Here at Pellpax, we are really proud to announce that we will be sponsoring 19-year-old Amy Brown.
Determined, intelligent, focused, and diligent, she’s a champion in the making. Look out for her at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo; we believe she’ll be there.
After passing ‘A’ levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, Amy decided to take a gap year before starting university in order to dedicate her time and effort to Olympic Skeet.
Last year, Amy was travelling all over the country to train and compete with other top-quality shooters, including Olympic competitor, Amber Hill. But with the help of her supportive parents, who bought a touring caravan, Amy was able to train with her coach, Steve Bramley, for a week at a time at Doveridge Clay Sports Club in Derbyshire, which has hosted some of the world’s most prestigious clay shooting events.
Amy is now coached by Iain McGregor, who is based at Auchterhouse, in Dundee – voted by Clay Shooting Magazine readers as Scotland’s Favourite shooting ground. Iain is also coach to Drew Christie, a commonwealth silver medallist, and Sian Bruce, an international medallist who shoots for team GB.
Amy says, “Being able to train and compete alongside these excellent shots has provided me with great insight into how vital it is to maintain a high level of training at all times.”
Amy’s first step on her shooting career ladder was success at the Target Tokyo trials after being scouted by an APSI (Association of Professional Shooting Instructors) coach during the summer of 2015. During the autumn, Amy competed in the British Championships (Olympic Skeet), taking 2nd place in the Junior Ladies’ category.
This summer, representing England, Amy took first place in the Junior category at the Captain’s Cup against Scotland. She also achieved two personal bests. In September, Amy will be competing in the Serbia Grand Prix – her first international competition.
Amy’s intensive training stands her in good stead. She says, “It’s made me mentally stronger and more capable of holding my nerve in competitions.”
But Amy’s focus isn’t restricted to her own advancement. She and her 16-year-old sister, Erin, run a ladies’ and girls’ shooting club that meets monthly to raise funds for various charities, including the Great North Air Ambulance and Bloodwise, an organisation that is striving to defeat all 137 types of blood cancer.
So when you attend local, national, and international shooting competitions, look out for our Amy, who will be wearing logoed Pellpax clothing.And keep an eye on the Pellpax blog page for updates on Amy’s progress.
So what does Amy hope to achieve by the end of this year?
“My goals for 2016 are to make a senior ladies’ final at the GB selection shoot in September, and also get into the top ten senior ladies for Olympic Skeet in Great Britain.
And in the next couple of years?
“I have my sights set on being selected for the commonwealth games in Australia 2018, and by the end of 2018 I want to be in the top ten for skeet women in Europe.”
Trap and Skeet shooting are increasing in popularity
The popularity of target shooting is growing rapidly, especially among the young. New clubs are opening, and existing clubs are growing. Shooting is being introduced into schools and scouts groups. Opportunities for participation are opening up to everyone.
The sport is a test of concentration, steadiness of body and mind, technique, eyesight, and judgement. It’s one of the few sports that don’t rely upon strength, physical fitness, size, or speed. Many shooters are still on top form in old age. Large people are not hampered by excess body weight, and small people are not disadvantaged by lack of it.
1# Early Game Shooting
King Henry VIII was very fond of firearms – the new-fangled weapons that were superseding bows and arrows. In the 16th century, game shooting was an elitist sport, and since the late 14th century had been restricted to men worth £2 a year or more. An Act of Parliament in 1671 stipulated that only men with a landed income of at least £100 per year were permitted to take game, reflecting inevitable inflation and a rather slow reaction to it.
2# Early Trap Shooting
The sport of trap shooting has been around since 1750, when live birds, usually pigeons, were used as targets. The birds were held in traps or under hats and then released – to be shot at. Sometimes inanimate objects, like potatoes, were hurled into the air for targets. At one particular competition, cricket balls were launched by a fast bowler.
3# Glass Ball Targets
In the 1860s, the glass ball was introduced – possibly in England, but popularised in the US by Charles Portlock. These targets – hollow glass spheres filled with feathers (for realism) or sometimes with dust, flour, or shredded newspaper – were catapulted into the air by simple traps. The sport had now become cheaper (and consequently more popular), consistent, and more humane.
The simplest form of glass ball target had a smooth surface, but the designs became more sophisticated, with ridged or patterned surfaces, which prevented shot from glancing off. Sometimes the balls were marked with the manufacturer’s name.
The problem with glass balls, though, was the debris – large quantities of broken glass. Participants would often shoot over water, and divers of later decades have retrieved many whole (i.e. missed) balls. There were attempts to develop alternative forms of inanimate targets, like the reusable wooden ball with an explosive surface, and the ecologically friendly ball designed to decompose.
The glass balls, which were in use for only a couple of decades before the invention of clay targets in 1880, were made in bright colours, and it’s not uncommon for modern-day collectors of glass ball targets to come across them hanging on Christmas trees. They’re often mistaken for baubles!
4# The Naming of Skeet
Bang … bye-bye blackbird … these are two of the many thousand competition entries for naming the new US shooting game invented by Charles E Davies in 1920. The naming competition, run in 1926, was won by a housewife from Montana, Gertrude Hurlbutt, who suggested skeet, a word derived from the Norwegian ‘skyte’, meaning ‘shoot’.
5# A Young Star
Miroslav Bednarik, a Czechoslovakian International Trap shooter, was born in 1965. In 1985, Miroslav was picked for the Open World Trap competition at the Montecatini club in Italy, known as the ‘mecca’ of international clay target shooting, but with the reputation of being one of the most difficult.
At twenty years old, Miroslav was still young enough to compete in junior events and was a favourite for the junior world title. But entering the senior competition meant that he would not be eligible to take part as a junior. A dilemma? For Bednarik, it was a no-brainer. He broke 197 of the 200 clays, becoming the only junior shooter in the history of the ISSF to win the senior Open World Trap title.
In 1989, at just 24 years old, the young Czechoslovakian champion was killed in a motorcycle accident.
6# Winchester Models
Kimberley Rhode, an American born in 1979, is an International Double Trap and Skeet champion, considered by the ISSF to be one of their four greatest shotgun shooters of all time. After her win at a prestigious international sporting competition in London in 2012, Kimberley’s image appeared on a Winchester Ammunition cartridge box.
Before Kimberley, only three other people had been featured on a Winchester Ammunition box. These were: company founder Oliver Winchester, actor John Wayne, and US president Theodore Roosevelt.
Champion shooter and trap machine inventor, John Bidwell
7# Automatic Trap Machines
In 1909, the first automatic trap machine was used. Over the last century, the machines have been developed and improved. One of the latest models is the Auto Sporter Clay Trap machine, which is supplied to shooting clubs and competitive events all over the world and is used in conjunction with an automatic counter system.
It was invented by John Bidwell, who is a world champion clay pigeon shooter and the owner / manager of High Lodge, a sports and events centre in Suffolk, where the Auto Shooter is manufactured.
You can grab shotguns for sale and target shooting supplies by heading to our Rifles and Shotguns store.
Let’s face it, taking a date to a restaurant or the cinema is nice but dull. To really make a first date go with a ‘bang’, why not try something new and exciting, and go Clay Pigeon Shooting instead?
Steph from the the Pellpax team tests out a Webley and Scott shotgun
What is Clay Pigeon Shooting?
One thing you may have to clarify to your date is that no actual animals are hurt in the act of Clay Pigeon Shooting – you’ll be surprised at how many people think that it actually involves shooting pigeons. Certainly not ideal if your date is a vegetarian so best to get that cleared up quickly!
Why is it good for a date?
Is there anything more powerful and masculine than a firearm?! Not to mention the Lara Croft vibe than women with guns can give off – amazing.
It’s an activity, which means you avoid awkward silences and boredom, but it is still able to have a nice conversation and get to know your date.
Shooting is a lot of fun and accessible for everyone as it is not cardio-focussed. In fact, there is an official Disabled Shooters Group who are recognised by the British International Target Shooting Federation and often compete.
Then, of course, there is the low-maintenance fashion choices. No stilettos and miniskirts here, just good, classic earthy tones, tweed and sturdy boots – natural beauty and so cute! Not to mention your own opportunity to wear a themed tie!
Which type of shooting should you try?
There are a surprising amount of variations of Clay Pigeon Shooting under the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association, however they all fall under the three main areas:
Trap Shooting With activities that fall under trap shooting, the clay targets vary in speed and direction and shooters tend to be around 15m away from the traps where the targets are thrown from. Trap shooting is great for beginners and gives you the opportunity to watch your date at work and evoke some healthy competition!
Skeet Shooting Skeet shooting involves two trap houses, around 40m apart where targets are thrown from. Shooters stand in one of seven shooting positions in a semi circle. Skeet shooting is ideal for a group date but not so much one-to-one.
English Sporting Clays This is of course, competitive shooting and is more advanced, with targets varying greatly in every way. If yourself and your date are seasoned professionals in the Clay Pigeon Shooting game, this is a great form, however, otherwise it’s probably best to work up to this.
Tracking a clay pigeon
What will you need?
Clay Pigeon Shooting ranges will have all the equipment to rent and of course we have a huge range of guns and cartridges to purchase if you find that you love the sport. Other than the obvious, you will need ear defenders, waterproofs and snacks – why not pack a picnic over which you can discuss who was best and plan the next date!
Where can you go?
There are a whole host of Clay Pigeon ranges where you can try out trap shooting and skeet shooting across the country who offer great deals for beginners. For example, Manchester Clay Shooting Club offers packages from just £40 per person for those wanting to give it a go and provide all equipment and a professional instructor.
Ribble Bank Field Sports charge 30p per clay for non-members of their club and have facilities to cater for all abilities, as long as they are able to hold the gun correctly.
If you are based further South, West Kent Shooting offer taster sessions and lessons for shooters of all levels.
Wherever you are based, chances are you won’t have to journey far to find your local Clay Pigeon Shooting arena – all that’s left to do now is find a date!
One of our distinctive Pellpax vans on the way to a delivery.
One of the most important parts of Pellpax is our door to door airgun & shotgun delivery service. Unlike many of our competitors, who often send your order to your local Registered Firearms Dealer for collection, we have the facility to deliver air rifles, air pistols and shotgun cartridges nationwide, directly to your door.
These deliveries take place each weekend thanks to our team of drivers, many of whom are previously members of the armed forces and police. To shed more light on this very special air rifle delivery service, we sent out blogger and writer Hazel Randall to spend some time with one of our drivers…..
Friday lunchtime:
Parcels are being loaded into the van in reverse order of delivery. Every item has been double-checked, all guns have been fired, and each package has the customer’s name written clearly on it. The driver, Chris Avern, is handed a folder labelled NORTH, which contains 54 invoices and three hotel booking forms, all in correct order. Taped to the front of the folder is Pellpax’s Certificate of Registration as a Firearms Dealer.
Sophisticated software used in the Pellpax office has calculated the route and approximate time between drops. Taking into account time that will be spent with customers, an estimated time of arrival has been written on each invoice, and customers have been advised of this time. (No pressure then, Chris.)
Chris programmes the satnav with the postcode for the first drop, copied from the invoice. The satnav shows an estimated time of arrival – a few minutes earlier than the time shown on the invoice.
Pellpax delivery driver Chris tours the country each weekend.
Chris locks the back door of the van and sets off. In the back of the van there’s a CCTV camera, and above the passenger seat is a tiny monitor. Security is paramount.
The sky is overcast and there’s a chill in the air, but the weather forecast for the north of England is good. With Radio 2 playing in the background and mobile phone (with Bluetooth connection) fixed to the dashboard, Chris begins his solitary three-day sojourn.
This is the first weekend in June. White hawthorn is frothing madly in the hedgerows, its sweet scent drifting into the van. Now and then, a splash of pink or red may blossom grabs the eye, and then it’s gone, leaving its glorious image hovering in the memory. Meadows are studded with daisies, and in the gardens, laburnum trees are weighed down by copious yellow blossom.
Chris arrives at the first address five minutes ahead of time. He takes the customer’s package from the van and knocks on the front door. The door is opened by a smiling, middle-aged man, who congratulates Chris on his excellent time-keeping. The two men have a friendly chat, and the customer tells Chris about his pigeon problem. The client’s ID documents are on the hall table, ready for this delivery.
When Chris delivers a gun or any item related to guns – pellets, scope, silencer, etc. – he must see photographic ID and a household bill that connects the client’s name and billing address. Chris records passport or driving licence serial numbers, and signs to say that he has seen the documents. If the photographic ID is something other than passport or driving licence, and there is no serial number to record, Chris takes a photograph of the document for reference. Then the client signs the form. When the paperwork is complete, Chris hands over the goods and the invoice and invites the client to check his purchase.
Chris makes a successful delivery to another happy customer.
Back in the van, Chris takes the second invoice from the folder and enters the postcode in the satnav. The ETA displayed on the satnav is 10 minutes ahead of the ETA on the invoice. Chris is making good time.
Already, the sky is clearer and the sun is warming the air. Chris takes off his sweater and throws it onto the passenger seat. He winds the window down halfway and sings along to Dire Straits and Walk of Life.
In the beautiful city of Lincoln, the Pellpax van scoots up and down the steep roads, carving a route between flower-filled gardens and elegant architecture.
When the Romans invaded the Iron Age settlement of Lindo (Celtic for pool) in 48 AD, they renamed the town Lindum Colonia, but by 1066 the name had evolved into old English Lincylene. During WW1, the first ever tanks were designed and built in Lincoln, and the city’s manufacturers continued to produce a wide range of military vehicles during WW2.
After one drop in the middle of Lincoln, Chris heads for The Humber Bridge – a 2,220-metre suspension bridge over the Humber Estuary, connecting Lincolnshire to the East Riding of Yorkshire. The Humber Bridge is the seventh longest of its kind in the world; however, when it was opened to traffic in 1981, it was the longest. It’s foggy and drizzling with rain when Chris makes the crossing. With the window wound up, he croons an accompaniment to Dolly Parton as she sings I Will Always Love You.
Crossing the Humber Bridge
In the evening, after a delicious spicy pizza and a bottle of Coke, Chris arrives at a pre-booked hotel in Bradford. He has delivered to ten addresses today. Backing the van against the car park wall, he takes his overnight bag into the hotel, signs in, and snuggles into bed.
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Saturday morning
Chris is jerked awake, by his phone alarm. The first drop, half an hour’s drive from the hotel, is due soon. Chris showers, dresses, and finishes up last night’s pizza. Shortly after, he’s driving away from the hotel, squinting into the low sun.
Chris arrives in good time at the first address. The customer is wearing a dressing gown but answers the door promptly, ID in hand. He and Chris greet one another like old friends. This is a repeat customer – a man appreciative of the Pellpax air rifle delivery service.
The next customer is not in. Chris knocks several times and phones the contact number given on the invoice. Five minutes after the due delivery time, Chris writes a note to say that he has called and slips it through the letterbox. He’ll have to take this item home again.
Nobody’s home, so Chris leaves a note for a customer.
Twenty minutes later, Chris is driving into the pleasant grounds of a residential home. The sniper rifle to be delivered is for a member of staff. The door is opened by the client’s colleague, who has her own ID ready. Chris asks to see the client’s ID as well, but it seems that he hasn’t left it for her. Chris has no other phone number for the client, other than the number for this address. The lady tries to contact the client, but with no success. Chris apologises and says that he will not leave the rifle without seeing the required ID. There is no other option – he must take the gun back to Pellpax.
Today’s route takes Chris over the Yorkshire Dales. But first he must fill up with diesel – and coffee. The large red Costa sign that stands at the garage entrance is reminiscent of one of those seductive ladies who stand by an oasis in the Road films, beckoning to Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Fortunately, the Costa sign is not a mirage.
Chris has long distances to drive between drops today. There are only 16 addresses to visit, but they span a distance of several hundred miles.
The view from Sharp Haw – a hill with an elevation of 357 metres on the southern edge of the Dales – is stunning. The word ‘haw’ comes from Old English ‘hawian’ (view). Chris stops the car and gets out for a few moments. His feet brush past bright yellow buttercups on impossibly slender stems, vying for attention with gorgeous campion and achingly pretty bindweed.
There are traffic jams in Hull. Temporary lights at roadworks seem to be permanently red. Chris makes a phone call to his next customer, explaining that he’s stuck in traffic queues. Apologising for the delay, he gives an estimated time of arrival, adding that he might be even later. The customer says not to worry – she’s well aware of the roadworks and the delays they’re causing.
After dropping off the parcel, Chris phones the next customer. He’s twenty minutes behind time, but the roads are fairly clear now. He tells the customer that he’ll be there within half an hour.
It’s evening, and Chris makes his final drop of the day 15 minutes after the due delivery time. Perked up a little by a nourishing KFC, Chris makes his way to the pre-booked Travel Lodge in Hull. Before signing in, he enters the postcode of tomorrow’s first drop in the satnav. He signs in, has a shower, and falls into bed.
***************
Sunday morning:
Chris wakes, showers and leaves the hotel. His mood is not going to match the lovely weather until he’s had a coffee. After ten minutes of driving, an oasis appears. With a large Costa coffee inside him, the monster that got out of bed minutes earlier turns into a Beach Boys backing singer.
This morning, Chris delivers the only shotgun of the weekend – a Webley and Scott 900 Extreme Sporter 30” Barrel, 12 gauge. In addition to ID checks, Chris must see the client’s firearms licence and sign to say that he has seen it. With this invoice are two copies of a Firearm Transfer Notification letter. On this occasion, there are no shotgun cartridges delivered, but we do have the very rare facility to do this, also.
The client must enter information about the firearm purchased from Pellpax, including the serial number, along with his own name, address, and licence number. It’s the client’s responsibility to send his copy by recorded post to his local firearms department. Chris takes the second copy back to Pellpax for their records.
A drop on the western outskirts of Kendal takes Chris through the picturesque town, famous for Kendal mint cake, the high-energy confectionary that sustained numerous explorers on expeditions to Mount Everest, K2, and the north and south poles.
During the first half of the second millennium, the main industry in Kendal was the manufacture of woollen goods – notably the hard-wearing fabric known as Kendal Green, worn by archers in battles of the Hundred Years War. The cloth was steeped in a yellow dye produced from Genista tinctoria (dyer’s broom), and then overdyed with blue Isatis tinctoria (dyer’s woad). The motto on the Kendal coat of arms is Pannus mihi panis (cloth is my bread).
Driving over Lambrigg Fell in Cumbria, Chris passes the Lambrigg Wind Farm (pictured), owned by RWE npower renewables (previously National Wind Power). The wind farm, opened in September 2000, comprises five turbines that produce enough pollution-free electricity to meet the average needs of around 2,500 UK homes.
Today takes Chris both under and over the River Mersey, and across the rivers Kent and Aire. He crosses the Manchester Ship Canal and the Aire & Calder Navigation, which leads into the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
Grazing the outskirts of Liverpool, Chris’ route wends eastward. The day ends at a Premier Inn in Derby – an unusual arrangement of chalet-style rooms around a courtyard, with external stairs to the upper storey. Chris drops his bag onto the floor and falls face-down onto the bed.
***************
Monday morning:
Just eight more drops to do. For some reason, Chris craves something fishy to eat. He settles for a prawn-mayonnaise sandwich from a garage shop, accompanied, of course, by a Costa coffee. This leads to a hearty rendition of the James Bond theme song, Nobody Does it Better.
After the final drop, Chris fills up with diesel; there’s a two-hour drive back to the Pellpax base in Aylsham, Norfolk. When he arrives, Chris hands the undelivered items to sales manager, Jason Whittle, explaining the circumstances of each one, and takes the paperwork to the office.
This weekend, Chris has driven over a thousand miles, through 14 counties, and has visited 54 addresses. Next weekend will be similar, but the route will be different. But now it’s time to go home. Chris exchanges the Pellpax van for his own ‘Fred’, and drives away, just in time to collect his son from school.
This month, we spoke to veteran shotgun champion, John Bidwell. The Suffolk-based shooter is highly respected in the world of shooting, and has won in venues all over the world – from Spain to Australia, Germany to America, and many at home in Britain. In this interview, he shares with us his illustrious shooting career, his conferencing and shooting venue High Lodge, Clay Pigeon Shooting Association, charity work, and much more.
With seven World Championship titles in individual events and 30 years’ participation in the Great Britain shooting team, 68-year-old John Bidwell is still competing at international level in the Super Veteran category. He is the inventor and manufacturer of the Auto Sporter Clay Trap machine and the founding owner of one of the most prodigious shooting venues in the country. John is the author of Move, Mount, Shoot: A Champion’s Guide to Sporting Clays, described as ‘the only comprehensive manual’of the maintained lead method of shooting.
Do you come from a shooting background, John?
No, I don’t. My dad really wasn’t a fan of guns, although he’d worked as an armourer during the war. I got no encouragement from my parents when it came to shooting. I loved the sport, though, and I grabbed every opportunity to practise. In the late 1960s, when I was in my early twenties, I joined a shooting club, and ten years later I was part of the Great Britain shooting team. I’d never had a single lesson!
Tell us about your first shooting club and how you moved on to High Lodge.
The sport had been rapidly gaining popularity during the 1970s, and in 1982, we – my wife, Sally, and I – leased a bit of land at Henham Park in Suffolk, bought some second-hand equipment, and set up our first shooting club. I’d already got this vision of helping to make shooting a more mainstream sport, giving everybody the opportunity to have a go. I did some coaching while Sally ran the clubhouse. I say ‘clubhouse’ – it was a portable hut where members could get a hot drink and a burger!
In 1989, when the lease on the Henham Park land was about to run out, we got the opportunity to buy 100 acres of land at Hinton in Suffolk.
Can you describe High Lodge?
Well, I’m very proud of the fact that it’s one of only a few British shooting venues with a CPSA Premium rating. We’re now a 120-acre luxury resort, catering for conferences and corporate hospitality, short breaks, and celebratory occasions; we do quite a few weddings, actually. I run it with my two daughters, Jane and Helen. Sadly, Sally died in August 2011. She’s very much missed in the shooting world.
A popular feature at High Lodge is our ‘indoor’ outdoor range. Safety cages are incorporated into 12’ by 8’ wooden structures that provide shelter for people and equipment. We have a golf course, which opened in March 1998, an archery range, and two half-acre fishing lakes.
As far as accommodation goes, we’re growing. At the moment we have 19 luxury lodges – with planning permission for an additional 32, which are presently under construction. We have some rather nice function rooms and five-star catering, with extensive parking – and even helicopter landing facilities.
Is the Auto Sporter Clay Trap your own invention?
Absolutely. When we opened High Lodge, all the traps were manually operated, which was restrictive for shooters, because you couldn’t just pop out for a session without booking someone to pull. So, during the following few years, I worked on the production of electrically powered traps. My first model ran off the mains, but eventually we had the Auto Sporter Clay Trap machine, which is still manufactured on site at High Lodge by experienced technicians and engineers. It’s supplied to shooting clubs and competitive events all over the world and is used in conjunction with an automatic counter system.
What is your connection with Blaser, the German gun manufacturer?
Fourteen years ago, Blaser got me to help them design their new F3 model. I showcased the F3 prototype shotgun for sale in the FITASC World Championship in France – and actually won! This was great publicity for the F3. I’ve had a close relationship with Blaser and the F3 ever since.
… And other sponsorships?
I have a long-standing relationship with Eley, the leading shotgun cartridges manufacturer, and I’ve recently engaged in mutual promotion with Lings of Lowestoft and their Mitsubishi L200 truck.
Tell us about your relationship with the CPSA. You’re Honorary Vice President.
The CPSA – that’s the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association – takes good care of its members. But the recruitment of new members is a role typically taken on by clubs like ours. The have-a-go sessions that I organise at shooting events, and the accessibility to the sport that High Lodge offers, open the door to beginners. At High Lodge, a special rate is offered to anyone who joins the CPSA – in fact, High Lodge recruits more CPSA members than any other club in the country.
What’s coming up this year for you?
Okay – I’ll give you a list of events. There’ll be have-a-go sessions at most of these.
High Lodge is well known for its charity events. Is this an important part of your work?
Yes, we’ve hosted many fundraising events for causes like East Anglian Children’s Hospices (EACH), East Anglian Air Ambulance, Cancer Research, The Multiple Sclerosis Society, Macmillan … and lots of others. One particular cause that’s close to our hearts is the care of Guillain-Barré sufferers; this is the debilitating disease that attacked Sally five years ago. We have an annual memorial shoot for Sally. I donated my solid silver World Championship trophy, won in 1996, as the champion’s prize for this event.
John is running a series of ‘have a go’ drop in sessions at his lodge. The dates are.
April 25th-26th: East Anglian Game & Country Fair at the Norfolk Showground, NR11 7WW
June 15th-18th: The Clay Shooting Classic at High Lodge, IP17 3QT
July 2nd-3rd: Country Fair at Heveningham Hall Estate, IP19 0PN
September 1st-4th: CPSA British Open Championship at High Lodge, IP17 3QT
September 10th-11th: Sandringham Game and Country Fair, PE35 6EN
If you’re interested in learning about using a shotgun, A great way to begin shooting is with a beginners course or some assisted training from an instructor. Our resident shooting journalist Hazel Randall tried out one such course, heading out for some instruction from Alan Evans of Fair Clay Targets.
Clay Pigeon Shooting. Credit: Dennis van Zuijlekom, ‘Barrage’.
I arrived at my destination with a hammering heart and a sense of dread. My life-long fear of guns – including toy ones, which, pointed at my body, can induce in me a shameful hysteria – was kicking against the whole idea. As I shook hands with Alan Evans, of Fair Clay Targets, I put on what I hoped was a brave face.
Alan was just as I expected him to be – tall, friendly, and relaxed. My nerves subsided a little. He led me to a wooden table, where a double-barrelled, over-&-under 12-bore shotgun lay open. Alan showed me that there was no cartridge in the opened barrel. He put one into the chamber, and then he took it out again.
Having established that there was no ammunition in the gun, and that death was not imminent, Alan closed the barrel and got me to hold the gun. He showed me how to tuck the stock (I’d always called it the ‘handle’) into my right armpit, support the fore-end with my left hand, and push the lever with my right thumb to open the barrel. I then closed the barrel. I did this a few times, growing a little more comfortable.
Holding the gun
The next step was to learn how to hold the gun. I was shown how to push the butt into my right shoulder, supporting the fore-end with my left hand. Throughout the session, I made the mistake of positioning my hand too far forward, restricting the movement of the barrel when aiming. With right hand on the grip, forefinger on the trigger, and cheek nestled into position directly over my left foot, I stood side-on to my ‘target’ (Alan’s right eye). Cross-eyed and a little shaky, I tried to position the tiny white sight at the end of the barrel over my target. I was glad when that bit was over.
My heart rate rose again when we went over to the cage from which I was to shoot. Immediately in front of it, a rope ran the width of the field. I was told to stay behind the rope. Alan operated the trap from where we stood, pulling a couple of clays so that I knew what to expect. These clays, flying onto a background of trees, were bright orange, showing up well against the dark backdrop. The trap from the other end of the field fired black clays towards us; these were easily seen against the sky. Alan told me that the clays were biodegradable, and the debris was left where it fell, to decompose within a couple of weeks. I thought that was pretty marvellous. Alan gave me some ear protection to put on. It was time to shoot.
I opened the barrel, and Alan slipped a 24-gram shot cartridge into one of the chambers. Now the adrenalin was racing through my body. That first shot (which missed, obviously!) thrust the butt into my shoulder, and the bang filled my head. It was exhilarating. I liked the smell of the sizzling fumes that curled out of the chamber after the remains of the cartridge had popped out.
Following the clay
I found it difficult to follow the clays with my eyes and the barrel simultaneously, often holding the gun in a fixed position while my gaze wandered over the sky. Because my face was not hugged firmly into the barrel, my head tended to jerk backwards, throwing me off balance and the gun off target.
Thanks to Alan’s patience and expertise, my first experience of using a gun was an enjoyable one. The session ended with a strong, sweet cup of coffee and a biscuit, and the day ended with an almighty headache!
Here one of our up and coming shotgun enthusiasts, Steph Brooks, compares two excellent over and under shotguns….
The cost of attaining a new shotgun license has increased in recent years from £50 to almost £80 as of the 6th of April 2015. Nonetheless, the number of legally held shotguns in this country has increased year on year, thanks to the popularity of both game hunting and clay pigeon shooting, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Buying a new shotgun can be a daunting task, particularly for those new to the hobby as there are many things to consider when shopping. Attributes such as gauge, barrel length and action can be easily assessed, but there are more personal concerns, such as the amount of recoil felt, or how well a shotgun fits into the shoulder, that can be hard to measure, particularly when buying online. Because of this I am putting two over and under shotguns to the test, and will attempt to guide you through the maze of terminology to help you make a successful choice.
Looks
Clean Lines and no clutter: The Webley & Scott 900 Game
Out of all the attributes to consider when buying a new shotgun, looks are perhaps the most personal and, in my view, the least important. By this I mean that, so long as the shotgun is accurate and reliable, it can look like an old log, and I would return to use it.
As it turns out, both of these shotguns are far better looking than that, and actually broadly resemble one another in terms of shape. These shotguns both utilise a walnut stock, but the colouration on the 900 is more clearly defined than the Premier with the latter using silk varnish that doesn’t enhance the grain as much as a simple oiled finish. This gives the 900 has a slight edge in terms of appearance, but also a more tactile feel in the hands.
The receiver of the 900 and the Premier are both manufactured from a single piece of steel and both feature laser inscription that is of a very high standard. The Premier features various patterns that while clearly inscribed, seem to be somewhat unrelated. The birds I understand but what is that medallion looking thing meant to be? A clay? In any case I prefer the simple branding on the side of the 900, with its clean lines and less clutter.
Winner: Webley & Scott 900 Game
Comfort
Lighter, with a good recoil pad: the W&S 900 Game
The Premier weighs in at a shade over 3 kilos with the 900 weighing 2.6. This may not be too noticeable when first picking the shotguns up, but after a few rounds of shooting with shoulder fatigue playing a part, I assure you that this will become a noticeable difference. The chequering on the 900 seems to be deeper and better positioned as well, ensuring a secure grip at all times and providing better control between the hands.
This is also aided by the better balance that the 900 provides, although it worth pointing out that this particular 900 has 26” barrels, and still retains a positive bias towards them. Models of the 900 are available with barrel lengths up to 30” and it would be fair to assume that these models would be more top heavy than the Premier.
The 900 also features a far thicker recoil pad than the premier and with both shotguns capable of firing significant 12 gauge loads this seems to me to be somewhat of an oversight. Despite gun’s added weight, which should slow the gun down when firing, the Premier kicks particularly hard, like many Lincoln shotguns, and lacks the amount of rubber required at the butt to soften the blow, leading to increased fatigue and, in the hands of an inexperienced shooter, more flinch and worse accuracy.
However the Premier does have the edge when it comes to the trigger. The 900 features a trigger with a larger length of pull at almost 14 ¾” and a pull weight of 6lbs compared to the Premier’s 4 ¾lbs. This made the Premier’s trigger seem crisper and more responsive and gives better control over shot placement despite the increased recoil. Whilst the trigger is better I can’t understand the decision to forgo a rubber recoil pad on the Lincoln so I would recommend the 900. Trust me, your shoulders will thank you.
Winner: Webley & Scott 900 Game
Performance
Longer barrel, and a tighter spread: the Lincoln Premier
The most important thing to consider when buying a shotgun is how well it shoots. This seems like somewhat of an obvious statement, but you would be surprised by the amount of people that are swayed by lasering on the receiver, or a goldplated trigger.
This has always seemed counter-intuitive to me and reminds me slightly of the heavily customised cars you see being driven around proudly that underneath all the Halfords body kits and stickers are still just a 1 litre Corsa bought on finance. After all, it is tight spreads and high pellet energy that kill birds, not how the prestigious the gun looks when nestled above the fireplace.
The action of the Premier seems somewhat stiffer and harder to use than the 900, but I put this down to it being a new gun and nothing that some repeated use and a little lubrication won’t fix.
The Premier and the 900 both produce tight spreads, with the Premier slightly edging it terms of shot pattern thanks to its longer barrels, and slightly tighter choke. This rewards good shooting and ensures more clean kills and less “wing” shots. The 900 also, while well centred, seems to shoot a little high compared to where the sights are pointing even when aiming as though the bird was perched on top of the front iron. This can be somewhat corrected with a full choke but never seemed to be as dead centre as the Premier.
All in all I think the Lincoln Premier wins this one, although I would like to see a test conducted between a Premier and a 900 Game with similar length barrels for comparison.
Winner: Lincoln Premier
Conclusions
Overall, I think that there are many things to like about both of these shotguns, the 900 is undoubtedly more comfortable to shoulder and fire but when it comes to all round performance I think the Lincoln shotgun just edges it. This was a particularly close run comparison however and it is easy to see why these shotguns are available for almost identical prices. Despite its heavy recoil, the Lincoln features a crisp trigger and better degree of accuracy and tighter spreads and no amount of stained walnut will make a shotgun better than that.
You can grab a Lincoln Premier here, and a Webley 900 Game here. The full range of Lincoln shotguns is here. For further advice, you can call us on 01263 731585, or email at [email protected].
You don’t own a gun. You have never fired a gun. You have no gun licence. You don’t know how to obtain a licence. You don’t know if you need a licence. You don’t know anybody who shoots. So how do you get started with clay pigeon shooting?
Clay Pigeon Shooting. Credit: Dennis van Zuijlekom, ‘Barrage’.
When you attend your introductory shooting lesson, you don’t need a licence or a gun of your own. Current legislation allows an unlicensed person to borrow a gun belonging to the occupier (not necessarily the owner, but a licensed person) of privately owned land, in his or her presence.
Do I need a licence?
However, it is a legal requirement that anybody who owns a shotgun must hold an up-to-date licence. A first shotgun licence, valid for five years and issued by the Firearms Licensing Unit of the local police force, can be obtained at a cost of £79.50 on completion of an application form (201) and a follow-up interview with a police officer. Form 201, application for a firearm and / or a shotgun licence, can be downloaded from various websites, including the BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation), Shooting UK (a popular UK shooting website), and your local police force’s website. A shotgun licence application can take months – or as little as three weeks; it depends on whereabouts in the country you live. We’ve written a detailed blog post on the topic here.
Where can I practise clay pigeon shooting?
Clay Pigeon Trap Shooting can be found in local clubs around the country.
There are over 500 clay pigeon shooting clubs in the UK, including 11 in Norfolk. You can find your local club by heading over to the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association. Check out our site for all your shooting accessories. Contact a club near you and book yourself onto a clay pigeon shooter beginner’s session, where you will be coached in technique, gun safety, site safety … and jargon, of course!
As a beginner, you will use a gun with a fitted recoil pad. Recoil (also known as knockback, kickback or kick) is the backward momentum of the gun when it is discharged. Being of equal force to the projectile (plus any ejected gases), the recoil is, understandably, quite a shock for a first-time shooter. Recoil pads are made from a soft material, e.g. rubber or leather, and are attached to the buttstock of the gun or strapped onto the shooter’s shoulder, which also serves to prevent the gun from slipping on clothing.
And what about clothing and essential shooting supplies?
Wear comfortable, safe shoes. Wellington boots are ideal in wet weather, and in drier conditions, walking boots or trainers are suitable. Ensure that laces are securely tied. Well-fitting clothes are essential. Tight clothing will obviously restrict movement, but baggy clothing, too, is restrictive in its tendency to get in the way.
The wearing of adequate and effective eye protection by shooters and trappers is now mandatory. It’s possible to wear additional eye protection over the top of prescription glasses; however, many people find this physically uncomfortable and a visual hindrance. As glasses are considered ‘adequate and effective’ protection, people often choose to wear either their own glasses or special eye protection.
It is advisable to wear some form of hearing protection is also compulsory when clay pigeon shooting. A discharging gun is extremely loud, and eardrum damage is irreversible. Check out advice from the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association for more advice on the exact guidelines;
You may be tempted by the impressive array of shotguns we sell here at Pellpax. Unlike many shotgun retailers online, we can deliver them direct to your door. However, you will need a licence, as it’s a requirement of law here in the UK. We take a look at how you go about acquiring a shotgun certificate here.
A Licence is Essential
A shotgun, under section 1(3) a of the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended), is defined as a smooth bore gun (not being an air weapon); having a bore less than 5.08 cm and a barrel not less than 60.96 cm; having either no magazine or a non-detachable magazine incapable of holding more than two cartridges; and not a revolver gun.
It is a legal requirement that anybody who owns a shotgun or buys a shotgun for sale, must hold an up-to-date licence. A first shotgun licence, valid for five years and issued by the Firearms Licensing Unit of the local police force, can be obtained at a cost of £79.50 on completion of an application form (201) and a follow-up interview with a police officer.
Form 201, application for a firearm and / or a shotgun licence, can be downloaded from various websites, including the BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation), and your local police force’s website.
Security & Vital Info
It is good practice to arrange security immediately, ensuring that your locking cabinet, or alternative storage, complies with safety regulations. The application form includes questions about the provision of storage and security – proposed or in place – and the visiting police officer will need to be satisfied that your arrangements are appropriate; the application process can be slowed down by a lack of adequate security measures in place.
When completing form 201, you will be asked to give personal information regarding contact details, previous names and addresses, place and date of birth, nationality, convictions, and place of work. There is a section concerning personal health. It is a legal requirement that the applicant discloses all physical and mental health issues, both current and historical, and the signing of the form gives the police permission to contact the GP in order to verify the information given.
Any person who has known you for at least two years may act as a referee. The referee’s personal details (full name, date of birth, occupation etc) and contact details must be provided, along with four passport-style photographs of the applicant – one of which must be signed by the applicant.
The Next Stage
After four to six weeks, you will receive notification about your application. If this first stage has been successful, a police officer will visit you at your home to discuss safety arrangements – proposed or in place – and your reasons for owning a shotgun. It is perfectly reasonable to say that you want to take part in shooting for sport.
If the officer is satisfied with your security instalment, he will notify the Chief Officer of Police, and your certificate will be issued. If everything else is satisfactory, but your provision for safe storage is not yet in place, your certificate will be hand delivered by a police officer once he has seen, and is satisfied with, your gun security arrangements.
If successful, the certificate you will be issued with will last for 5 years. If you’re unsuccessful, you will receive a letter from the local Chief of Police, with the reason, and detail of the appeals procedure.
You can check out and buy a shotgun for sale from our online store right here. We sell shotgun accessories, too.
A successful pheasant shooter is a skilled gunman who understands the behaviour of birds in their own habitat. He needs certain equipment: cartridge belt, shooting bags, ear protection, knives, etc. His most important tool, though, is the shotgun.
A hunter’s favourite gun becomes his life-long companion, as familiar to him as a part of himself. When choosing to buy a shotgun for sale, one must ensure that it is durable, accurate, well balanced, and of a suitable weight. It needs to be just right.
Choosing and using your gun responsibly is important. Here is President Barack Obama shooting clay targets on the range at Camp David
Advantages Of Buying A Lightweight Gun
When trekking long distances across rough terrain, a heavy gun can be a burden. Something in the seven- or eight-pound range is ideal for an adult male; for a woman or a young shooter, an even lighter piece of equipment is advisable.
Although a light gun is great for carrying around all day, it is important that the weight is distributed slightly forward, allowing for easy tracking of the target, a positive swing and follow-through, and reduced recoil. Lighter guns will produce quite a lot of recoil, and this can be a strain on the shoulder.
It is typically the opinion of hunters that the benefits of a light gun outweigh the disadvantage of any extra kick that might occur, especially when the gun is to be carried over long distances. Extra padding on the shoulder will help to prevent discomfort.
Choosing Your Gauge
The gauge of a firearm is a unit of measurement used to express the diameter of the barrel bore, determined from the weight of a solid sphere of lead that will fit inside the bore. A barrel with capacity to fit a lead sphere weighing one ounce (1/16 pound) is labelled a 16-bore gauge; a barrel with capacity to fit a lead sphere weighing two ounces (1/8 pound) is labelled an 8-bore gauge.
The 12-gauge shotgun is the best option for any adult shooter of pheasant or small game; ammunition is readily available and comparatively cheap. A 16- and 20-gauge model is more suitable for youngsters. A 3-inch shell is advisable; it provides enough power to take down almost any pheasant.
Double, Semi-Automatic & ‘Over and Under’ Shotguns
The traditional double-barrelled shotgun is the general favourite among pheasant shooters, because the double barrel allows for different chokes. A more open choke is usually used on the first shot, and for the second shot, a full choke aids with the extra distance. Although expensive, these guns will last a lifetime if handled correctly; they have a classic appearance and are functional for pheasant shooting.
For pheasant shooting, barrel length is an issue only as far as personal preference is concerned; a hunter must feel comfortable with his gun. The minimum legal barrel length is 24 inches; anything up to 32 inches is suitable.
Driving over Lambrigg Fell in Cumbria, Chris passes the Lambrigg Wind Farm (pictured), owned by RWE npower renewables (previously National Wind Power). The wind farm, opened in September 2000, comprises five turbines that produce enough pollution-free electricity to meet the average needs of around 2,500 UK homes.
manufactured on site at High Lodge by experienced technicians and engineers. It’s supplied to shooting clubs and competitive events all over the world and is used in conjunction with an automatic counter system.
