Category: Blog

How To Learn The Art Of Shooting

Posted on by james

You may have always wanted to get your hands on a vintage gun for sale, but before you can start thinking about what type of weaponry to look at, you need to have some experience shooting.

Learning how to shoot well will not only help determine which gun to purchase, but it will also give you the skills to confidently enjoy shooting as a hobby without assistance.

So how do you go about learning how to shoot?

– Courses

The first thing to do is to enrol on a course, but which one you choose will depend on what discipline you are looking to improve on.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) provides a variety of courses, including probationary training and 300m shooting. Among the other courses you can undertake are clay shooting, match rifle, target rifle, sporting rifle, and target shotgun.

You might find you want to embark on more than one course to really develop your skills, and arm yourself with a variety of techniques when using a gun.

According to editor of The Field magazine Jonathan Young, who spoke to The Resident, having a course of lessons is essential for beginners.

“Most people with decent hand-to-eye co-ordination can learn the basics in ten sessions, though the naturally gifted can do it in five,” he stated.

– Use an agent

Once you have established some shooting skills, you should find some hunts you can take part in and put these new talents to the test. Using a sporting agent will help find some good shoots according to your abilities and experience.

Matthew Latchford of Roxtons told the publication: “Agents are also excellent at ensuring all the details are taken care of, such as transport, instructors, gun hire, lunches, and other special requirements.”

This means all shooters need to think about is using their newly developed skills and shooting on target.

– Use a minder

While you might want to jump in the deep end, it is a sensible idea to start slowly. Many shooting days offer ‘minders’, an experienced shooter who can help you with your first few hunts.

Founder of The Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club Victoria Knowles-Lack was reported as saying these ‘minders’ can “tell you which birds are safe and which are yours, as well as [provide] a gun and cartridges”.

Ms Knowles-Lack added there is no shame in admitting you are a novice, as “we all were once”.

You might only need to use a ‘minder’ for your first few shoots before you feel confident enough to go without one. However, they will boost your confidence in not only your gun skills, but also your knowledge of different shoots.

Once you have gained more experience, you will be able to make a better, more informed decision about which gun to go for.

You will find a huge range of shotguns for sale on our UK website, from a new Weihrauch HW97K .22 with Nikko Stirling 3-9×50 AO for £495 to a Holland & Holland ‘royal self-opening 1922 patent’ hammerless ejector shotgun for £18,500.

Beginners might prefer a Remington 12 Bore ‘Wingmaster’ model 870 pump action single barrel shotgun 2+1 for £80 while they hone their skills.

Firearm Safety Tips For Gun Owners

Posted on by james

Anyone purchasing a gun must make sure they’re familiar with the relevant security laws or they could find themselves hit with a big fine or up to six months in prison (or both).

Under the Firearms Rules 1998, all firearm and shotgun certificates come with a prescribed safekeeping condition attached, and non-compliance is an offence.

All guns and section one ammunition have to be stored securely so as to prevent, as far as is practical, any unauthorised personnel (anyone without a firearm or shotgun certificate) from taking or using them.

When the gun or ammunition in question is in use or the holder has the gun with him for some purpose to do with sale, transfer or use, all reasonable precautions have to be taken for the safe custody of the items.

The regulations do not set out how firearms must be stored securely but the Home Office recommends that they are kept in a locked gun cabinet or something else just as secure.

So what could happen if you fail to comply in this regard? According to the Press and Journal, 69-year-old John Buchan, who has owned a gun for 30 years, has now had to surrender his rifle and his ammunition because he breached the conditions of his certificate by failing to store said gun and ammunition securely.

Mr Buchan apparently used the rifle for vermin control but forgot to lock the gun cabinet in his new property after moving home in a moment of absentmindedness. He was given a £200 fine and forced to forfeit all his firearms and other items.

When deciding whether or not security and storage arrangements are sufficient, the police will consider the circumstances of every individual case and your overall security arrangements, which will include the security of your premises as well.

When you need to apply for the grant or renewal of your certificate or certificates, the police will come to visit you to advise you on your security arrangements. Generally speaking, the preferred method for the majority of gun owners is a firearm cabinet, which are widely available and easy to source. That being said, make sure that you check to make sure the cabinet you like complies with the British standard for gun cabinets (BS 7558).

When transporting your firearms, make sure that you take all reasonable precautions to ensure that your items are kept safe. If you don’t move them very often, you shouldn’t need to have a security device fitted in the vehicle you’re using. If leaving your car unattended at any point, remove an essential part of the firearm such as the fore-end of your shotgun or the bolt from your rifle.

Check out this government security leaflet for further advice.

Defra Urged To Make Decision On General Licences

Posted on by james

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has called on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to take control of the situation regarding general licences and introduce a solution as soon as possible.

According to research by BASC, the decision by Natural England to change three general licences for controlling specific wild bird species has resulted in estimated losses of £29 million for those affected.

The organisation conducted a survey on general licences in England following the revocation of General Licences 04, 05 and 06, which received over 29,000 responses. It found that 96 per cent of those who replied had stopped some or all of their pest control of wild birds as a result.

86 per cent of respondents estimated there had been damage to crops as a result, while 79 per cent estimated damage to wild birds and 59 per cent to foodstuffs for livestock.

The species covered by the revoked licences include crows, magpies, jays, jackdaws and rooks, feral and wood pigeons and Canada geese.

What’s more, nearly three-quarters (70 per cent) of respondents said they were waiting to be issued with new general licences that would cover their usual activity, and 58 per cent reported that the new general licences were “too impractical or onerous”.

Defra and Michael Gove put in a call for evidence earlier in the month in an attempt to find a solution to the problem. However, they received over 4,000 responses and need some time to work through all the evidence that was submitted.

BASC executive director of conservation Caroline Bedell commented: “While we accept that Defra has a vast amount of information to sift through following its recent call for evidence, the fact that so many people responded to that demand for evidence should give a clear signal to Defra that people are desperate and need a workable solution in days not weeks.”

The National Gamekeepers Organisation (NGO) issued an update for its members on the situation, noting that it is likely to be weeks rather than days before new licences are issued.

However, the organisation noted that Natural England is continuing to issue individual licences to those who apply. Priority is being given to applications for the protection of flora and fauna with applications being turned around “within days if not hours”.

But licence applications for the prevention of serious damage to crops and livestock are being addressed much more slowly, which is causing issues, the NGO stated.

In Scotland and Wales, however, the general licences remain in place while Natural Resources Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage gather information for a review of the system later in the year.

If you’ve got guns and are thinking of selling them because you don’t have any real use for them any more it’s worth bringing them in for a gun valuation. Rifles and shotguns can be sought after if they’re in good condition and you may find it’s the best way to go if you’re not planning on shooting any more.

How To Clean A Stalking Rifle After A Day In The Rain

Posted on by james

There are a lot of great things about going on a shoot in the UK, but sadly the weather can never be guaranteed. That means we can often spend a lot of time out and about in the rain and, naturally, our rifle will get wet.

Of course, that doesn’t cause problems on the shoot itself but if you don’t clean your stalking rifle properly once you’re home and in the dry, it can lead to corrosion and damage in your gun.

Your first priority should be making sure that it’s able to properly dry out. As Shooting UK explains, you need to begin by taking out the bolt and removing the metalwork of the breech from the stock.

In general, there are just two screws to undo to achieve this, although the publication notes that it’s only really necessary if the gun has been truly drenched with water. If you’re not confident in taking these elements apart then find a professional to clean your gun.

Once you’ve removed the bolt, and possibly separated the breech from the stock, you need to leave your gun to dry. Place it and any parts you’ve removed onto a sheet of newspaper and leave them to dry naturally.

If your rifle has a wooden stock, do not put it anywhere like an airing cupboard or near a heat source as this will warp the wood.

Only once the barrel and stock are completely dry and all the moisture has been removed should you start cleaning it. Begin by cleaning the bore using a nylon or phosphorus bronze brush. Add some copper solvent to the brush and carefully work it through the bore.

When it comes out of the muzzle, add a couple more drops of solvent and bring the brush back up the way it came. Pull the cleaning rod back and forth a few times to make sure that there’s a sufficient coating of solvent.

Leave the barrel to soak for 10-15 minutes, before using a clean cloth or cotton patches attached to a rod to remove the solvent. Keep pushing these through the barrel until they are coming out relatively clean.

It’s important to remove all the copper from the bore because if it’s left there it can be corrosive, leaving corrosive deposits between the copper and the metal. If these build up over time they will affect the accuracy and cause pitting in barrels.

Don’t forget to also clean the chamber in case any deposits of copper have been left there too. Next, clean behind the barrel in the action. You should focus on the point where the bolt locks onto the abutments and where the lugs go. It’s important to clean away any residual debris. Finally, oil the bore.

You should leave cleaning the action to a professional gunsmith, but one thing you can check yourself is whether there are any bits of debris in the well in front of the bolt lugs. If so, carefully remove it.

Wipe the barrel with a lightly oiled cloth, and give the woodwork a wipe with a clean rag and you’re ready to put your gun away.

Remember that there are different stalking seasons for different species of deer and that these can vary between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The only exception is muntjac deer, for which there is no closed season.

If you need a gun valuation, contact us today.

BASC: Bird Shooting Ban Is Disastrous For The Countryside

Posted on by james

There has been an uproar over Natural England’s decision to withdraw general licences for controlling wild bird population last month, leading The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) to say the ban would be “disastrous” to the countryside.

On April 23rd, Natural England revoked three ‘pest control’ general licences without any prior consultation, meaning the shooting of birds such as pigeons and crows was no longer permitted.

It is thought the organisation made this decision after environmental group Wild Justice – formed by ex-RSPB boss Mark Avery, BBC naturist Chris Packham, and wildlife writer Ruth Tingay – made a legal challenge against it.

However, since Natural England made these changes, farmers and gamekeepers have expressed their grievances, saying the pests will have a big impact on their crops and livestock.

So disgruntled are farmers that environment secretary Michael Gove has had to step in after the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) showed the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) evidence that lambs have been attacked and crops destroyed since the licences were revoked.

Since then, Natural England has issued replacement licences for birds such as woodpigeons and carrion crows; however, those in farming communities argue there has been lots of confusion and ambiguity over the changes.

According to the Moorlander, the BASC wrote an open letter regarding the ban, saying it was “disastrous” to the wider countryside, with the new licensing rules resulting in a lot of difficulties within farming communities.

“This sudden legal change has caused enormous problems and concern for everyone reliant on general licences, and their withdrawal has come at the worst possible time of year, when lambs, young crops, and nesting birds, including curlew and lapwing, are all in most need of protection from marauding ‘pest’ birds,” the letter said.

The NFU also expressed the importance for farmers to be given “urgent access to general licences which are practical and fully fit for purpose”.

As a result of Natural England revoking the licences, there has been “substantial economic impact” on communities, with farmers losing thousands of pounds thanks to inconsistencies regarding replacement licences and “rushed and unclear temporary mitigation processes”.

Indeed, they have not known how they are legally allowed to protect their livestock and crops from the pests without being penalised themselves.

NFU deputy president Guy Smith stated the actions by Natural England have caused an increase in lamb mortality this season, as a result.

“Defra must take immediate action to ensure that the replacement licences not only give clear legal direction for farmers, but meet the very real needs of farming businesses and allow farmers to effectively protect their livelihoods,” he urged.

The BASC is now asking Mr Gove to consider changes to the general licensing system carefully, stating that the replacement licences are “not fit for purpose”.

A letter supported by the Countryside Alliance, NFU, The Moorland Association, British Game Alliance, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Game Farmers’ Association, CLA, and The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, claimed Natural England’s response to Wild Justice’s judicial review was “disproportionate, inappropriate, and damaging to the environment and countryside”.

They thanked the environment secretary for taking control of the situation, and have all submitted evidence to show revoking the three general licences has resulted in negative consequences.

The organisations asked for the onus of showing legal control is necessary to go back to the issuing authority and not be placed on the user, so farmers do not have to demonstrate alternative methods have been tried or do not work.

It was also suggested that damage should not have to occur to livestock or crops before action is taken or licences issued, and the licences should cover all the former species, and be simple and easy to understand.

“Every day lost to the on-going crisis sees more gamebirds, wildlife, crops and livestock damaged by these very common problematic birds,” the letter went on to say.

Following this, the BASC also expressed the importance of shooting in helping to protect threatened species in the UK.

It wrote to the Environmental Audi Committee’s invasive species inquiry that mink and grey squirrel control is crucial to help red squirrel and water vole populations thrive.

Head of biodiversity at BASC Ian Danby stated: “People who shoot are part of the solution to that problem and are already involved in the fight to protect vulnerable species from invasive species such as mink which have the ability to decimate water vole populations and grey squirrels which spread squirrel pox to threatened red squirrels and cause an estimated £14 million damage a year to the wider environment.”

The BASC, which is a member of the UK Squirrel Accord to protect red squirrels in Britain and control non-native grey squirrels, asked the committee to highlight the importance of taking action against invasive foreign species and to promote resources to raise awareness about the problem.

The inquiry into invasive species was launched on April 4th by the Environmental Audit Committee, as a result of Britain experiencing a surge in the number of these creatures in the country. It is thought they are collectively causing damage worth up to £1.8 billion a year.

Rising temperatures as a result of climate change are supporting their population increases in the UK, as warmer weather is making it easier for them to survive outside of their usual environment.

Additionally, more animals are being transported into Britain through pet sales, in the ballast water of ships, and because of agricultural and horticultural trade.

To help control pest problems in the UK – whether to protect native species such as red squirrels or to ensure livestock and crops are not damaged – you might want to look at our selection of shotguns for sale and to hire.

We have a wide variety for you to look at from an AJ Jewson 12 Bore Boxlock Ejector to a Holland & Holland ‘Royal Self-Opening 1922 Patent’ Hammerless Ejector Shotgun. Take a look at our website for the entire range.

Changes Introduced For Wild Bird Control General Licenses

Posted on by james

Natural England has just announced that it will be revoking three general licenses for controlling some species of wild birds from April 25th, with 16 species covered including some gulls, pigeons, Canada geese and some members of the crow family.

Over the coming weeks, alternative measures will be brought in that will permit lawful control of these species where necessary. Once the licences have been revoked and until new ones are issued, anyone who needs to control one of the 16 species in question (where no reasonable non-lethal alternative is available) will have to apply for an individual licence.

The move comes after a legal challenge was put forward against the way that licences have been issued, which means that some people who rely on them may not be acting within the law.

If you do use a general licence, bear in mind that in the future many situations that are covered by the three general licences at the moment will be covered by new ones.

The organisation is now carrying out new assessments to help support lethal control of some birds in certain situations, such as preserving public health and safety from the impact of feral pigeons and the prevention of serious damage to livestock from carrion crow.

If you continue to exercise lethal control of birds after April 25th this year without applying for an individual licence, you could be committing an offence.

Marian Spain, interim chief executive with Natural England, explained that the changes will cause some disruption but the organisation is trying its best to ensure this is kept to a minimum.

“We will bring forward interim measures as quickly as possible as the first stage of our planned review of the licences. We want to make sure our licensing system is robust and proportionate, taking into account the needs of wildlife and people,” she went on to say.

General licences were brought in back in the 1990s to legally control bird species of low conservation concern in a bid to protect plants and wildlife, prevent damage and disease, and to protect public health and safety. The three licences subject to this legal challenge are the GL04, GL05 and GL06.

In response to the announcement, chief executive of the BASC Ian Bell described the announcement as appalling and said he is now questioning the value of the relationship between the two organisations.

“I have asked what assurances Natural England can give to those who have not been properly informed of the changes. We simply must know whether they will have protection from prosecution. It is quite frankly ludicrous to say people can apply for a licence on the day the law changes.

“I have been able to ascertain that there had been no consultation with law enforcement agencies and BASC is following up with the police to get relevant advice for its members. I have made it clear to Natural England that it has failed in the role of a government organisation to protect otherwise law-abiding people.”

In order to apply for a wildlife licence, you usually have to be at least 18 but if you’re 16 and you have any relevant qualifications or awards, you may also be able to apply.

You will need to obtain a licence if you intend to disturb or remove animals or birds or to damage habitats.

A licence is required if your work involves the prevention of damage to agriculture, fisheries, livestock, property or archaeology, to protect public health and safety, to maintain or develop land, to prevent disease among species, to keep or release non-native species, to survey for the presence of wildlife or to sell, own, exhibit or transport protected species.

Meanwhile, the BASC’s executive director of shooting and operations Steve Bloomfield spoke to the BBC’s Look North programme about the decision, saying that it has caused widespread confusion and that the reaction to the news – which came with neither consultation or any warning whatsoever – was one of shock and outrage.

Mr Bloomfield went on to say that the decision would have an impact on people’s livelihoods and that certain pests – such as carrion crows, which have been known to peck out the eyes of live lambs – can cause serious damage.

Of course, the BASC isn’t the only organisation to have issued a call to arms over the announcement and a coalition of rural organisations has now come together to put pressure on Natural England to introduce the next set of licences as quickly as possible – ones that are simple to both understand and use.

The group consists of the BASC, the Countryside Alliance, the Country Land and Business Association, the National Farmers Union, the National Gamekeepers Organisation, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Moorland Association.

The point has been made that it is unacceptable that Natural England only gave 36 hours’ notice that the licences were due to be withdrawn, particularly at this time of year, which is vital for wildlife management.

The organisation was aware of its plans in February but no one was notified until April 23rd, just two days before the date of licence withdrawal. The coalition of rural organisations further added that it would now be working with the body to deliver an “effective and legal set of new licences that are fit for purpose as quickly as possible”.

Are you looking for used guns for sale in the UK? Get in touch with us here at Bell Bros to find out how we can help. We combine traditional values and a passion for shooting with a modern, progressive outlook… give us a call to find out more.

Top Tips For Cleaning Your Shotgun

Posted on by james

If you love nothing more than heading out into the countryside for a shoot, you need to make sure that your shotguns are in good condition. But shotguns can also have incredibly ornate designs and be wonderful decorative pieces in your home.

Either way, you’ll want to keep them in top condition, so take a look at our top tips for cleaning your shotgun.

The experts at Holland & Holland point out that this doesn’t have to mean hours and hours of your time – for a shotgun that you use regularly, just ten minutes after each shoot should be enough.

Give your gun a thorough once-over, checking particularly for any moisture under the extractors or in the groove between the rib and barrel tubes. Make sure you examine the bores and barrels closely.

“Run a cleaning patch through the bores and look for leading in the chokes, streaks in the bores or a build up of plastics in the chambers,” they advise.

When it comes to actually cleaning the gun, how much effort you need to put in and what products you use will depend on its condition. If it’s particularly dirty, you may want to use a bristle brush to help shift the more stubborn build up.

Solvents can also be used to help get rid of the worst deposits, but make sure that you use a special purpose solvent purchased from a gunsmith.

Once you’ve finished cleaning, run a patch through again to check the results. Don’t give up until your patch is coming out clean – otherwise you’re leaving dirt and other deposits in your gun which can not only damage it, but make it unsafe.

Don’t neglect your screw chokes either. These need to be removed and cleaned once in a while, because dirt and other debris can still force its way into the choke tube.

An article for Outdoor Life explained that you can soak your choke tubes if you have time, or you can use rifle brush to clean the dirt out of the threads. Combine this with some solvent and you should be able to loosen up any stubborn detritus. Finish up by ‘screwing’ an old rag onto the threads to remove the last of the dirt.

Complete your cleaning routine by giving your gun a final visual inspection, and applying a thin coat of oil to its exterior. If while you’re doing this you notice any dirty spots you missed, give them a clean.

If you’re using your gun regularly during the shooting season, it’s essential that you carry out this routine maintenance to ensure it’s safe to use.

At the end of the season, it’s advisable to take it to a specialist for a full gun service, to ensure that it will be stored in top condition until it’s ready to be used again.

Keeping your shotguns in good condition will also help them maintain their value. If you’re not sure how much your guns are worth, bring them to us for a gun valuation. We can also carry out a full service and give you advice on how best to care for your shotgun.

Call Issued To Stop Raptor Persecution For Good

Posted on by james

The British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC) has called for raptor persecution – the poisoning, shooing, trapping, habitat destruction and nest destruction of birds of prey – to be stopped for good.

Executive director of conservation with the organisation Caroline Bedell explained that this criminal pursuit risks “terminal damage” to shooting, saying that grouse shooting makes positive environmental, social and economic contributions, while research shows that up to five times more threatened wading birds are supported on gamekeeper-managed moorland.

Peter Glenser, BASC chairman, went on to add: “We’ve said it before and we will say it again, this needs to stop. Full stop. We must all take personal responsibility for ensuring the criminal minority do not ruin it for the lawful, ethical majority.

“I want my grandchildren to be able to enjoy sustainable shooting but if this does not end, then the shooting available to them in the future will be unrecognisable from what we have now.”

Their comments come as a paper published by Nature Research in the Nature Communications journal revealed a pattern of hen harrier persecution over grouse moors, relating to satellite-tagged bird disappearances between 2007 and 2017.

The study indicated that the likelihood of hen harriers dying or disappearing was ten times higher in areas mostly covered by grouse moor, compared to those with no grouse moor.

And it was found that 72 per cent of tagged birds were either considered very likely or confirmed to have been illegally killed.

For help with gun action repairs, get in touch with us today.

Preparations In Place For Official Start Of Hunting Season

Posted on by james

British shooters are lucky in that they can hunt all year round, with most shoots taking place over the autumn and winter months. However, officially the hunting season does not begin until May, meaning there is just over a month until the year formally commences.

On May 1st, this is traditionally when mastership and staff changes occur, with hunting employees shuffled around at this time of the year, Horse & Hound reported.

After this, the summer becomes busy with puppy shows, hound events, hunts and July’s Festival of Hunting in Peterborough.

Before September, when many people really start getting underway with their hunts, much of the countryside is replenished and improved, including access to rural areas. 

Autumn is when hunting season is really in full swing, with many opening meets occurring around the beginning of November and continuing until the end of winter in many areas.

When it comes to game shooting, the season depends on the type of animal you are aiming for. Shooters can hunt rabbit and pigeon all year round, while hunting is restricted for a few species during some months of the year, including game or deer.

For instance, hunters who have just bought shotguns for sale in Gloucestershire can only target red grouse between August 12th and December 10th.

Pheasants can only be killed between October 1st and February 1st, and ducks and geese can only be shot at between September 1st and January 31st inland, according to ShootingUK.