Author: Hazel Randall

I'm a freelance content writer and copy editor.

Best Air Pistols for Under £200

At Pellpax, we offer a wide range of superb air pistols, ranging from £47.99 to £1,599.99. If you’re looking to buy an inexpensive pistol, at the lower end of this price range, there’s actually quite a lot of choice. So we thought we’d pick out some of the very best air pistols available for under £200.

Three great CO2 pistols for under £200

First of all, let’s take a look at three excellent CO2 pistols for under £200.

Walther CP99 Operations Kit .177 Pellet Air Pistol

The Walther CP99 CO2 pistol, launched by Umarex in the year 2000, is based on Walther’s P99. The P99 is an extremely successful semi-automatic pistol that’s been used by numerous law enforcement agencies in Europe and the US since 1996. From 1997 to 2006, the P99 was the chosen side-arm of James Bond, the world’s most famous fictional secret agent.

Originally created as a training gun for the German police, the CP99 replica was unprecedented in its remarkable physical likeness to the firearm it emulates. The CP99 fits most P99 holsters and all of the P99 accessories, making this replica pistol the ideal choice for training. Umarex’s Walther CP99 is still one of the most popular CO2 pistols on the market today.

The CP99 is a double-action CO2 pistol that fires .177-calibre pellets. It has an approximate muzzle energy of 2.3 ft/lb and is powered by one 12g CO2 capsule that’s stored out of sight in the pistol’s stock. From each CO2 capsule, you’ll get up to 80 shots.

The CP99 has an 84mm rifled steel barrel, an overall length of 180mm, and it weighs 726g. This pistol kit comes in a Umarex branded hard case, along with two 8-round rotary magazines and a spare pistol grip. At £159.99 (reduced from £174.99), the Walther CP99 Operations Kit is real value for money.

Norica NAC 1703 – 4.5mm BB Air Pistol

The stylish NAC 1703 from Norica is modelled on the Smith & Wesson M&P (Military & Police) .40 live-fire pistol, which is used by many law-enforcement agencies all over the world.

With ergonomic design, durable build, and comfortable handling, Norica’s NAC 1703 is a fantastic buy at just £69.99. This 4.5mm (.177) BB pistol is powered by one CO2 capsule, which is housed inside the 19-shot magazine. At 195mm long, this lovely replica is just 2mm longer than the original; weighing in at 710g, it’s 78g lighter than the S&W MP40.

Glock 19X – 4.5mm BB Air Pistol

Umarex’s fully licensed replica of the Glock 19X is fantastically realistic in terms of appearance and feel. The pistol’s unique colour and markings are faithfully replicated in this CO2 version, and its dimensions are almost identical. The magazine, which holds 18 4.5mm BBs, also accommodates a 12g CO2 capsule.

The Glock 19X by Umarex delivers muzzle velocity of 344 FPS, and the blowback gives a powerful recoil that feels gratifyingly authentic. This pistol is available from Pellpax for £109.99.

Three fantastic spring pistols for under £200

A simple, reliable spring action is favoured by many experienced shooters, and it’s also a great choice for beginners. Here are three superb spring-action pistols.

Gamo P-900 – .177 Pellet Air Pistol

The Gamo P-900 shoots .177-calibre pellets, which are individually loaded – i.e. there is no magazine. This simple-to-use pistol has a muzzle energy of around 3 ft/lb, and muzzle velocity of 344 FPS. With ambidextrous grip and TruGlo sights, this pistol lends itself to accuracy and reliability, and so it’s not surprising that at £58.99, this little gem is one of our best-selling pistols.

SMK XS32 – .22 Pellet Air Pistol

With a muzzle energy of 5 ft/lb, the SMK XS32 is not far below the legal power limit for pistols in the UK – and it’s therefore ideal for close-range vermin control. It has a break-barrel action, and pellets are loaded one by one. This pistol features a manual safety, bear-trap system, fibre-optic sights, and 9-11mm mounting rail. The cocking aid is slipped over the end of the barrel and removed before each shot.

This SMK XS32 is a superb all-rounder. It’s perfect for the beginner target shooter, the casual plinker, or the serious small-vermin controller. This pistol is available from Pellpax for just £99.99.

Hatsan Mod 25 SuperCharger

Rugged and compact, ergonomic and comfortable, this single-shot break-barrel spring pistol features Hatsan’s XRS Recoil Reduction System, threaded aluminium cocking aid, and a ½ inch UNF thread for attaching a silencer.

The Hatsan Mod 25 SuperCharger features the Hatsan Quattro trigger – a two-stage adjustable trigger with gold-plated trigger blade, which is one of the most sophisticated triggers on the market today. The pistol has a manual safety, a cocking safety bear-trap system, and TruGlo fibre-optic sights.

The Hatsan Mod 25 SuperCharger is available in .177 or .22 calibre.

A super PCP air pistol … not quite under £200!

PCP airguns are, on the whole, more costly than either spring-powered or CO2-powered guns. So let’s stretch the parameters of this blog and take a look at a really nice PCP pistol. 

SMK Artemis PP700SA

The SMK Artemis PP700SA fires at a power of up to 5.5 ft/lb, which is not far below the maximum legal power for a pistol in the UK, making this pistol the perfect choice for both target shooters and vermin controllers. The black synthetic stock is well textured for a firm, comfortable grip. And it’s a lot tougher than a wood stock, making it resistant to knocks and scrapes.

Pellets are loaded one by one into the rear of the barrel, after the hammer has been cocked. An air stripper at the end of the barrel reduces turbulence in the air as it expels the pellet, and the full shroud on the barrel reduces muzzle report. The Artemis, available in .177 and .22 calibres, is a beautifully accurate and consistent pistol – a popular choice at £219.99

Contact us

For more information about air pistols or any of the products we sell, just give us a call on 01263 731 585.

Paralympic Archer Mel Clarke is an Inspiration to Children Everywhere

“I tell my story to kids and talk about not giving up”

These are the words that Mel Clarke, two-time Paralympic medallist, left us with last year after sharing her extraordinary story of sporting excellence.

As a result of contracting osteomyelitis after a fall in 1993, 11-year-old Mel found herself unable to walk, and believed that her sporting life was at an end. However, as a teenager, she discovered archery, and soon became one of the UK’s best-performing archers. But when Mel was struck down by Lyme disease at the 2003 World Archery Championships in New York City, the prognosis was grim: in fact, she wasn’t expected to survive.

Mel awoke from a two-week-long coma, paralysed from the waist down, and blind in her right eye. She left hospital and resumed her training. Mel returned from the 2008 Beijing Paralympics with a bronze medal, and the year after, she won Silver at the World Championships in the Czech Republic. At the 2012 London Paralympics, Mel won Silver – pipped at the post by her friend and fellow British competitor, Danielle Brown.

“Everything’s possible when you want to do it”

Mel retired from competition archery in May this year – for the best possible reason.

In January 2019, Mel gave birth to Cali, who’s a dream come true for Mel and her husband Richard Hennahane (also a successful para-archer). In their minds, there was always the possibility that Mel might never be able to carry a child full term. But in January, Cali discredited that theory in the same style that her mother dismissed the general opinion that she’d have to give up competitive archery.

“I can go back to archery later,” says Mel. “But I want to spend time with Cali. I won’t get this time back.”

I ask Mel about the challenges of motherhood in a wheelchair.

“Getting up at night is physically difficult … and I had to find a buggy that I could handle. But everything’s possible when you want to do it.”

“Wow! This is really making an impact”

Although Mel is not competing at the moment, she’s continuing her role of mentor for the Youth Sport Trust – a charitable organisation whose mission is to promote the general wellbeing of children through the provision of sporting opportunity.

The six main aims of the Youth Sport Trust are:

  • To transform PE’s place in the curriculum, putting it at the centre of wellbeing and achievement in education.
  • To support schools, clubs, and families to remove the causes of negative experiences for young people.
  • To unlock sport’s potential at every stage of a child’s life, especially where they face inequality or disadvantage.
  • To equip young people, through sport, with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead change in their communities.
  • To champion the impact of physical activity, PE, and sport through research and insight.
  • To deliver their charitable objectives through good governance, a skilled workforce, and sustainable income.

As a mentor, Mel’s work varies from small-group activities to whole-school assemblies. She talks to students of all ages, from the little ones of four years old, to young people of 18.

Many of the children Mel works with have physical disabilities, like the 14-year-old boy with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, whose only independent way of communicating was to turn his head left and right. Mel describes how this gutsy boy trained to be a sports leader. Using communication technology, he led sessions and delivered a presentation to his peers and their parents.

“The able-bodied kids were so impressed. And his mother was so proud! This was something she really didn’t think he’d be able to do. I remember thinking, ‘Wow. This is really making an impact.’ That child’s self-esteem just rocketed.”

“If I can help one person to think positively … it’s all worthwhile”

Many of the children Mel works with have behaviour issues, or are simply disengaged. The characteristic trait of a disengaged student is a lack of interest. This block to learning can be tackled by helping a disengaged child to connect what they’re learning with real-life experiences, or to incorporate group work and hands-on learning.

Because of sport’s physical nature, a child with social anxiety can feel exposed and threatened in a PE class. Self-consciousness is agony to a person with social anxiety, and fear is a barrier to participation. With patience and empathy, Mel coached a boy with very low esteem to be a sports leader.

“At first, he’d hardly speak at all – to anyone. But during our sessions, his confidence grew, and at the end of his training, this lad delivered a speech to his teachers and class-mates. His mum said, ‘He’s a different person.’”

Of course, not every child will benefit from intervention of this kind. I ask Mel if this is disheartening.

“If I can help one person to think positively about what is possible, and encourage that person to work towards achieving their goal, then I’m happy. It’s all worthwhile.”

“I’m retiring with two titles, which is nice!”

Even Mel doesn’t know whether or not she’ll be returning to competition archery. But if this really is retirement, Mel has hung up her bow alongside the titles of British National Para Champion and British Wheelchair Sport Champion. With her usual cheerful optimism, Mel says, “I’m retiring with two titles, which is nice!”

Benefit Boys Raise £934 for Help for Heroes at Charity Meet

Who are the Benefit Boys?

 In 2014, Garry Brookes attended a charity shoot organised by Vermin Hunters TV, a highly subscribed YouTube show. When it came to accommodation on the camping site, the organisers managed to arrange things to their own advantage. Basically, they got there early and claimed the nicer end of the field for themselves!

As the good-hearted punters rolled up in ones and twos, they found themselves thrown together in a somewhat rougher neighbourhood. Everyone rubbed along really well, and strong bonds developed amongst these ghetto rats, who agreed, as they communed around the camp fire, that it was like ‘living on Benefit Street’ (remember the TV show?). All this good-natured rivalry was purely in fun, of course, and it turned out to be the catalyst to some new and long-lasting friendships.

So, the ‘Benefit Boys’ kept in touch through their new Facebook group, which, before long, comprised 1,000 members from all over the world. Since 2015, the Benefit Boys have held an annual charity shoot at Garry’s home club – Richings Park Airgun Club. All profits are donated to Help for Heroes.

Accessible and Inclusive Airgun Club

It’s not the place. It’s the people that run it. Garry and the guys are out of this world. They make every single person welcome and will do anything they can to help you. (Facebook review)

Richings Park Airgun Club, in Iver, Buckinghamshire, is a relatively new airgun club, established in 2016 to run alongside Richings Park Clay Shooting Club. Driven by an ethos of inclusion and accessibility, this is a place to shoot (competitively, or just for fun) and a place to make friends.

Chairman Garry Brooks says, “It’s the only course in the country that you can go around in a wheelchair – as long as the conditions are right. If someone with a disability turns up, I’ll do my very best to acquire, or build, whatever they need to enable them to shoot. There’ll never be a problem including a person with special needs.”

Help for Heroes

Besides looking out for their own members, Richings Park Airgun Club are staunch supporters of Help for Heroes, a charitable organisation that offers aid to wounded service personnel.

Help for Heroes runs recovery centres (in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion) for the rehabilitation of sick and injured servicemen and -women. In partnership with the British Paralympic Association and other relevant governing bodies, Help for Heroes runs a para-sport programme, which provides access to adaptive sports for the charity’s beneficiaries. Some very successful sporting champions are ex-service personnel who have been encouraged and assisted by Help for Heroes.

A Fun-Filled Weekend at Richings Park Airgun Club

On the last weekend in June, the guys at Richings Park Airgun Club held a three-day shooting event in aid of Help for Heroes.

Benefit Boys and their families came from all over the country, and abroad, to socialise and to raise money for this important cause. There was a lot of catching up to do, so Friday was all about meeting, greeting, drinking and eating. Saturday was shooting day, when 65 of the 80 guests took part in the HFT (hunter field target) competitions.

On Sunday, there were presentations of trophies for outstanding shooting performance. Many congratulations to Paul Andrews, Wally Hale, Toni Bingley, and Sebastian Hale!

The weekend’s grand finale, on Sunday afternoon, was the raffle. Special congratulations to Sam, who won the Pellpax Dragon Kit, donated by Pellpax!

This year, the Benefit Boys’ annual charity shoot raised £934 for Help the Heroes, and the Pellpax team would like to say a big “Well done!” to the organisers and everyone who took part.

Olivia Hill is Selected to Represent Great Britain at the Novi Sad Grand Prix in Serbia

Olivia’s Shooting Career Year 1

This week, Pellpax is celebrating yet another success from talented target shooter, Olivia Hill. Olivia, 18, has been with the Pellpax sponsorship programme since the beginning of 2018. On Monday 15 July, when British Shooting announced the GB team for the Novi Sad Grand Prix in Serbia, next month, Olivia was competing at the Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany.

Olivia at the Norfolk Open

Over the last eighteen months, Olivia (known by friends and family as Liv) has progressed from 16-year-old novice to accomplished sportswoman.

In 2018, Liv’s shooting diary included:

  • InterShoot, Holland (February)
  • British Open Airgun Championship, Bisley (April)
  • English Championships, Bisley (April)
  • Norfolk Open, North Walsham (June)
  • Junior International, Bisley (August)
  • Scout National Championships, Bisley (October)
  • Welsh Open, Cardiff (November)
  • Surrey Open, Bisley (December)
  • RIAC, Luxembourg (December)

Olivia Hill 2019

Olivia Hill (centre), Emily Bale, Phoebe Taylor

In February this year, at the 2019 Intershoot in Holland, the GB Talent Squad Junior Ladies’ team – Olivia Hill, Emily Bale, and Phoebe Taylor – won Silver in the team event. Two months later, in April, Liv was competing in the ESSU (English Small-bore Shooting Union) Championships at Bisley. Liv qualified 1st in Juniors and 4th in the Open event, earning herself a place in the final. Finishing 2nd overall, Liv was the highest-scoring junior, and she came home with the title of English Junior 10m Air Rifle Champion.

Paul Goater, manager of the England Rifle Academy and lead air rifle coach for the Rifle Talent Squad, is Olivia’s primary coach.

“She’s been a real pleasure to coach, and if she keeps working hard, is certainly capable of great things. I hope that I am fortunate enough to remain part of her support team moving forward.”

Junior World Cup in Suhl

Olivia competing at the Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany

At the time of writing, 18-year-old Liv is competing in the Junior World Cup at the Suhl-Friedberg Shooting Centre in Suhl, Germany. After her first match, Liv posted on Instagram:

“It was an amazing experience to shoot alongside some great shooters from so many different countries and see how others prepare to perform at their best. I can now say I have competed in my first Junior World Cup!”

Novi Sad Grand Prix, in Serbia

On the day Liv first competed in a Junior World Cup, British Shooting announced the GB team for the Novi Sad Grand Prix – a competition organised by the ESC (European Shooting Confederation). Olivia Hill had made the team!

“SUPER SUPER SUPER EXCITED to finally announce I have been selected to represent Great Britain in the Novi Sad Grand Prix in Serbia!!!” (Instagram 15 July)

Needless to say, the whole Pellpax team are immensely proud to be Olivia’s sponsor, and we believe that our Norfolk girl will keep shooting to the very top of her sport.

Liv says, “Pellpax has enabled me to do more training and competitions by supporting me.”

To keep up to date with Olivia’s shooting progress, why not follow her on Instagram

Contact Us

To find out more about Pellpax’s unique delivery service, just give us a call on 01263 731 585

Pellpax at War & Peace Revival

This week, Pellpax are preparing for the War & Peace Revival Show at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, in Kent, which will be open to the public from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 July, 09:00 to 18:00.

War & Peace Revival – an FRL Media event – is a celebration of 20th century military action and wartime civilian life, incorporating staged battle re-enactments, living history displays, and a huge exhibition of military vehicles and militaria.

There’ll be dancing and live music at the Victory Marquee, and special fly-overs by a Spitfire Mk9 TA805 (‘Kent Spitfire’) and a Hurricane Mk1 P2921.

So, if you’re at the show, come and say hello to us at stall P12, and have a look at some of the fantastic products we’ll have on offer at special show prices.

… Like Smith & Wesson revolvers from Umarex – widely considered to be the best CO2 revolvers ever made. The 586 4” Black .177 and the 686 6” Nickel .177 are both double-action revolvers with a 10-round magazine and fully adjustable sights. You can pick up one of these beauties, in its own hard case, from Pellpax at the War & Peace Revival show next week.

… And from the Umarex Legends series, the Legends Cowboy Lever Action and the Legends MP German Submachine Gun; both of these guns are CO2-powered, and fire 4.5mm pellets.

For more information about any of the products we sell, or to find out about the Pellpax unique delivery service, just give us a call on 01263 731 585 and talk to one of our experts.

And remember that the Pellpax office will be open all next week, so orders and enquiries will be handled as usual.

Air Rifles for Sale, Delivered to Your Door

Whatever kind of airgun you’re looking for, you’ll find it here, at Pellpax. If you’re new to shooting, you might have some uncertainty about what these airguns actually are …

What is an Airgun?

The term airgun encompasses all guns that are powered by compressed gas: either carbon dioxide (CO2) or air (mainly nitrogen and oxygen). Most airguns have a muzzle energy of 12 ft/lb or under, which means that you don’t need a Fire Arms Certificate (FAC).

What is a spring-powered air rifle?

Norica Storm X Deluxe

Spring airguns are powered by compressed air. Before each pellet is fired, a spring is compressed by a lever. This process is called cocking. In some cases, the barrel acts as the lever (break barrel), and other spring-powered air guns have fixed barrels, with a side lever or under lever. When the spring’s tension is released, it pushes a piston with a washer on the end, and the ambient air inside the air chamber is compressed, creating potential energy that will propel the pellet when the pressure is released.

A sub-category of these rifles is gas-ram, which, instead of a spring, uses a pneumatic ram – a device much like the closing mechanism on your car boot.

What’s the most popular spring-powered air rifle?

The Stinger Starter Kit is a big favourite with Pellpax customers. This single-shot, break-barrel rifle is perfect for target practice and for small vermin control. Along with the rifle, this kit includes pellets, targets, and a gun bag.

What’s a good spring-powered rifle for new shooters?

Gamo Hunter 440 .22 Air Rifle

For razor-sharp precision, power, and consistency, the Gamo Hunter 440 is perfect for small-game hunting and vermin control. This rifle has a 12 ft/lb muzzle power, adjustable two-stage trigger, and a finely adjustable steel rear sight. The raised scope rail will accommodate even the largest airgun scopes.

Air Arms TX200 Mark 3

Used by competition target shooters around the world, the Air Arms TX200 Mk3 features a two-stage, adjustable trigger, fully shrouded barrel, and automatic safety. You get excellent shot-to-shot consistency from this rifle, which is available in both .177 and .22 calibre.

How do PCP rifles work?

Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) guns are also powered by compressed air. However, a PCP gun is pre-charged. Compressed air, at a pressure of up to 300 BAR, is contained within a cylinder or buddy bottle, ready to be discharged in controlled, measured amounts when the trigger is pulled.

Zbroia PCP pump

Re-filling a PCP

The thing with PCP power is that the cylinder must be periodically refilled. This can be done with an air rifle pump – a simple piece of machinery that compresses ambient air as it’s forced into the cylinder. Alternatively, you can refill your PCP’s cylinder from a charging tank of ready-compressed air.

In many cases, the cylinder is an integral part of the rifle. Some PCPs, though, have a detachable buddy bottle, which can be removed from the rifle for refilling. This is a convenient feature for long-lasting shoots, as spare buddy bottles can be taken along to replace emptied ones.

Some great PCP air rifles for beginners

Because there’s so little recoil, accuracy is a big advantage with pre-charged pneumatics; but they are, in general, the most expensive type of air rifle. Here are a few PCPs for under £500. The power of these rifles is under 12ft/lb, so you won’t need a Fire Arms Certificate (FAC).

Air Arms S200 Sporter MK3 Air Rifle

The 920.75mm-long Air Arms S200 Sporter MK3 has an ambidextrous beech stock and an adjustable, two-stage trigger. This rifle has a scope rail that can be adjusted to fit any length of scope, and is ideal for all kinds of shooting, from plinking to target shooting, to vermin control. It’s available in .177 and .22 calibre.

FX Airguns Typhoon Synthetic

The Typhoon Synthetic by FX Airguns is a lightweight air rifle with a well-crafted, ambidextrous stock. The air cylinder has a capacity of 185cc, which gives you around 100 shots per fill. This rifle is available in .177 and .22 calibre.

Zbroia Hortitsia

Zbroia Hortitsia

This good-looking and relatively light-weight PCP rifle has delighted many Pellpax customers over the last couple of years. The Zbroia Hortitsia has an integrated barrel shroud for effective silencing, a sensitive trigger, and smooth probe engagement. It’s available in .177 and .22 calibre, and there’s an option of short (330mm) or long (450mm) barrel. You can easily get 100 shots from a full reservoir.

Do air rifles use CO2?

Some do. CO2 rifles work on the same principle as PCPs, in that compressed gas is stored in a cartridge – also known as a capsule – ready to be discharged in controlled, measured amounts when the trigger is pulled. CO2 is available in 88g or 12g capsules.

What is the most powerful CO2 rifle?

Very few CO2 air rifles have the muzzle energy of the best spring/gas ram or PCP rifles. One exception is the Hammerli 850 Air Magnum, by Umarex. The power of this CO2 rifle is close to the 12 ft/lb legal limit, above which an FAC is required.

What’s the best CO2 air rifle for beginners?

Here are a few suggestions – all under £500.

Sig Sauer MPX – .177 CO2 Air Rifle

Powered by an 88g CO2 capsule*, the Sig Sauer MPX has a large shot capacity. The belt-fed magazine holds 30 pellets, which can be fired in quick succession, and accessories can be mounted on the multiple picatinny rails. With the advantages of a double-action trigger and no recoil, you’ll achieve amazing accuracy when you shoot this rifle.

*For this rifle, you can purchase an adapter for 12g capsules.

Crosman 2250 Ratcatcher – .22 CO2 Air Rifle

The Crosman 2250 Ratcatcher weighs just 1.5kg and is powered by one 12g CO2 capsule, which is enough for 30 full-power shots. This rifle is great for target shooting and for small vermin control.

Umarex Legends Cowboy Lever Action – 4.5mm BB CO2 Air Rifle

This Cowboy Lever Action rifle from Umarex Legends features a firing cycle that realistically mimics the real thing. If you’re looking for an authentic shooting experience, this is the perfect model.

Contact us

If you’d like to talk to one of our sales team about air rifles, just give us a call on 01263 731 585.

BASC Director of Firearms, Bill Harriman, Talks to Pellpax

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) receives approximately 10,000 enquiries each year. Last month (May 2019), there were 844 firearms-related enquiries.

Bill Harriman – BASC Director of Firearms and longest-serving resident expert in firearms and militaria for BBC’s Antiques Roadshow – talks to Pellpax about general licences, political influence, responsibility, and preservation of shooting sports.

 

BASC

British Association for Shooting and Conservation LOGO

BASC came into existence in 1908 as the Wildfowlers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland (WAGBI). In recognition of the fact that a single representative body for shooting sports was required, WAGBI took on this role in 1981, and the organisation’s name was changed to the British Association for Shooting Sports. BASC is unique in the shooting community in that it has a dedicated firearms department.

The current BASC President is Lord Geoffrey Dear, a crossbench peer and former Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, who has been described as the best known and most respected police officer of his generation. In 1991, Lord Dear came across a rather feisty paper on antique firearms, and he brought this work to the attention of BASC Chief Executive, John Swift. Impressed with the paper, Mr Swift invited Bill Harriman, the paper’s author, to take on the role of BASC Head of Firearms.

“BASC is a mixture of people who know all sorts of things,” explains Bill, “There’s always a relevant specialist to refer members to, so we cover everything. A triage system ensures that urgent issues are attended to promptly. Flexibility is very important.”

 

Bill Harriman


“Peter’s the go-to barrister. We’re a good team.”

Peter Glenser

Bill is a member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and an Honorary Historical Consultant to the Royal Armouries Museum. He spent ten years in the auctioneer business, specialising in arms, armour, and militaria, and for many years, he’s been one of the trusted voices of authority on arms and militaria for the BBC’s popular and long-running Antiques Roadshow. There surely isn’t anyone better qualified to take on the role of expert witness in legal cases that involve firearms.

Bill works closely with BASC Chairman, Peter Glenser QC.

“Peter’s the go-to barrister. My job is to help the judge and jury to understand the forensics. Together, we’re a good team.”

BASC has approximately 155,000 members. So what’s the attraction?

“Insurance is undoubtedly the biggest draw,” Bill says. “But expert advice comes a close second.”

 

“If we don’t influence politicians, we might as well go home.”

What does Bill have to say about general licences?

“Things have definitely stabilised. There’s been a really good response to proposals. This will lead to much more permanent general licences … But the shooting community hasn’t done itself any favours by not being familiar with the terms of the licences – there’s a huge amount of ignorance. People who shoot have to take responsibility for promoting what they do. You need to read the licence, understand its terms, and make sure that you’re adhering to the terms. There are a lot of people out to get us. We must be very careful.”

Bill suggests that successful organisations like BASC might have lulled members into complacency.

“There’s a considerable amount of political apathy – a leave-it-to-them-to-sort-out kind of attitude. But politicians are power tarts. They’re influenced by the number of letters they get in their post bags. When someone brings a grievance to BASC, I ask, ‘Why aren’t you knocking on your MP’s surgery door?’ If we don’t influence politicians, we might as well go home.”

 

“I’ve always been interested in guns.”

As a child, Bill wasn’t encouraged to shoot.

“My dad did his level best to dissuade me from shooting, but I’ve always been interested in guns. I remember being at my Great Aunt Madge’s house – I must have been about seven years old. The sun was shining through the French windows. Propped up against these French windows, and framed by yellow-velvet curtains, was my dad’s BSA Standard Model air rifle from around 1928. I thought, ‘I’d like to fire that!’”

Under strict supervision, young Bill was allowed to fire his dad’s gun. This was the very first time he fired a gun. All these years later, Bill still has that precious air rifle.

As Bill grew up, his enthusiasm for shooting didn’t wane. He grabbed every opportunity to practise and to learn.

“My uncle was a farmer, and when I was old enough to go out shooting, unsupervised, he gave me free run of the farm. And I had a couple of farmer friends from university who let me shoot on their land. I learnt a lot about shooting in those years.”

 

“Biscuits for life! Just find that woodcock!”

I ask Bill, “What was your greatest shooting moment?”

There’s no hesitation. “I shot a woodcock with a flintlock that was made in 1824. It was one of the last flintlocks ever made.”

Bill is a good shooter, but, by his own admission, he doesn’t stand out from the crowd. He doesn’t really shine. I mean, he’s good – but not that good. (I think I’ve made my point.)

Anyway, out on a shoot, armed with an antique flintlock made by H W Mortimer London (“Very fast ignition, the zenith of flintlock technology”), Bill shot a woodcock! This small, hard-to-spot, zig-zagging bird that’s a challenge to hit in anybody’s book, was knocked from the sky by Bill and his antique flintlock.

But was it? With no physical evidence, this amazing feat couldn’t really be confirmed. I imagine there were those in the party who might have thought that Mr Harriman was telling porkies.

“We couldn’t find the bird – it had disappeared. I said to the senior dog handler, ‘I’ll see to it that those dogs get biscuits for life. Just find that woodcock!’”

The dead woodcock was found, and Bill has basked in the glory ever since.

 

“Little communities that bring people together.”

The social side of shooting should never be underestimated. For some, it’s a way to be around other people with the option to step into solitude when company becomes too much. For others, shooting is a passion that they love to share with fellow enthusiasts – a life within a life. People who have become isolated through adverse circumstances discover, in shooting sports, a friendly community to relieve the loneliness.

What does the sport mean to Bill Harriman?

“Little communities that bring people together. One thing I like about going on a shoot is that I’m one of the lads. Whilst I have quite a high profile within BASC, on a shoot, I’m just Bill, and I enjoy the banter and the joy of shooting.

“I also get a lot of satisfaction from encouraging new shooters. A young colleague of mine has no background in shooting, but she’s keen to learn. I’m enjoying giving her opportunity and encouragement. It’s lovely to see someone discovering the sport.”

“Who, in your opinion, is, or was, the greatest shooter ever?” I ask.

“Annie Oakley.”

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed talking to Bill Harriman, BASC Director of Firearms. For further information about BASC, you’ll find contact details here. To find out more about general licences, click here.

CZ 455 Varmint Walnut Rimfire for Vermin Control

Shooting and Conservation

Vermin control plays an important part in the UK’s rural economy. Two-thirds of the UK’s rural land area is managed with the involvement of shooting. And there are around 600,000 people in the UK who shoot live quarry.

Let’s have a look at a couple of small mammals that cause havoc to farmers.

Grey Squirrel

Because a squirrel buries nuts, but doesn’t remember where it buried them, it’s a useful fertility aid to many tree populations. But this doesn’t cut much ice in the popularity stakes. The harm done to woodland by the little grey squirrel far outstrips the benefits.

The grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is an opportunist feeder, thriving on a wide variety of food, including berries, fruits, seeds, nuts, flowers, leaf buds, fungi, insects, birds’ eggs, and fledglings. It also has a penchant for the phloem tissue (sweet, sap-filled layers) just beneath the bark of trees, which is responsible for the movement of sugars within the plant. Removal of bark and phloem tissue can cause permanent damage to a tree.

It’s important to remember, though, that your target must be in front of an adequate backstop. In most cases, this means that the animal is on the ground. Never shoot at a squirrel when it’s in a tree.

Brown Rat 

The rat is a pest to urban societies as well as rural ones. There are other ways of culling vermin, of course, besides shooting. But as we’re talking here about shooting pests with a rimfire rifle, we’ll have to leave town dwellers to sort out the problem as best they can. Those of us who live in rural communities do have the option of shooting them.

Of the two species of rat in the UK, the most common is the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). It carries diseases – salmonella, listeria etc – which can spread to humans; it eats the eggs of ground-nesting birds; and it destroys property. Not a popular fellow.

A rat needs to gnaw constantly in order to wear down its incisor teeth, which never stop growing. The rat will cause floods by gnawing through lead pipes; dangerous gas leaks by chewing through gas pipes; and fires as a result of stripping insulation from electrical cables. It’s been estimated that 25% of electrical fires in the UK are caused by rats.

CZ 455 Varmint

A consistent feature of CZ rimfire rifles is the hammer-forged barrel. The rifling of the bore is created by inserting a reversely rifled mandrel, and then machine-hammering along the outside of the barrel in order to impress the rifling pattern onto the new rifle’s bore. This method of fabrication gives the barrel tremendous strength and accuracy.

CZ 455 Varmint Walnut

The CZ 455 Varmint Walnut .17 HMR Screw-Cut Barrel is a great favourite with Pellpax customers.

The beautifully crafted walnut stock feels good in the hands …

“There’s a traditional feel to this rifle. A sort of timelessness. I use it for shooting rats by our compost heap.” (Jane)

With CZ rifles, you know you’re getting a top-quality product …

“I like the smooth bolt action and two-stage trigger. The trigger can be adjusted, too, to suit the shooter. Squirrels are destroying the trees on my land. They’re sneaky little buggers, and I don’t want to make a bad shot, and leave an animal badly wounded. I need to get a clean kill every time. With this rifle, I do.” (Thomas)

At the end of the 525 mm (20.5”) barrel, there’s a ½” UNF (unified fine) thread for the attachment of a silencer …

Swift Silencer Proofed 1/2″ UNF

“I use a Swift silencer with my CZ 455 Varmint. I think Swift is the best you can get. It’s very lightweight. Super piece of kit.” (Oliver)

This rifle is fitted with a two-stage safety system and a rubber shock absorber on the butt. It comes with a detachable 5-round magazine, and an additional 10-round magazine is available to purchase separately. And it’s also available in .22 calibre.

Live-Fire Rifles Delivered to Your Door

 As a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD), Pellpax has a legal obligation to adhere to the UK’s rigid legislation surrounding the ownership and sale of firearms. However, we are also committed to facilitating the purchase of firearms. If you own a Fire Arms Certificate (FAC), we’ll deliver your purchases right to your door.

For more information about any of our products, or about the Pellpax delivery service, give us a call on 01263 731 585.

 

A New Breed from Old Hands

Daystate’s Wolverine R

Daystate was the first manufacturer to produce PCP airguns. Today, as the whole industry rides the waves of fashion and demand, Daystate is still steaming ahead, powered by technical excellence, sparkling innovation, and consumer feedback. So let’s have a look at one of Daystate’s latest models, the Wolverine R, and find out what some of Pellpax’s customers think of it.

Following in the wake of Daystate’s immensely popular bolt-action Wolverine 2, the ambidextrous Wolverine R, with regulated side-lever action, has made quite a splash in the shooting world.

Regulator

Huma Regulator

The airgun’s regulator – responsible for the ‘R’ in the name – is made by Huma, the internationally renowned Dutch regulator specialist, considered to be the very best in regulator technology. The advantages of this feature are three-fold. Firstly, you get more shots per fill-up; secondly, you get better shot-to-shot consistency; and thirdly – thanks to the consistency – accuracy is improved.

One Pellpax customer, who has a Wolverine R C-Type, says, “I like the accuracy and consistent power of shots. It has a great look and feel – a nice crisp trigger.”

The C-Type Wolverine R has a fixed air cylinder with a capacity of 200cc, whereas the B-Type has a 400/500cc steel buddy bottle, and the Hi Lite version has a 480cc super-light carbon bottle.

Right’s Right … Right?

All versions of the Wolverine R feature an ambidextrous thumbhole stock in a choice of high-grade walnut or grey laminate. The side lever can be positioned for either a right-handed shooter (90% of the population) or a left-handed shooter (10% of the population). After all, isn’t it about time we gave lefties a break?

The word right comes from the Old English riht, which in turn came from Germanic origin. The word is related to the Latin rectus, meaning ‘ruled’. In its evolutionary journey, right (in the sense of ‘right-hand side’) has travelled shotgun with right (as in ‘correct’).

Left is what has become of the Old English word lyft, meaning weak, which also has a Germanic origin. In German, left is links, and the word for ‘underhanded’ is link. The Latin for left is sinister.

The word adroit, meaning ‘clever’ or ‘skilful’, comes from the French à droit, which translates as ‘by rights’ or ‘properly’. The French word for left is gauche – used in English for ‘clumsy’ or ‘awkward’.

So, what I’m saying is, the left-hand side has always had bad press. And the 10% of the population who are left-handed have been on the wrong side of prejudice. But the Daystate Wolverine R, with a side lever that can be positioned on either side, is for everyone.

“That’s a really great feature,” says the owner of a B-Type. “My brother gave me his Wolverine R, but he’s left-handed and I’m right-handed, so we needed to get the lever changed over.”

More Info

This isn’t something you can do yourself, of course. For repairs and alterations, phone Pellpax on 01263 731 585 or email [email protected]

There’s a lot more to this rifle than we’ve looked at here. So why not take a more detailed look, here, at the various forms of this superb model.

In the words of one of our customers: “It’s champion!”

Olivia Hill is Selected for the Junior World Cup

Exciting News

Picture by Gaynor Warren

Seventeen-year-old Olivia Hill is going from strength to strength. At the 2019 ESSU Championships at Bisley on 27th and 28th April, Olivia qualified 1st in Juniors and 4th in the Open event, giving her a place in the final. Finishing 2nd overall, Olivia was the highest scoring junior, and came home with the title of English Junior 10m Air Rifle Champion.

With A level exams just weeks away, Olivia now had to focus on her studies. However, one afternoon in May, Olivia received some exciting news that drew her focus right back to shooting. She’d been selected for the 2019 Junior World Cup.

Junior World Cup 2019

On Friday 12th July, Olivia will travel with her team mates and coaches to Suhl, Germany. During the following week, she’ll compete in two 10m Precision Air Rifle events – individual, and mixed pairs – at the Suhl-Friedberg Shooting Centre, a venue that’s considered to be one of the world’s most attractive shooting facilities. Olivia will be shooting her Walther PCP rifle.

For hundreds of years, Suhl has held a significant position in the world of firearms and shooting. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Suhl was a world leader in the production of cannons, and in 1751, the famous firearms manufacturer, Sauer & Sohn, was established in the city. Suhl’s largest producer of firearms today is Merkel GmbH, manufacturer of rifles and shotguns.

Olivia’s Coach, Paul Goater

Olivia’s training programme is a never-ending regime; it’s a way of life. But with an important competition approaching, Olivia must raise her game.

Paul Goater, manager of the England Rifle Academy and lead air rifle coach for the Rifle Talent Squad (part of the GB Olympic Shooting Pathway), is Olivia’s primary coach.

“We’re currently in prep mode,” he explains. “But now we need to switch to comp mode. In competition mode, the emphasis is different. We generally don’t make changes, but just concentrate on ways of making sure Liv can deliver her performance in a match. So, we’ll look at tactics, balance, stress management, endurance, nutrition, mental skills … the things that will allow her to do well.”

Paul has known Olivia for about two years. Her progress, he tells me, is impressive.

“Liv is still developing quickly and exhibits all the behaviours and attitudes of a potentially great athlete. She’s been a real pleasure to coach, and if she keeps working hard, is certainly capable of great things.”

A Very Special Girl

Between now and 12th July, Olivia will take the remainder of her A level exams; she’ll continue to work part time at Carberrys café in Norwich; and she’ll train for the Junior World Cup. As this very special girl shows me her kit bag (how on earth will she carry it? – it’s enormous!), I feel incredibly lucky to know her.

My sentiments are echoed in Paul Goater’s words:

“I hope that I am fortunate enough to remain part of her support team moving forward.”

Very best wishes, Olivia, from all at Pellpax!

Give us a Call

For information about any of our products, or for advice about shooting or archery, just give us a call on 01263 731 585. Our experts are always pleased to help.