slug from F.C.B.

(Frank Clark, Birmingham) cost 9d (4p) per box of 500 from the Midland Gun Co. in 1936. The carton side panels, seen in Figure 16, claim the Leader was used by shooting clubs worldwide, which seems unlikely in 1936, because waisted pellets would have long been the choice. The ‘most scientific and up-to-date machinery in the world’ must have malfunctioned when my particular batch of Leader pellets were made, judging by the curiously angled basal flanges and other deformities!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Thanks to Dr. Trevor Adams for photographs of his boxed Dollas II and II and to John Milewski for the Midland Gun Co. List No. 2 64th Edition. REFERENCES: Catalogue of Sporting Guns, etc. Midland Gun Company, List No. 2, 63rd Edition 1936 prices (original catalogue) and 64th Edition 1936 prices (reprinted catalogue by Cornell Publications. www.cornellpubs.com); German inter-Wars air pistol patents and Bolte & Anschütz, Zella-Mehlis (Thür.) Catalogue No. 8 edition for 1936. www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 83

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MAKE IT SNAPPY The editor gets some valuable practice with some innovative targets

W

hether you’re getting some practice, plinking or shooting with your pals, reactive targets are always the most fun. Sure, putting groups on paper targets is very informative, but things that move are way more satisfying. I mostly use spinners because they move and don’t need to be reset, but I fancied a change. At the British Shooting Show the good folks from Snappy Targets came to see us and dropped off some samples of their products. They’re made from birch plywood, laser cut to all sorts of shapes. The large wheel has 37 separate 15mm target discs that you can shoot, while smaller and more funky shapes are available too. All the targets are drilled so that you can quickly and easily screw or nail them to a log or other chunk of wood. At your range, you could even devise a holder for your favourite shape. Apart from the wheel, the target that appealed to me most was the Rocket. This is shaped like a Christmas tree with the target discs getting smaller towards the top. I like to practise at typical hunting distances on targets that represent the size of the kill zone of my quarry, i.e. the brain. Even our largest quarry, the rabbit, only has a small brain, so if I can regularly break off the 15mm discs I know my accuracy is on. I like a challenge and the 9mm targets at the top really test my skill, but that’s the point, for me. It’s frustrating not to hit these consistently, and only the best rifle, scope and pellet combination will

be able to do it at 30 yards, but the reward for success is great. I also like the fact that they encourage hunters to limit their ideas about effective range. Too many people think that because they can hit a 3” disc, now and then, at 50 yards, it is their maximum hunting distance, but when you ask them to hit the 15mm discs at that distance they soon change their mind. Prices are surprisingly low; for

Main: Anything that encourages me to practise must be a good thing

Below: There’s a choice of target shapes

example, six of the Rocket targets is £6 and five wheel targets cost £7.50 plus £2 postage. That means that you get 185 targets for less than a tenner, which sounds like a bargain to me. Their final benefit is, anything that makes you practise more will improve your accuracy and consistency and that always has to be a good thing. www.snappytargets.co.uk Tel 01942 514421

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TOOLS of the TRADE Jerry Moss takes us through the kit he uses to protect his beloved red squirrels

F

ollowing on from last month’s article, you may remember I started a list of gear that we use as squirrel rangers to aid us in our endeavours to protect our native red squirrels. The previous issue primarily consisted of the core equipment that we have on our person when carrying out tree-rat control, and this month, I’ll be focusing more on the kit we use ‘in the field’ to monitor, lure and ultimately remove grey vermin from our woods.

Feeders: The most used piece of kit in our armoury, feeders have several advantages in the squirrel world. When being used in a scenario where just tree rats are present, it is a quick and effective way to pull them into one area and remove them. Knowing your woods is essential; particularly where the vermin normally search for natural feed, or when several dreys (nests) are present. Of course, safety is paramount, and so is setting up the feeders in places where a silent approach is possible, but more importantly, where there is a backstop to take a shot if needed. Spending a couple of hours at the feeders can reap quite substantial rewards!

enough to live in an area where there are red squirrels, maize is a good food to add to your mix because reds rarely eat maize, and only sometimes eat the kernel, whereas greys will empty your feeder of everything. This is a good way of knowing if greys are around, but it’s not foolproof.

Aniseed: We mix aniseed to our squirrel feed for the simple reason that it’s extremely

Feed: Grey squirrels have quite a varied diet and there are all sorts of things that can be used to lure the vermin; anything from shelled peanuts and monkey nuts to maize and sunflower seeds, to name but a few. There are ready-mixes on the market, but it can be as cheap to buy bags of each and making a mix yourself. If you are lucky 86 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk

Above: I only had a short time with the Pulsar before it had to go back

Below: The short length and stability on aim are impressive

pungent and helps the tree rats to find the feeders quickly. There are all sorts of other things that can be used and to be inventive with; smearing peanut butter on or around the feeder, heating peanut butter in a pan with oil to make it more liquefied … get creative, but if it’s pungent and based around a food they like, it’ll probably work.

Trail Cameras: For us, trail cameras are an excellent way to monitor the woods 24/7. It allows us to have several feeders going in several different locations, and to know what is visiting each one around the clock. This not only gives us cracking pictures of red squirrels, but also allows us to see if they’re healthy, and sometimes numbers. We can find out how many different ones are visiting, and it also shows us when a grey has turned up. If visiting regularly, the picture will show us

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don’ts’ can be found here – http://www.rsne.org.uk/sites/ default/files/Grey%20Squirrel%20 Trapping%20Guidelines.pdf

Brew Kit!

what time of day they visit because, often, they are like clockwork, and allow us to plan accordingly. There are all sorts on the market, and as with everything, you get what you pay for. We use the Hawke Prostalk camera which isn’t the most expensive, but it does the job. Taking a compact digital camera out with you when you check your trail cameras can be useful, because you can put the SD card into your digital camera and check the pictures and activity on site.

Traps: At certain times of the year, trapping

can be very effective and can be used in conjunction with feeders. If you know that several feeders are being visited by vermin, you can set traps at a number of locations under or around feeders whilst watching others. Put a rock or something heavy on the feeder lid to stop the target using the feeder when traps are live. Pre-baiting traps can be productive, too, by tying the trap open and regularly re-baiting, using a mixture of the feed mentioned above. When red squirrels are present, we check our traps at least twice a day, and often more, but the same is true if you only have tree rats. There are laws surrounding the dispatch of vermin once trapped, so make sure you know what you can and can’t do before undertaking such activities. Some very useful ‘how to’ and ‘do’s and

Top left: Trail cameras are vital for my work Top Right:The traps work 24/7 helping me to use my time well

Last, but not least, a brew! Spending hours in the woods is thirsty work and starting at dawn can be tough, so a good, sturdy flask that will keep your preferred drink hot for the day ahead is paramount. While not all may agree with the use of feeders - some think it is not sporting - the reason we use this method is down to the task at hand. For the rangers, it isn’t about the sport, it’s about protecting our native red squirrel and this means finding and removing grey vermin in the quickest and most humane way possible. For landowners and gamekeepers, it can be that they are overrun with tree rats that are causing untold damage, so immediate action is required. Feeders can be extremely effective at making a serious impact on vermin numbers quickly and safely. ■

Right: The standard feeder has proven its worth again and again Left: The aniseed draws the squirrels in from long distance

Below: I’m always happy to see a red feeding

INFORMATION As always, we welcome your thoughts, ideas, methods you may use, and generally to share best practices, so please get in touch

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SHOOTING SUPPLIES LTD 38 Sherwood Road, Bromsgrove, Worcs B60 3DR Tel: 01527 831261 Fax: 01527 832007 Email: [email protected] Web: www.shootingsuppliesltd.co.uk

Unit 2 Access House, Stephenson Way, Three Bridges, Crawley RH10 1TN Tel: 01293 525880 Fax: 01293 522749 Email: [email protected] Web: www.airpistols.co.uk Opening hours: 9.30 - 5.30 Mon - Sat Credit cards:

Credit cards: Open: Tues-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Fri 9am-7pm The Midlands largest gun shop. Main agents for Air Arms, BSA, Brocock, Daystate, FX, Umarex, Weihrauch. Over 200 new guns always in stock plus a good selection of secondhand. Extensive range of scopes and accessories with clothing and footwear from Seeland and Laksen. Helpful expert advice for the perfect combination.

We have moved to a larger showroom with a testing range and free parking. Always a large range of CO2 pistols, rifles, airsoft guns, gas blow back pistols. Major brands stocked, SMK, Umarex, Weihrauch, Air Arms, Gamo, BSA, Brocock. Large range of clothing and accessories. Visit online www.airpistols.co.uk.

Services offered:

& Compressed Gunsmith Repairs Servicing Air

Power Testing

Range Facilities

Credit available

CHICHESTER ARMOURY 43 West St, Chichester, Sussex PO19 1RP Tel: 01243 774687 Email: [email protected] Web: www.chiarm.co.uk Opening hours: 9.30-1 2-5.00 Credit cards:

To advertise your gunshop on these pages please call us on 01189 742525

RONNIE SUNSHINES

MAY OF LONDON LTD COUNTRYSIDE

ALLIANCE

Good selection of new and used air rifles, stocking spring and pre-charged guns. Help and advice always available.

EMMETT & STONE COUNTRY SPORTS Wilton Farm, Marlow Road Little Marlow, Bucks SL7 3RR Tel: 01628 474187 Email: [email protected] Web: www.escountrysports.co.uk Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Credit cards:

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. 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 built indoor range. Or visit our website www.ronniesunshines.com

COUNTRYSIDE

ALLIANCE

We sell all major makes of airguns including BSA, Weihrauch, Gamo, Daystate, Umarex and more. All pellets and decoying equipment. Also in-house airgun smith service and power testing facilities. Friendly and knowledgeable service – always!

G. E. FULTON

R & K STOCKCRAFT GUNSMITHS

STRINGTOWN SUPPLIES 29 High Street, Polegate East Sussex BN26 5AB Tel: 01323 488844 Email: [email protected] Web: www.stringtownsupplies.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ stringtownsurplus Opening hours: 9.30-5.30 MON-SAT 10.30-2.30 SUN Credit cards: Why not visit our amazing shop (“The Aladdin’s Cave” as its known!) Secondhand and new airguns. Air Arms, BSA, Crosman, Gamo, Hawke, SMK, Umarex, Webley, Weihrauch etc. Plus: Army surplus, camo clothing, Jack Pyke, archery, crossbows, airsoft, de-acts, paintball. Mail order service. Also dealer to dealer.

19 Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK11 1BN Tel: 01908 561298 or 01908 568493 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rkstockcraft.com Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8:30am 5:00pm. Sat 8:30am - 3:15pm. Closed on Sunday.

Stockists of BSA, Air Arms, Daystate, Gamo, Weihrauch. UK importers of Feinwerkbau. New and used air rifles and accessories. Scopes. Fitting service. Pre-charged, CO2, spring power. Service and repair of all guns.

SCOTLAND

BORDERS GUNROOM

EXPERT ADVICE WITH A COMPETITIVE PRICE? CALL NOW 01908 561298

GREENFIELDS AIRGUN CENTRE The Shooting Grounds, Sturry Hill, Sturry, Canterbury CT2 0NG Tel: 01227 713222 Fax: 01227 710611 Email: [email protected] Web: www.greenfieldsshooting.co.uk Opening hours: Tues - Sat 8.30am - 5.30pm.

Main St, St Boswells, Melrose, TD6 0AA Tel/Fax: 01835 822844 Email: [email protected] Opening hours: 8.30 - 5.30 Credit cards:

PORTSMOUTH GUN CENTRE 295 London Road, Portsmouth, PO2 9HF Tel: 02392 660 574 Email: [email protected]

Sun 9.00am - 1.00pm. Closed Mon

Credit cards: Stockists of BSA, Webley, Air Arms, Logun, Weihrauch, Gamo and many more. Helpful Friendly Advice Always Available.

Stock list of all major brands of airguns new and used. Try before you buy range available contact for further stock list and details.

Air rifle and pistol sales and servicing. Dive cylinders and filling station on-site, indoor range, vast range of goods and accessories. Expert and friendly advice always given. We also sell shotguns, rifles, cartridges, ammunition, clays, cabinets and clothing.

PARK STREET GUNS

Bisley Camp, Brookwood Woking, Surrey GU24 0NZ Tel: 01483 473204 Fax: 01483 475011 Email: [email protected] Web: www.fultonsofbisley.com Opening hours: 9.00am - 5.30pm Mon - Sun 7 days a week Credit cards:

HAYWARDS GUNS

4 Canalside, Northbridge Road Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1EG Tel/Fax: 01442 872829 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ronniesunshines.com Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9 - 5 Credit cards:

1-2 Park Street Lane, Park St. St. Albans, Herts AL2 2NE Tel: 01727 872646 / 872669 Fax: 01727 875449 Email: [email protected] Web: www.gunshot.co.uk Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9 - 5.30 Sat 9 - 5 Credit cards:

Stockists of: Minox, Daystate, theoben, BSA, Weihrauch, Air Arms, Urmarex plus a wide range of pellets & Accessories. Please ask for further assistance and goods.

Buncton Barn, Buncton Lane, Bolney, West Sussex, RH17 5RE Tel: 01444 882815 Email: [email protected] Web: www.haywardsguns.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9.00-17.30 Sat 9.00 - 17.00 Credit cards:

21-23 Cherry Tree Rise, Buckhurst hill, Essex IG9 6EU Tel: 0208 504 5946 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mayoflondon.com Opening hours: Tues - Fri 9.30am - 6pm Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm Credit cards:

We stock rifles, pistols, shotguns, airguns and black powder weapons. Keeping the leading brands in stock, the business can accommodate all enquiries from customers and shooters alike. Complimenting the vast range of firearms, Portsmouth Gun Centre also carries a large amount of accessories, ammunition, clothing and miscellaneous shooting equipment.

RIFLE SPORTS Unit 59, Globe Industrial Estate Grays, Essex RM176ST Tel: 01375 658000 Web: www.riflesports.co.uk

Airguns, Rimfire ammunition and accessories including: Scopes, Bi-pods, Lamps, Night Vision, Airgun Pellets & much more. Scopes by Bushnell, Nikko, Sabre, SMK and Nikon

South of Scotland’s largest gun and fly fishing retailer. Large selection of new and secondhand spring and pre-charged air rifles, scopes and accessories. Repairs carried out on the premises. Instruction given.

GUNSMITHS & FISHING TACKLE SPECIALISTS 920 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2ET Tel: 0141 6322005 Web: www.tackleandguns.net Email: [email protected] Opening hours: Mon - Sat, 10am - 5pm Credit cards:

TACKLE AND GUNS

Gunsmiths and Fishing Tackle specialists established over 37 years, situated opposite Queens Park on Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow. All major makes Firearms, Shotguns and Airguns - “If we don’t have it, we can get it” & if you’re thinking of upgrading to FAC, give us a shout! Repair Service also available.

TO ADVERTISE YOUR GUN SHOP ON THESE PAGES PLEASE CALL US ON

01189 742525 AIR GUNNER 97

GUN SHOPS BASC Trade Member

Directory Key: Trade Associations:

GTA Trade COUNTRYSIDE Countryside Alliance Member ALLIANCE Trade Member

Items stocked:

Airguns

Pistols

Optics

Clothing/ Footwear Knives

Decoys Pellets & & Hides Accessories AirSoft

EAST

MOOREDGES AIRGUNS The Chantreys, Mooredges Road, Thorne, Doncaster DN8 5RY Tel: 01405 741706 Fax: 01405 740936 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mooredgesairguns.co.uk Opening hours: 7 days a week. Mon – Sat 9.00am – 5.30pm. Sun 10.00am – 4.00pm. Open Bank Holidays. Credit cards:

Scotland Northern Ireland

North

Extensive range of all leading airguns, scopes and accessories. Also a wide range of camo clothing and footwear available.

Central

BEDFORD COUNTRY PURSUITS 111 Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QX Tel: 01234 346648 Fax: 01234 346648 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bedfordcountrypursuits.com Opening hours: Tues,Thurs, Fri, Sat 8AM - 5.30PM. Wed 8AM-7PM. Closed Sunday & Monday. Credit cards:

East

Wales

PHOENIX FIELD SPORTS SUPPLIES London & South East

South West Isle of Wight

SCOTLAND WONDERLAND MODELS 97 + 101 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9AN Tel: 0131 229 6428 Fax: 0131 229 7625 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wonderlandmodels.com Opening hours: 9.30 - 6.00 Credit cards: Edinburgh’s leading air rifle, air pistol, airgun pellet and accessories supplier. We are dealers for Air Arms, Anics, BSA, Crosman, Gamo, Sportsmarketing, Umarex, Webley and Weihrauch. We also stock BB guns, pellets and targets. We stock the full range of Barnett slingshots and archery equipment.

WALES DRAGON FIELD SPORTS 8 Egerton Street, Wrexham Town Centre Tel: 01978 290990 Fax: 01978 311141 Email: [email protected] Web: www.dragonfieldsports.co.uk Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm Credit cards:

Full range of: Air Rifles, Air Pistols, CO2 Pistols, Shotguns, Firearms. Also: Scopes, Lamps, Ammo, Camo Clothing, Archery. Servicing and Repairs.

VALLEY ARMS Bolero Camp, Park Road, Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 1NB Tel/Fax: 01824 704438 Email: [email protected] Web: www.valleyarms.co.uk Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9 - 5.30 Tues & Thurs 7 - 9pm. Sat 9 - 4.30 Credit cards:

Largest selection of new and used guns in North Wales. On-site indoor range. On-site workshop. Full range of accessories. 90 years of shooting experience at your disposal. Part exchange welcome.

NORTH

37-41 High Street, Old Town, Bridlington East Yorkshire YO164PR Tel: 01262 605512 Email: [email protected] Opening hours: Wed - Sat 10am - 5pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday) Credit cards: Air rifles: Weihrauch, Crosman, Hammerli, Kral. Shotguns: Sabbati, Investarm, etc. Pellets: RWS, Crosman, Walther, Lanes, etc. Working dog equipment: Whistles, dummies, leads, sticks, etc. Also: Cartridges, gunslips, clothing and footwear. Jack Pyke stockist, Bluelite, Blazer litelamps, battery packs, torches, bags, equipment, safety eyewear, ear defenders, camo nets and decoys. FISHING AND ARCHERY EQUIPMENT ALSO AVAILABLE HERE.

TONY’S CAMO & AIRGUN CENTRE Saltney House, Chesterbank Business Park, River Lane, Saltney, Chester, CH4 8SL Tel: 01244 681191 Web: www.tonyscamo.co.uk Opening hours: Tue - Sat 9am - 5:30 pm

Indoor range open 6 days a week. See website for more details.

Selection of Air Rifles, Firearms and Shotguns. All leading makes. Compressor for cylinder filling and rifles. BASC/ATEO airgun instructors. Buy with confidence, friendly advice given

CHURCHILLS OF DEREHAM 24 Norwich Street, Dereham, Norfolk NR19 1BX Tel: 01362 696926 Fax: 01362 854489 Email: [email protected] Web: www.onlinegunshop.co.uk Opening hours: 9am to 5pm Mon to Sat Credit cards:

Large stock of New & Used Guns. Full Gun Repair Service – On Site. Clay Shoots/Lessons Arranged. GUNS WANTED – CASH PAID. FREE POSTAGE ONLINE!

COUNTRY SPORTING GUNS Cannons Cottage, Punchbowl Lane, Brothertoft, Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3SB Line 1: 01205 311246 Line 2: 01205 369470 Email: [email protected] Web: www.countrysportingguns.co.uk Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 5.30pm We now sell impact airguns!!

WARRINGTON GUNS 53 Norris Street, Warrington Cheshire WA2 7RJ Tel: 01925 415901 Email: [email protected] Web: www.warringtonguns.com Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm Sat 9am - 4.30pm Credit cards: Selection of air rifles including BSA, Air Arms, Daystate, Cometa, Brocock, Webley, Weihrauch, Edgar, FX, Walther and more. Rimfire and centre fire rifles, shotguns, ammunition and cartridges available here.

WIGHILL PARK GUNS Wighill Park, Nr Tadcaster, North Yorkshire LS24 8BW Tel: 01937 833757 Fax: 01937 530563 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wighillparkguns.co.uk Opening hours: Wed 9-5, Thurs late night 9-8pm. Fri and Sat 9-5pm Credit cards:

Visit one of Britain‘s best stocked Airgun Shops in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY ON OUR INDOOR RANGE. Part exchange a specialty.

SUNDERLAND SCUBA CENTRE MANCHESTER AIR GUNS 470 Oldham Road, Failsworth, Manchester M35 0FH Tel: 0161 681 7947 Fax: 0161 684 8092 Web: www. manchesterairguns.co.uk Opening hours: 9.30 - 5 pm. Closed Sun Credit cards: All credit cards accepted

4A Atkinsons Buildings, Trimdon Street Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR4 6AH Tel: 01915 670147 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sunderlandairguns.com Opening hours: 9.00-5.30 Mon-Fri | 9.00-4.30 Sat 10.00-3.00 Sun Credit cards:

Britain’s first Airgun Only Gunshop (since 1977). Large stocks of airguns, scopes and pellets. Servicing, repairs and re-blueing. Free advice with pleasure!

Stockists of Weihrauch, Webley, BSA, Norica, Gamo, Hammerli, scopes, lamps, pellets and accessories. Airsoft guns stocked, crossbows & archery available. Guns serviced and repaired. Airgun and cylinder refills to 300 bar.

98 AIR GUNNER

Archery & Equipment Gun safes

We supply airguns and shooting accessories, stocking all major air rifle brands, optics and silencers. Setup and tuning service. We are selected BSA area dealers. Sporting rifles and shotguns including ammo. New and secondhand rifles and shotguns. SHOOTING RANGE. We buy airguns. This is the home of the Grand European 80 Varmint air rifle.

T.R.ROBB 316 High Road, South Benfleet Essex SS7 5HB Tel: 01268 752888 Web: www.trrobb.co.uk

Full range of air rifles and pistols. Soft-air and Simmons scope specialist. Tuning kits and Customising Service.

SOUTH WEST COUNTRYWIDE Bradford Road, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 8LQ Tel: 01225 701473 Email: [email protected] Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8.30-18.00, Sat 8.30-17.30, Sun 10-16.00 Credit cards:

Offers a great selection of new & used air guns. Stockists of Weirauch, BSA, Air Arms, Daystate, Gamo, Umarex, SMK and Crosman. Gun repair on site. Good selection of scopes on site.

TO ADVERTISE YOUR GUN SHOP ON THESE PAGES PLEASE CALL US ON

01189 742525

TIME TO GET TACTICAL

Extended fore-end Stylish Muzzle brake Lightweight synthetic tactical stock Automatic in-guard safety catch Complete with CenterPoint 4x32 scope Ergonomic fit including straightline butt and dropdown pistol grip

THE TR77 RIFLE FROM CROSMAN

RRP £165 Distributed to the trade by: ASI, Alliance House, Snape, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1SW

Tel: 01728 688555 Fax: 01728 688950 E: [email protected] W: www.a-s-i.co.uk

GM03.15/167/aa