Air Gunner UK - May 2017

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The passage discusses different views on using technology while hunting, with some preferring minimal equipment and others using advanced gear like scopes and rangefinders.

Some feel hunting should involve basic equipment like a spring-loaded airgun and pellets, while others use any technological advantage available like high-tech scopes on PCP air rifles.

The editor is in the camp of using advanced technology but says everyone should enjoy hunting in their own way without judging others, and that we should remember hunting is a pastime, not a job for most.

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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR


WWW.AIRGUNSHOOTING.CO.UK
Do I need an
Find us on facebook too! anemometer? No.
Do I want one? Yes!

AIR GUNNER
EVOLUTION HOUSE, 2-6
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EDITORIAL
Editor Phill Price
Tel: 01189 742 501
phill.price@archant.co.uk
Chief sub-editor Rosie Barham
Editor-in-chief Terry Doe
terry.doe@archant.co.uk
Art Editor Louise Walker

ADVERTISING
Air Gunner, Evolution House, 2-6
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Group Sales Manager Dan Chart
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Sales Manager Sharon Blick
01189 742533 sharon.blick@archant.co.uk
debate that rages on in our remember, very few of us earn please dont imagine that Im
Sales Executive Tom Richardson
01189 742514 tom.richardson@archant.co.uk
Sales Executive Mark Roach
01189 742525 mark.roach@archant.co.uk
A sport is between those who
feel that hunting should
involve a simple, break-barrel
a living from hunting. If a tweed
coat and your dads Airsporter
work for you, thats great. If you
saying you must buy them to be
successful in your sport. Thats
not the case. However, if you like
Ofce Manager Sharon Wells 01189 742524
springer and a pocket full of go out dressed from head to toe what you see and want to buy one,
sharon.wells@archant.co.uk pellets, and those who will use in camouage, carrying a 2000 well thats OK too.
any technological advantage they limited edition Daystate multi-shot Im a big fan of the saying live
PUBLISHING can buy. Ill say openly, Im in the PCP, with 5000 worth of thermal and let live. Lets all enjoy or
Commercial Director Peter Timperley second camp and shoot PCP ries, night-vision on the top, good for sport however it pleases us, and
Group Content Director Vicky Mayer
with high-tech scopes and use all you. There is no right or wrong better still, be happy for each
Publishing Consultant Derek Barnes
the data my laser rangender can answer in this debate. others ways.
give me. To top that off, Ive just From my position as editor, Im
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we all are. We should all just get
along and enjoy our sport in the
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indulging in a pastime and month and is distributed by Seymour
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CONTENTS
MAY 2017 - ISSUE 399
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FEATURES THIS MONTH INCLUDE ...
22 THE BIG TEST 80 RAT 1 - SQUADDIE 0

Wolverine 2!
Phill Price tests the Daystate Phil Martin - ex-military man - writes from
Wolverine 2 and finds that attention Iraq, with the tale of a giant, probably
to detail makes the difference ferocious rat that got away
Exclusive four-page test
MAY 2017 3.99
43 JIM CHAPMAN 94 JERRY MOSS
Jims in Texas with the Kral Puncher Jerry takes his Streamline to a friends
POLYMAG PELLETS Breaker - a reliable, powerful bullpup caravan park, for a full bag of rabbits,
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- and cottontails aplenty! and a couple of surprises along the way

03 EDS LETTER 20 TOUGH AND BRIGHT 40 BIPOD EXTRA


High tech? Or no tech? Phill Price answers Phill Price nds the new Clu Briter lamp, The editor is impressed by his trial of the
his own questions from Cluson, to be ideal for the toughest Versapod - a new and versatile bipod from
conditions Scott Country
7 NEWS
Events, products and all the latest from 28 EDDIE JONES 48 DOUBLED-UP
the world of airgunning Eddie gets a call from the farmer to sort out Phill Price thought hed seen it all, and then
a rabbit problem in some horse paddocks, discovers something completely new - the
10 LETTERS but gets more than he bargained for - AG92 pistol from Chiappa Firearms; 14
Heres where your opinions and including a guilt trip shots in a string!
questions get an airing
32 CHARLIE PORTLOCK 50 COMPETITION
13 GURU Charlie nds some excellent blades for Win a Brocock Bantam outt,
Is there a chart for pellet drop per yard? Our review, and dodges the worst of the worth 700 - for just 1.50 per entry.
guru suggests an alternative showers to bag some squirrels Get yours in now!

16 UKAHFT 38 YOUTH OF TODAY 52 A CUT ABOVE


Gary Chillingworth tells all about the The JSR from BSA, designed for young Sporting Cutlery offer a compact, yet solid
Southern Hunters series and explains why shooters, is tried out and approved by a and efcient knife, the Viper VR26, and the
he thinks you really should have a go junior airgunner editor likes it a bit too much

4 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


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56 SHOOTING ETHICS
Phill Price suggests practical ways to
74 DESIGNER PELLET
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02/03/2017 16:51:25

71 AIRGUN WISDOM 97 POWER TRIP


Gary Chillingworth has changed his Shooting skills, or muzzle energy; which
opinion of springers - it must be love! is more important?

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IN THE NEWS
IWA show special from Germany

The airsoft community kept up


its usual level of madness

ur annual pilgrimage to the greatest fail to notice that the action of this stunning taken the assault rifle DNA from the Impact

O shooting show on earth this March saw


your dedicated editorial team fly east for
an hour and a half in the Ryanair soul-sapping
pistol is from the innovative HW110 rifle. Even
though information was scarce, this tells us
without doubt that the action is smooth, reliable
and embedded it into a wooden-stocked,
hunting gun. I know that Im not alone in
finding that bullpups are not for me, and the
device they call a Boeing 737-800. Recovering and has a world-class trigger. The rotary Crown is much more a sporter than a military
our broken spirits on arrival, we jumped aboard magazine from the parent gun is obvious to weapon. Adjustability was in abundance, just
the ever-reliable U-Bahn (say oooh barn) see, and I was pleased to see that the side as with the Impact. Theres an adjuster for the
underground railway system, and we were at lever cocking system was fitted to the left side. hammer tension and a second adjuster for
the Messa Halls in no time at all. This means that the 80% of us who are power, but the real show-stopper for me was
As ever, the exhibition was bustling with all right-handed can cock the gun from the firing the new barrels that Freddie has designed. He
humanity, selling everything you could think of hold. www.hullcartridge.co.uk holds the rights to make SmoothTwist barrels
for shooting and a thousand things you One of my personal highlights of each IWA is and he has now taken them to the next level.
couldnt; there will never be a shortage of arriving at the huge FX Airguns stand. The His new machine can make any twist rate you
innovation at IWA, for good or ill. owner/mad scientist, Freddie Axelson, would like, in any calibre. Twist rate is not well
What follows are the things I found sooner eat his own shoes than arrive at IWA understood in airgun circles, and this
interesting, and more importantly, that I believe without a hatful of innovations. It came as no breakthrough opens the door to all kinds of
will soon be in UK gun shops. The star of the surprise then, that he had some stunning experimentation, which will take our sport
show for me was the HW44 pre-charged show-stoppers that a techno-nerd could never forward.
pneumatic air pistol. Youd have to be blind to resist. The all-new Crown rifle seemed to have www.fxairguns.com

Will this be the new accuracy The FX Crown is literally packed


king of pistols? Meet the HW44 with technology in a sporter style

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 7


IN THE NEWS For the very latest news visit us at
www.airgunshooting.co.uk

Gunpower is
offering new
nishes on
some models

The Schmeisser BB-


ring machine gun
replica was a big hit

The epic Umarex stand was abuzz with the release of a Schmeisser Gunpower had some new variants of existing models that offered
machine gun, which had a lovely heft and feel. The skeleton stock different finishes. The HelcatTac and StealthTac look like theyve
folded as the original, and the controls felt just right. They even had Star joined the tactical fashion, but are functionally no different from the
Wars Storm Troopers on hand to model it. earlier models.
www.armex.co.uk www.gunpower.net

SIG will be offering Well hopefully see the


this break-barrel Diana P1000 on our
sporter soon shores. This one was
beautiful

Sig Saur moved further into the airgun arena with a break-barrel rifle German Sport Guns (GSG) now owns Diana airguns and on their stand
that wore a grey stock to match their corporate brand. Details were thin, they had a lovely P1000, a rifle weve seen in pre-production form for
but well update you as we learn more. Their belt fed, Co2 pistol was years. Theyve now resolved all the issues that bugged the earlier
also on the stand, but was in such demand that I couldnt get a models and were hoping to see them in the UK soon. The one in the
photograph, but nothing has changed since the photo we showed you photo has a stunning, five-star grade walnut stock which cost more than
last month. the rifle, but it was a thing of beauty, all the same. This rifle really stands
www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk out from the crowd with its distinctively German styling.
shootingsports.edgarbrothers.com
Giant models seemed to be a theme at the show this year and this
extra-large Gamo was getting lots of attention. Yukon had a superb digital scope, the Sightline, thats packed with
www.gamo.com clever features, boasts an excellent image quality, and yet will retail

Pulsars Quantum
Lite thermal spotter
was truly stunning

Giant models were a theme at the


show, like this massive Gamo

8 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


WINNER!
The winner of our
March competition to
win a Webley Raider I2
between 600 and 700,
making it superb value. Pulsar
was Peter Sewell from
had the Quantum Lite thermal Kingsbury. See our latest
viewer, which was simply competition on page 50
breathtaking to look through.
Again, this had an impressive
price of around 1250, which is
just a fraction of other thermal NV kit. Our good friends at
Scott Country should have them in stock very soon.
www.scottcountry.co.uk

You dont often see a new


camo pattern, but Seeland
was showing their GP design

Seeland has a new camouflage pattern, GP Camo, that


should be on our shores as the spring arrives. The clothing
that uses it is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for
the warmer weather to come. It looks like nothing else on the
market and is designed for Northern European use, just right
for Blighty.
www.seeland.com

Those who love technology will adore the new MTC


rangefinder that works with your smartphone to work out even
the most complex shooting solutions. Its hard to imagine that
theres any information you could need that this set-up
doesnt deliver.
www.mtcoptics.com

Techno toys?
The amount of
imformation this
MTC system offers
is incredible

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 9


YOUR LETTERS My memory failed
LEOFTTTHEE R
MONTH
Big Brother? me on a 30-year-
old family tree. Ed.

Having come back to airguns The old Typhoon was the


a few years ago, I buy, enjoy, equivalent of the original Junior.
and generally believe the I hate to criticise because I
magazines now available. love the mag, but how can such
I particularly like the simple errors can be made,
technical/historical articles. which could have been checked
My shooting is usually by a 30-second look at a book
plinking/target in my back or online?
garden. Im not a collector, Bru
but have a few older guns. I
confess to being surprised at Hello Bru
the error in the rst paragraph In my hectic working schedule
of the editors test of the I often write from memory and
Webley Typhoon in the latest it seems this time I was wrong.
edition. The original Typhoon I owned a Tempest a long time
was the junior brother of ago and often considered part
the Hurricane/Tempest exchanging it for its big brother,
series, NOT the big brother. the Hurricane, but never did.
That would have been the That was some 30 years ago
Hurricane. The Tempest was a and the last time I used one. I
factory planned cut down of trust my error wont cause you
the Hurricane, with a shorter to stop buying the magazine.
barrel and more basic sights. Ed.

High-tech
night vision
can be
complicated
to set up
Credit where its due
I write with regard to the level his and the companys help they
of help and after sales service I sorted me out. There wasnt a
received from Optics Warehouse problem with the sight at all.
recently. I bought a Pulsar night- Just a little help and advice was
sight from them at the British all that was needed.
Shooting Show, but when I got it I rmly believe in giving praise
home, through being unfamiliar where praise is due and in this
with it, I felt something was case I cannot praise Optics
wrong. I rang Optics Warehouse Warehouse, and Shaun in
to see if they could help with my particular, enough for their
problem and spoke to Shaun. excellent service. Optics
This guy couldnt have been Warehouse, take a bow! You are
more helpful. It took a couple of a credit to our sport.
days to sort through it, but with Colin

Where preferring to pick it up when


something catches my eye.
Last month, March, I noticed
if you could explain why. I
imagine I will not be the only
reader who has been misled
Jerrys rabbit
article is in this
months issue
on page 94

are the that in the April magazine, you


would be running an article on
with regard to this.
I await your comments.

rabbits? Jerry Moss clearing rabbits. As


a lot of my shooting involves
Name withheld

I would like to start by saying rabbit clearance, I bought Hello there.


that I really enjoy the magazine the new April edition without Jerry sent me a new article
and nd it very relevant to hesitation. I cannot nd after the rabbit one arrived and
my shooting. I have other the article in the magazine, in my haste I used that one
shooting disciplines so do not or an apology. I nd this rst. The rabbit article is in this
buy the magazine all the time, disappointing and wonder very magazine. Ed.

10 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


Made in England air rie construction cost more
than those used in a rimre. You
are red
every
can nd cheap air ries, but I day. A bolt-
am after a top-end rie from a action, rimre
good manufacturer. I nd it very rie has very few
difcult to nd a way to justify parts and they can
why air ries are so expensive be quite simply made
and I am sure other people also whilst still working well.
think this and draw their own In fact, theyre one of the
conclusions about why air rie simplest guns you can buy,
manufacturers charge so much. making them reliable, which then
Theres a good Lee enhances their appeal further.
reason why top- By comparison, very few top-end
end, English-made
guns cost so much Hello Lee airguns are made and theyre
Are you familiar with the theory hugely complicated. If you ever
of scale of economy? What it see an exploded diagram of
I have recently decided to same specication stock to t basically means is that the something like a BSA R10 MkII
customise or upgrade my air an air rie was 260. To be more of anything you make, the youll note a huge number of
rie. The rst thing I noticed honest, the cheaper rimre stock cheaper they become. Rimre parts, all of which have to be
was how expensive everything looked better. If you buy stocks ries sell literally in their millions very precisely machined and
was, especially stocks. When you from more specialised makers around the world, and its likely tted. These two factors explain
look at stocks for rimre ries they can cost almost 600 for that almost everybody who is in their relatively high cost.
they are far cheaper, in some air ries whilst only 400 for to powder-burning ries owns On top of this, theyre beautifully
cases less than half the price for rimre ries. Then we come one. Next, theyre the standard nished and often found wearing
the same specication. It leads to the price of new air ries. A tool of pest controllers and high-grade walnut stocks. To
me to the conclusion that the top air rie from a top air rie farmers in every country to get rid use a car analogy, a sporting
people who make stocks for air manufacture costs well in excess of vermin, and in many countries rimre is your average four-
ries are more money orientated of 1000 and is, in fact, closer are considered suitable for door family saloon from Ford,
than those who build them for to 1500; only BSA seem to animals up to the size of foxes. whilst a top-end airgun is a
rimre ries. For example, on price their top ries reasonably. A large number of Olympic-style Mclaren 570S. If you want
eBay, a new skeleton thumbhole If you buy a top rimre rie you shooting events use rimres as something extraordinary, made
stock for a Ruger was only 120, only pay 800 approx., with well, and somebody once told by craftsmen, in England as the
and it is not just Ruger stocks many less than 500. I cannot me he believed that more than McLaren is, youre going to be
that are cheaper whilst the imagine that the parts used in 1,000,000 .22 rimre cartridges paying more. Ed.

The age of an airgun


doesnt matter in the
eyes of the law

Age no concern
How do the rules relating to air Robert new one. To measure muzzle it for you, which probably wont
ries apply to a gun that can be Hello Robert velocity you need a machine cost very much. Old airguns were
described as an antique over The age of an airgun has no called a chronograph. These can quite low powered, despite the
100 years old? Secondly, how effect on how the law sees it. A be expensive, so it might be wise urban myths that revolve around
do you physically measure an 100-year-old airgun must comply to take your rie along to a local them, so dont get your hopes
airguns muzzle velocity? with the rules, just as a brand gun shop and ask them to test too high. Ed.

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 11


Get in touch...
Post your letters to: Letters, Air Gunner,
Evolution House, 2-6 Easthampstead
Road, Wokingham, RG40 2EG
phill.price@archant.co.uk

BB disappointment WIN
After reading about the lead BBs, I purchased copper-coated ones in many pistols and have yet If you have a top tip,
some, but to my disappointment I found that they to suffer a failure. Most BBs are undersize for something youd like to
dont measure up. I have Sig Sauer P226 and good reason. Cheap barrels and BBs can vary get off your chest, or
am reluctant to re steel BBs through a ried quite dimensionally by quite wide margins so an
barrel, so I tried to load the lead BBs, but they fell undersize BB is less likely to jam
an interesting anecdote,
through. When I measured them they were 4.3mm in the bore. I always accepted that then why not shoot us a
and not 4.5mm. I have a .177 barrel for my HW45 the lead BBs might not line? We print the best
and same thing happened. I just thought I would work in every pistol, letters and emails each
let you know and wondered if any other of your especially ones that month and one will be
readers have had the same problem. rely on a magnet
Alan to hold the BB in
awarded a top prize. Its
place. Ed. over 60 and you could
Hello Alan win it simply by getting
Im sorry to hear the lead BBs didnt work in your As much as I love the in touch and sharing
performance of these
guns because I like their performance. You didnt BBs, they might not your views
mention which brand you tried. Ive tried Excite suit every pistol

Too long for me


Is this barrel too long? should expect whilst sitting down and resting on a table in a nice
Not for most people
warm hall, but to me, the barrel is way, way too long. In fact, I kept
catching the end on the table as I was cocking it, and the rie looks
unnished with the magazine system sitting on top like that. Maybe
their sister rm, BSA, could make a better one in Birmingham. Yes,
it may cost more money, but it would be worth it. I wont be buying
one unless Gamo bring out a shorter carbine barrel model.
Steve

Hello Steve
Im glad you found the Maxxim Elite accurate, reliable and easy to
shoot. The reason it wears a long barrel is that it adds leverage,
making cocking easier. This model is sold around the world often at
much higher power than were allowed, so the extra leverage is very
important. Adding the auto-loading system to an existing model went
a long way towards keeping the price down, which many people see
I went to the shooting show and shot the new Gamo Maxxim Elite as a positive. Every gun has to be a compromise and I think Gamo
multi-shot rie. I wasnt so impressed with it. Yes, the self-loading did a superb job of making something truly innovative at a reasonable
magazine worked, and I hit every target I aimed at, which you price. Ed.

12 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


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

Q
Dear Guru
My dad and I have got air Chairguns Reticle View shows aim
points for a wide range of multi-aim
phill.price@archant.co.uk
rifles in .177 and .22 and
point reticles. (Courtesy Hawke
we were wondering if we could get Chairgun Pro).
a chart for pellet drop per yard. Guru tip: Knowing
We will not be firing at more than your trajectory is
60 yards, roughly, and the sights important but getting
are bang on at 30 yards.
out and practising at
various ranges will
A
GURU SAYS: In order to
produce a chart for pellet show you the cold
drop, you need to know a
little more than just the calibre, Im
hard facts
afraid. You need to know the
muzzle velocity, the velocity
retention of the pellet in flight (in pellets and given just those three
the form of the Ballistic details, it will be able to create an
Coefficient, or BC), and the height accurate table showing pellet drop
of the scope above the bore. out to your chosen range, or a graph
Without those three key pieces of depicting the pellet trajectory, or both.
information, trying to find pellet Chairgun does a lot more than
drop would be pure guesswork, that, though. You can select the
and probably inaccurate. type of scope reticle you use, and
Pellet drop at any range can be Chairgun can show you the aim
calculated if you know the average points to use for the ranges you
velocity of the pellet, which is the flight time is 0.18 seconds, and There is an application called require. You can also enter details
muzzle velocity plus the terminal 0.18 squared multiplied by 192 Chairgun Pro, which can be of wind strength and direction,
velocity divided by two. This allows gives the drop of 6.22. Fairly downloaded from http://www. and Chairgun will calculate the
you to calculate the flight time straightforward, but that only gives hawkeoptics.co.uk/chairgun.html and wind drift at all ranges. You can
distance divided by average you the pellet drop at one range, it will do all of the hard work for you. also enter the degree of elevation
velocity and the pellet drop in for that pellet at that velocity. With Chairgun, you enter details of of the shot, and Chairgun will take
inches is the flight time squared, Trying to create a pellet drop chart the pellet and calibre, the muzzle that into account and recalculate
multiplied by 192. If a pellet for all ranges is much more velocity, and the height of the scope the trajectory. The very best bit
travels 90 feet (30 yards) at an complicated, but happily, you above the barrel bore. Chairgun has about Chairgun Pro is that it is free
average velocity of 500 fps, the dont need to. details of the BC of most popular to download and use.

If you sight your .177 and .22 in at


the same range, the trajectories will
be very different. (Courtesy Hawke
Chairgun Pro).

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 13


om{

Southern Hunters
Gary Chillingworth tells us why this competition series is one you must try

T
he winter can be a horrible time of
year; its cold, its wet and around
Christmas time, all my money
disappears and a large fat man dressed in
red breaks into my house and gives me cheap
socks in exchange for my best milk and
cookies.
The winter, however, does have an
upside and that is the Southern Hunters.
This series of shoots is the jewel of the
wintertime and over the last 10 years it has
become a mainstay of the HFT calendar. The
Southern Hunters has evolved over time
and the job of running it has moved from
person to person; in the past, shooters like Ben at the Airgun centre, a good
gun shop is worth its weight in gold
Richard Chase took the helm, then yours
truly had a crack at helping out and running
the marshals, but now its in the hands of Lara Jones; this over and have some fun.
bespoke stock makes
Charles Peal and the series has never been shooting easier for What happens if I dont know the rules?
more popular. the smaller person The rules for the Southern Hunters are the
The series is set over 10 rounds with current UKAHFT rules and can be found on
six to count toward the end-of-year the UKAHFT website. When you book in for
trophy, and although there is still a core the shoot, tell the booking-in clerk that you
group of people who are competitive and are new and they will put you with an old
use the Southerns as winter training for hand, who will guide you and tell you what
the Nationals, the Southern Hunters has you can and cant do.
always been about having fun and trying Is my gun good enough? We have shooters
new things. with everything from Air Arms Shemals to
Over the years, I have spoken to a lot of FTP900s and everything in between. If you
shooters who like the idea of shooting a bit of banter, so there is plenty of mickey and your gun can shoot a good group, then
competition; these have included hunters, taking, but none of it is malicious. You will come along.
plinkers, and people who want just a bit get a bit of ribbing, but you will also get The Southern Hunters are a bunch of
more from back garden plinking. So, here help when you need it and make a great reprobates; they are young and old, male
are my responses to the four most common bunch of friends. and female, and you couldnt meet a better
questions I get asked. Am I good enough to compete with the bunch of people. The series is sponsored
Will I make a fool of myself? Yes, you will other shooters? If you and your gun can and supported by Air Arms and they supply
probably make a fool of yourself, but then shoot a 30 millimetre group at 35 yards, goodie bags and a rie for the end of the
again, thats what we all do. Airgun shooters then come and have a go. You may not win year. So, if you want to have a go, then
are a thick-skinned bunch and we like a anything, but you will knock a few targets please come along, you wont regret it.

Richard Chase
Barbra (Aka Babs) is one as he looks
of our older lady shooters; when hes seen
underestimate her at your peril his scorecard

16 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


om{

Improve your HFT. :- The Stock An aftermarket target stock can turn an
So far, we have looked at the gun and the ill-tting rie, into a shooters dream

scope, but now I want to have a quick look


at the stock or to be more precise, the
importance of t and balance.
Many shooters think that the way to
improve their score is to buy the biggest,
most expensive rie they can in the
hope that it will help them to become
a champion. The truth, though, is very
different because having a gun that ts
you is more important than its inherent
accuracy. Any modern PCP will shoot a
group of shots that will t inside a 5p piece
at 35 yards, but if you have a rie that you
have to ght, because its too heavy, or a
gun thats too small to t in your shoulder,
you will never reach your full potential. gave her a top-of-the-line Steyr, the gun The perfect gun for you should be a rie
As you can see from the picture of Lara would be more accurate, but it would be that you can pick up, load and raise to your
Jones, she has a wonderful BSA Ultra with too big and clunky for her, and her scores shoulder and take aim without worrying
about size or weight.
This is why its so important to go to a
If you and your gun can shoot a 30 millimetre group reputable gun shop when you are buying
your rst rie. When you are there, look at
at 35 yards, then come and have a go all the different ries they have, ask if they
can scope them up for you and try them,
a bespoke stock, and this makes the rie would plummet. Now, I know Lara is a child, standing, kneeling and especially prone.
the perfect t for her smaller hands. She but it helps to illustrate a point. When you You will often nd that a rie that feels
is deadly accurate with it and knocks more pick up a gun, you should not be worrying great in the shoulder for a standing shot
targets over then her dad, Simon. If you about manhandling it into your shoulder. will feel clumsy when shooting it prone. A
high-quality shop, like the Airgun Centre or
The Southern Hunter Solware, should not have an issue with you
shooters at a recent having a good look at any of their ries, but
charity event,
reprobates all, but a if you want to have a roll about on the oor,
top bunch of people
it might be best to go during the week and
not on a busy Saturday afternoon.
There are many ries out there that can
be made to t almost any size of shooter.
The BSA Goldstar is one, the AA HFT-500 is
another, and then there is one my personal
favourites the laminate stocked HW100.
All these ries have an adjustable cheek
piece and butt pads and the BSA and Air
Arms have adjustable hamsters as well.
So, before you spend your hard earned cash,
get down to a gun shop and try before you
buy. It will be worth it in the long run.

A Refreshing New Concept in Air Gun Retail


Through our passion and experience of shooting in most air gun disciplines, we are able to
provide a level of knowledge and understanding on the demands of not only the individual,
but also the equipment needed in each market sector.
Unique to Bicester Target and unlike any other air gun outlet, every rie and pistol in our shop is
available to test and try out, making sure that the rie or pistol you choose is the correct one for you
not only in terms of t, but also is correct for the discipline of shooting you choose to undertake.
This concept
really is where we
stand out from any
other retailer

01869 45 71 70 | WWW.BICESTERTARGET.CO.UK
WALTON MOORE OFFICES, 6 GRANGE MEWS, STATION ROAD, LAUNTON, NEAR BICESTER, OXFORDSHIRE OX26 5EG

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 17


e shtwpunGrp{

Lots of well thought


out power in a neat
package makes this a
winner in my eyes

Briter than ever!


A clever evolution of an already successful design catches the editors eye
ver the years Ive come to know and shockproof, backed by the fact that LED units

O trust Cluson Engineering to deliver


strong and reliable lamping kit that has
never let me, or my friends, down. They might
are much less delicate than old-fashioned
tungsten bulbs ever were. Finally, a thick
rubber bumper surrounds the lens so, all in all,
not make the sexiest super-lightweight stuff, this feels like one tough little lamp. I feel sure
but you know in the middle of a cold, dark that this will take the knocks that all lamping
night that when, not if, you drop any of their kit endures and come up smiling again. This LED lets you
know the battery
kit, youll be able to brush off the dirt, and just condition at
carry on your nights lamping. Twin switch operation a glance

At the British Shooting Show Cluson There are two switches. The first is a simple
showed me the Clu-Briter, their latest little on/off trigger under your index finger, while the enough peripheral light to scan the edges of
hand-held lamp, which is an evolution of an other is a three-position lever above the thumb vision, spotting any rabbits you might
older model, brought right up to date with the of the right-handed user. Im so happy to see otherwise have missed. I used to loathe LED
latest LED and Li-Ion battery technology. this set-up because I find lamps that require units because their light colour was all wrong
Topping off the offering is a camouflaged me to cycle through every option to get the for country needs, but todays ones offer a
finish which looks great. one I want too annoying for words. This is light output thats very close to natural
The main body of the lamp is made from a never worse than when I have to go through daylight. This means that when were looking
high-impact synthetic material thats the strobe mode, which is a nightmare in the at greens and browns, as hunters always are,
woods. Who thought that an acid house what we see is close to what wed see in
nightclub lighting system would help us to be daylight - and thats just what we want.
better hunters? With this set-up I can select This is clearly another winner from Cluson
high or low output and never see the strobe and its clear to see that theyre building
again. Run time at high power is three hours, success upon success. As always, the
which is loads for my needs. Clu-Briter is great value for money, as well as a
superb performer.
This simple Clever beam
switch gives all The beam is well thought out, in my opinion. www.cluson.co.uk
the control I need
Theres a strong hot-spot in the centre, with RRP 86.00

20 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


ipnG{lz{

THE BIG TEST DAYSTATE WOLVERINE 2


ON THE FIRING LINE THIS MONTH:

The Wolverine feels like


a big gun in your hands

The
Wolverine
Returns
ipnG{lz{

Subtle improvements make a great gun even better

I
m as excited as anybody when it comes Its a striking rie
to shooting a new gun, which is lucky with performance
to match
because I shoot a lot of them. Opening
one of Daystates big black ight cases
is enough to raise my pulse a little, and
knowing that the Wolverine 2 was inside
this one drove it up just a bit more.
My rst impression was that the changes
from the mark one model must be quite
subtle because they didnt jump out at me.
I thought that my best approach was to call
Daystates shy and retiring sales director
Tony, who would give me the facts. This
he did for about 30 minutes but somehow I
didnt feel I was getting to the sexy stuff.
Tony explained how this internal
component had a new nish, and how that
bit could be removed quickly and easily,
making the job of the service technician
easier. Oh dear it was all a bit dull, but
then he got to the point of all that techno
babble. He said, Weve looked at each and
every area that could be improved and I immediately noted that the pistol grip is Gary Cains love of dramatic lines had some
worked on all of them. considerably fuller and supported my hand inuence, as well. Further back still, we
Ah, now I get it! This is evolution not much better. It has nger grooves in its nd a multi-axis, adjustable butt pad with
revolution. He had such belief in a better face and Im not normally a fan, but these a deeply concave face made from sticky
rubber, and once you get this into your
shoulder, it stays put. Daystate deserves
a stock that manages to blend the bulbous, bulky form recognition for offering a stock that
manages to blend the bulbous, bulky form
of a buddy bottle into its lines with some grace of a buddy bottle into its lines with some
grace. This has another benet for me my
O ring making a big difference that I had tted my medium-sized hand very well. For leading hand holds oiled walnut, not metal
to admire his attention to the details. Of me, the thumb-up position is also greatly or carbon-bre on freezing cold mornings.
course we all love a reliable gun. Theres improved, but I found it more comfortable However, were still left with the problem of
nothing worse than one that lets you down to use the thumb hole. There are panels where to attach the front sling swivel stud.
in the eld, so the factorys dedication to of stippling on the sides of the pistol grip
perfecting an already great gun lls me with which gave a very secure hold when stalking Technical advancement
admiration. in on my quarry, and were therefore very The Wolverine 2 benets from the
welcome. innovative technical advancements that
New stock Behind and below the pistol grip you are the hallmark of the ries design. The
The biggest change for me is the revised now nd a deep scoop, driven by American rst is that fact that the rie wont re if
stock. You need to put the Wolverine 1 bench rest shooters who like to use a large the bolt is lifted or withdrawn. Ive red
stock side by side with this one to get the beanbag-type support here, and the shape PCPs with the bolt lifted many times after it
full effect, but the changes are important. ts that well; I wouldnt mind betting that has caught against something whilst being

The sliding
safety can
be engaged
before
cocking the
action

A reex silencer
helps to keep the
rie compact The new pistol grip offers much better support

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 23


ipnG{lz{

I use these
magazines a lot and
can vouch for their
performance

Options
You can chose from three styles of Wolverine
2 as seen here with the 480cc carbon-
bre buddy bottle, the B-Type with a 400cc
aluminium buddy bottle or the C-Type with
the 200 or 300cc cylinder. The test gun was
good for 270 shots in .177 from a 200bar ll,
Small magnets keep the which is surely as many shots as anyone
dust cover secure could ever want or need. Much of this vast
capability comes courtesy of the remarkable
Harper Sling-Shot hammer system. During
carried, and because I was concentrating on the lead in this area. As far as I know, testing, Daystate found it to be at least 40%
my quarry, not the ries condition, I didnt theyre also the only manufacturer offering more efcient than a conventional knock-
notice the angle of the bolt and was greeted reex-style silencers that overlap the barrel open valve set-up. It also delivers stunning
with a rush of high pressure air as it pushed shroud to give full noise suppression with shot-to-shot consistency and a nearly at
the bolt back from the breech - not only minimal length. power curve without the complexity and
does it make you miss, it scares the pants I also appreciate the function of the added cost of a regulator. My beloved Skan
off you as well. The only downside of this safety which slides right and left across chronograph conrmed that these claims
arrangement is that you cannot de-cock the
action.
The second feature is that you cannot It just this kind of innovation that is the future of hunting
double-load it. This is another mistake Ive
made many times when I wasnt sure if Id airguns and I applaud Daystate for taking the lead
loaded the rie, and cycled the bolt only
to put a second pellet into the breech. The the back of the action. This can be engaged were true.
Wolverines magazine is indexed by a tiny before you cock the gun, ensuring that Average velocity was 592fps and it varied
piston that pops up as the rie res. If its there to help you instantly. However, just 4fps over 50 shots, which is superb
you havent red, but cycle the bolt, the as with all thumbhole stocks, you cannot and lives up to the manufacturers claims.
magazine wont rotate. It just this kind of reach it from the ring position, so you Cocking was impressively smooth which
innovation that is the future of hunting need to remove your hand from the stock to I partly attribute to the thicker than
airguns and I applaud Daystate for taking disengage it before a shot. average bolt shaft. There was little sign

This pad goes up


and down as well
as side to side

A blue dot on the


magazine denotes .177

24 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


ipnG{lz{

Comb height
I asked Tony why the top edge of the cheek
piece is so low, and he told me that its
set that way to accommodate any position
that the hunter might nd himself in. If it
were set higher, it would compromise some
positions and make the rie impossible to
shoot. I know that he knows his onions,
but Id still like to see it set higher. The butt
pad is multiway adjustable for those who
enjoy such things, and I see them in the
same way that Tony sees the cheek piece. It
needs to be set in one place that allows you
to shoot from almost any angle and then
locked down. I dont think hunters will be
relocating it in the eld in the way some
competition shooters do.
Overall Id say that the Wolverine 2 is a
subtle yet worthwhile evolution of the rst
version, and I always appreciate it when
manufacturers make the effort to move their
products on. I was pleasantly surprised to
nd out that the price has
been held to that of the Wolverine 1, despite
all the improvements, but if the owner of
a Mk1 asked me if he should sell it to buy
a Mk2, Id have to say no because in terms
of performance, theyre almost identical.
However, if youre in the market for a top-
class, hunting pre-charged pneumatic, then
you really need to have a good look at one
of these. You have plenty of choices in how
you spec it, and class-leading design and
innovation aplenty. As agships go,
I think that Daystate can be very pleased
with this one.

The cheek piece is


set low so that you
can get onto the
scope at any angle
SPECIFICATION
Manufacturer: Daystate
of any wobble either, which added to the noted the coloured dot that helps you to see Web: www.daystate.com
classy feel. I expect top-drawer triggers how many shots you have left. It was blue Tel: 01785 859122
from Daystate and this one was just that. It and this appears to be in line with a growing
Model: Wolverine 2
moved cleanly and lightly breaking like the industry standard to mark .177 blue and .22
proverbial icicle, which is something I value red. This is the same magazine that I used Type: Pre-charged pneumatic
greatly. During a one-shot string I had ve in my Huntsman Regal and I know and trust Action: Bolt-action fed
shots all through one hole at 30 yards and it completely. The cut-out in the face plate, Trigger: Two-stage adjustable
felt the internal pressure not to mess up the where you insert the pellets, is as simple as
following shots. I got the sixth and then the can be, but the work of genius. The old mags Length: 44 (111.7
seventh through the hole, and by then the always needed some kind of probe to seat the Weight: 7.11 lbs (3.22 kg)
mental pressure was unbelievable. Of course, pellet to the right depth, but you can press Shots per ll: 270cc
a gust of wind took the eighth off to the them in with you thumb with this design.
Fill pressure: 200 bar
side, or at least that was my excuse, but The ring cycle is very smooth and I
I put nine and ten through the hole. You noted no spring noise at all. The recoil is so Wolverine2 HiLite: 1,259.00
need a trigger this good to release the ries slight that its hardly noticeable, allowing Wolverine2 C type: 1,176.00
inherent accuracy, and this one is sweet. me to focus on the target and ignore the Wolverine2 B type: 1,176.00
gun completely. It feels like a big rie in the
Familiar pellets shoulder, even though its not that heavy,
I used Daystates own Sovereign pellets
which are made in the Czech Republic and
but the large and complex MTC scope clearly
added weight, and the high mounts added to
RRP 1259.00
look very familiar. When lling magazine, I the top-heavy feel.

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 25


o|u{pun

Duty calls
Keeping his permissions is vital to Eddie Jones, and hes on rabbit duty in the paddocks

T
his winter has been a busy time for me be no interruptions. I was going to walk On most of my grounds this would have
on the squirrels and as you know from the boundaries rst and then wait where been left alone to grow, but here it is just
my previous features, Ive been taking the farmer had noticed rabbits feeding, another rabbit to the farmer and they all
quite a few. This month, I wanted to show and hope to get a few. Rabbits will feed needed to go.
some different quarry and yes, something throughout the day if they are not disturbed
different did put in an appearance, but I too often, so dont miss an opportunity to Choice of quarry
was surprised with the outcome from this get the rie out if you can. I set off on the slow, quiet stalk. I knew
particular ground. I was going to have a session with the roughly where I had to stop and look
A farmer called to say that a few rabbits Ultimate Sporter this time, but the Galahad over the hedge to get my my shot and
were showing around his horse paddocks is still a learning curve for me so I had to when I reached the gap where I wanted
and that he would like them thinned out. try it again, you know how it is. With a few to look over , there was another surprise.
Id been on top of this ground for some years magazines ready and the Galahad loaded, Bouncing around, no more than two feet
and when he calls, I like to show up as soon I set off to do a circuit of the ground, and from the young rabbit, was a glowing grey
as possible so I arranged to go there after my rst opportunity came after about half squirrel now what was I going to do? It
the girls had done all the horses. Its not the an hour. was a no-brainer because the farmer hadnt
best time of the day, of course, but you can I came to an area with a few hawthorn mentioned any baby rabbits, and those grey
only t in what you can. As you know, the trees planted along the route, and brambles squirrels needed to go. I managed to get into
a kneeling position under a holly tree, and
this gave me a few holes to look through, to
Id been on top of this ground for some years and when get a clear picture of the squirrel through

he calls, I like to show up as soon as possible the Hawke sidewinder.


It was a couple of minutes before I nally
got the shot off. The squirrel had stopped
best time to shoot rabbits is early morning made up the rest of the hedge line. The bouncing about and sat nicely, so that I
or late evening, my preferred times, but I brambles had died back a bit so I could look could get the cross hair on its head and pull
had no choice today other than to go when over the top at what was ahead of me, and the trigger. The squirrel curled up as soon
I could. about 60 yards along the hedge I could see as the pellet struck, conrming a nice clean
I arrived at the ground at around at 9am, a rabbit feeding. To my surprise, it was not kill, and the baby rabbit was still in the
and I could see that all the horses were an adult; it must have only just started to same spot, but it had sat up, looking at the
out in the elds, so at least there would come out to feed on grass, it was so small. squirrel that lay not far from it. I turned
the scope on it and cycled the lever on the
Galahad for another shot. With the cross
rmly placed on the baby rabbit, I started to
squeeze the trigger, but as I felt the second
stage, a massive guilt trip came over me. It
was the rst baby of the year. How could I
shoot it? I decided to leave it and climbed
the fence to retrieve my squirrel. Many will
think I am going soft, but I can assure you
I am not. If I see it again, it will be gone. I
just had a moment of compassion.
Well, rst pest conrmed, I headed off in
search of another. I had got around half the
boundary done before I saw another brown
shape ahead of me, in a corner of the next
eld. This was denitely an adult rabbit and
it was my next target so I started a slow,
steady walk toward it. There was a feeder
in front of me, that was keeping me hidden
Getting low in this
dip prevented me from the rabbit, and if I could get to the
from being skylined feeder I would be no more than 35 yards
away and comfortable to be taking the shot.

28 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


o|u{pun
I was supposed to be
looking for rabbits, but I
cant resist a squirrel
o|u{pun

I crept ever closer, now walking blind


because I didnt want to stick my head into
view to see if the rabbit was there. All I had
in my mind was getting to the feeder, and if
I couldnt see the rabbit, then it couldnt not
see me, I hoped. I was now crouched behind
it and slowly, I started to get into a standing
position. As I lifted myself up, the Galahad
was also being raised so that it was in a
shooting position straight away to minimise
movement at the crucial time. Finally, I was
ready, and luckily, the rabbit had its back
to me and had moved closer to the hedge. I
might have been spotted had it been further
out in the eld. Now in a comfortable
position, I made a little clicking sound to
get it to raise its head, the rabbit obliged
and I struck it with the .177 pellet right
behind its eye. Now I had something to show
the farmer, even with one rabbit gone from This old stump
around the paddocks he would be pleased. made a great rest

One ot two
I set off again to where I usually see a few squirrels chasing each other. I have never ivy was pretty thick so spotting them was
late on in the evening. I knew I should seen squirrels here before so to see two was not easy. Five minutes later, I had one. It
get one or two from here, if Im patient. great, but the problem now was that I had had gone too far up the tree and I was in a
I reached the spot where I was going to to choose again. I had waited nearly an hour good spot to see it, so I wasted no time in
wait for a rabbit, and I have three chances for a rabbit and that was my main goal. sending my pellet in its direction. It went
because rabbits can come from right, left, Should I make a noise now and wreck my tumbling to the oor, there was silence for
a few seconds and then to my surprise, the
other squirrel came looking for its mate. I
Many will think I am going soft, but I can assure you watched it come down the tree and I was

I am not. If I see it again, it will be gone tracking it through the Sidewinder until it
stopped just above where its mate lay on the
oor. Quickly, I took another shot and the
or in the elds behind me. I had been chances trying for the squirrels? Yes, you squirrel lay within inches next to the rst
waiting for a good 45 minutes when I heard guessed it, I had to go for them; I could wait one Id had. What a result! Three squirrels,
a bit of commotion in the trees behind another hour for a rabbit, but the squirrels and I wasnt even after them.
me, and I thought a pigeon had landed in were here now.
the ivy that covers a few trees and was I stayed in exactly the same spot and Move on
eating the berries, but it was a couple of waited for my chance to shoot one, but the With all the noise, I had decided to move
on and try another spot because I hadnt
got lot of time before I needed to head back
I nd that I really lock
into the bullpup now home for other commitments, and I still
had pictures to take which is a pain when
youre on your own. Well, to cut this story
short because I have already gone over my
allowed word count, as usual, I managed to
get another squirrel on my journey. Four
from this ground was a massive result, and it
demonstrates the fact that we all have to get
out and cull these greys to have any chance
of saving our native red squirrels.
I also managed a rabbit that had ran
straight out in front of me. It was only 20
yards away and froze just long enough to let
me shoot it showing just how well the new
Jack Pyke eece gear is working. By next
month, I hope that things will have warmed
up a little, and Ill be on the rabbits a bit
more. Keep your eyes on those grass elds
the pigeons will soon be feeding on the
clover, and that will give us more chances to
decoy a few of them in.

30 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


o|u{pun

Spring Steel
Charlie Portlock is in hunter-gatherer mode, searching for his supper

A
t a recent training event for fellow
instructors I was nave enough to
lend my knife to a friendly couple
who were learning how to prepare a
pheasant for the pot. I say nave because
I assumed that they knew some basic
knife courtesy, i.e. returning the knife
in the same condition that they found
it. I watched with clenched sts as they
crushed, hacked and even attempted to
saw through bone with the 3 carbon steel
blade. I suppose that I should have said
something, but I didnt want to embarrass
them in front of the group. They returned
it with sincere thanks and a happy smile, My current
blades of choice
completely oblivious to the hour of work
theyd given me on the stones. Im no
master sharpener and although I can just particularly useful. ne and unpretentious blade that will last a
about bring my knives up to the paper Ive been using blades a fair bit recently very long time indeed. It ticks a lot of boxes
test standard with plenty of stropping, I because work has taken me more and more and I like it a lot.
dont have the methodical patience to make into the woods and as Ive misplaced the
them shaving sharp; I still nd sharpening little knife mentioned earlier, I was happy Classic axe
a chore and am yet to nd in it the when the editor sent over the new Mora The second piece of kit that Ive been using
meditative qualities of which some people Garberg for review. Its a brute of a knife for well over a year now is the Hultafors
speak. with a reassuringly weighty yet elegant, full Classic Trekking axe supplied to me by
tang, stainless steel blade, the rear of which Casstrom, a company that specialises in
Good kit can be used with a re-steel. This is useful knives and axes in this Scandinavian style.
Regular readers will be aware of the fact because the steels that come packaged with Its the perfect size for bushcraft, wild
that I dont generally like to promote ferrous rods are often quite small and can camping, hunting and the eld preparation
equipment within these pages. On more be a bit tiring to use in damp conditions. of larger carcasses when a small knife wont
than one occasion Ive refused free My knife also came with the multi-mount cut it (Very good: Ed). It ts perfectly into
equipment because I didnt need it, and system which allows you to mount the knife the side of my pack (the excellent Karrimor
Ive even returned one very expensive onto MOLLE compatible gear. SF Sabre 30) and comes with a high-quality
knife because I didnt like the design. leather hood to protect the blade and your
However, I would like to share a couple of An understated agship ngers from damage. I cant fault it and I
recommendations with you this month. Even though the Garberg is a agship knife, use it all the time for splitting rewood in
Theyre well designed and t for purpose its still an understated affair thats just the camp, working hazel (Ive been building
and I think that those interested in the right size to be useful for almost any an outdoor range), chopping through
bushcraft and wild camping will nd them practical task apart from ne carving. This pheasant legs and even hammering in
is not the knife for crafting intricate love wooden stakes for guy lines.
spoons for your ladyfriends; its a hunters
knife. When used with a wooden baton I Window of opportunity
can imagine this Garberg fullling many of As the weather warms slightly, squirrels
the tasks that a light axe might undertake, are starting to nibble the fresh growth on
including splitting and chopping smaller deciduous trees and very soon, spring will
pieces of wood and bone, but at a fraction have begun in earnest with the increasingly
of the weight (294g). If youre the kind dense foliage making our shooting that
of person that sees a knife as a status bit more challenging. In my area, the
symbol and looks forward to showing it off forester and the keeper use Warfarin
Ive been then this probably isnt the knife for you. poison from mid-March in order to control
spending a
lot more time However, if you want an ultra-reliable tool the population of greys before the second
in the woods
recently that will take some serious abuse, then Id breeding season in May. I understand
urge you to investigate the Garberg. Its a the need for this kind of approach from

32 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


o|u{pun
I heard a jay
and kept still,
listening out
for squirrel
movement
o|u{pun

The Garberg is a The Hultafors is


versatile knife a perfect t in
my rucksacks
side pocket

The Garberg
on its belt loop
carries easily

a commercial perspective, but Im dead shooting. After this date I can still shoot of expected to nd some squirrel activity in
against it in principle because poisoned course, but Im unable to eat my kills, which the vicinity of some recently productive
hoppers can be accessed by other small means that I rarely bother unless I see an beech trees. En route, I came across two
rodents as well as mustelids like stoats obviously ill animal and dispatch it out of different kinds of edible fungus; scarlet
and weasels. Warfarin kills by causing mercy. For my last dedicated squirrel hunt elf cup, and the much more comprehensive
internal bleeding and any animal that on this ground, I picked a bright Saturday wood ear which is often used in Chinese
consumes it will experience a slow and very following a sodden period of heavy showers. cooking and grows on dead elder; both of
painful death from the haemorrhaging of Greys are always more active under these these would go into the forage bag for later.
Coming up to my destination, I heard the
familiar croak of a jay and wondered if the
I watched with clenched fists as they crushed, hacked squirrels had too. The sun was shining in

and even attempted to saw through bone ... between some very light and lacklustre
showers and I felt condent that Id spot my
quarry on the move.
its internal organs. This is also an issue conditions because theyve likely been I found an excellent and comfortable
for carrion feeders that eat the poisoned lying up, trying to keep warm and dry and rest for my rie and sat down to wait in a
carcasses, and whatever the nancial are keen to take the opportunity to leave position that overlooked a shadowed ride.
justication for the use of poison, its the drey. Stalking is quiet and the woods Keeping still for around 10 minutes was
certainly not the choice of the ecologist or have that vibrant, dripping stillness one easy in this position and I soon heard the
conservationist. experiences when sunshine follows rain. unmistakable rustling of a grey searching
Happily, airgunners can provide an the woodland oor for food. The squirrel
excellent alternative, as our own Eddie On the ride came on toward me in sporadic bounds as it
Jones has regularly shown us within these Id been neglecting my Weihrauch HW95K, stopped to search for mast, but I waited for
pages. Our approach to control is much more so I broke with recent habit and took a it to change direction and present in prole
in harmony with the ecosystem, causes lightweight approach, taking to the woods before taking a simple 25-yard headshot.
minimal suffering for the target animal with just the rie and a pouch of pellets. It As its a nice light rie, the 95K can be hold
(often none at all) and allows the meat to can be easy to get carried away by kit fever, sensitive and it was an agreeable change to
re-enter the food chain free of toxins. If but once in a while its good to remember be shooting from a eld position that was
there were more of us out shooting more that all we really need to hunt successfully is almost bench-like in stability.
often, it would be a very good thing. a rie, a knife and a handful of lead.
Despite my misgivings, I always see the I felt limber and light-footed as I Dressed out
15th of March as a deadline for my squirrel threaded through the woods where I After retrieving my kill, I used the Garberg
to eld-dress the squirrel and although
I stopped to I took my shot the Mora felt a little overqualied in
gather some at 25 yards
wood ear from a very the size department it did the job well. I
mushrooms for stable position didnt worry so much about putting hard
my supper
steel through the pelvis as I would have
done with a softer, carbon-steel blade.
On my return home, I stopped to gather
the mushrooms and managed to get in
just before the rain began in earnest. A
successful little trip in search of lunch.

In season
Although the new season brings fresh
challenges, theres always something
profoundly hopeful about the spring. If
youve been waiting for the weather to
warm before you get out there, youll
doubtless be itching to spend some time in
the eld. Theres a lot to look forward to.

34 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


q|upvyGypmsl

Ultra Special
This is surely every youngsters dream rie, says the editor

L
ike many people, Im always pleased one of the most important skills that any rewards the learner, and the more success
to see young people coming into rie shooter can have. On the subject of the they enjoy, the more excited they are to
our sport, but all too often theyre trigger, this is another area where the JSR continue learning. Ive seen kids brought
presented with guns that are simply too scores compared to the typical junior rie. to tears of frustration as they miss time
big. Struggling to hold a rie thats too The Ultra trigger unit is reasonably light, and again, and unsurprisingly, lose interest
heavy can be very off-putting and not being very smooth and consistently predictable in trying. PCPs are much easier to shoot
able to reach the trigger in a comfortable
way can lead to bad habits that are hard to
overcome later. Many ries that claim to be can be rested on a table without any loss of accuracy.
junior models may be light, but can have
adult proportions, so are far from ideal.
Hitting equals smiling, in my book
When BSA showed me a prototype of the
JSR on test, I was really pleased. It has a huge help to anybody wanting to shoot than springers and can be rested on a table
truly small dimensions where they count, accurately. The simple beech stock and short without any loss of accuracy. Hitting equals
namely an 11 pull length, compared to the barrel help to keep the weight low, and at smiling, in my book.
standard 14, and a very short reach from just 5 lbs its a true featherweight. The JSR takes this advantage much
the pistol grip to the trigger blade. This lets further. The bolt action is light to cock so
the young shooter hold the JSR naturally Received wisdom theres no concern about young arms getting
and become comfortable, so eliminating Theres been a view for many years that fatigued. It also eliminates the dangers that
the desperate need to snatch at the trigger children should be taught to shoot a spring/ break-barrel springers can suffer in terms
before little arms tire and wobble. With time piston rie, preferably with open sights, of trapped ngers. Further, the multi-shot
to listen and learn, the teacher can help the before anything else. I have to say that I magazine means that the youngster can
shooter to develop proper trigger control, disagree. I believe that hitting the target simply sit and shoot whilst the adult stands

Being able to hold your rie


comfortably is vital to learning, and fun
q|upvyGypmsl

The reach to the


trigger blade is ideal
for small hands

The short butt is


critical to allowing a
young shooters to be
comfortable

Beyond the performance, its


a great-looking rie as well

behind to offer guidance and control. I soon annoy your neighbours, whereas with that theyll quickly become a competent shot,
strongly believe that a kid who is lucky a silencer tted theyll hardly know that which will open the door to a lifetime of
enough to be bought one of these will learn youre shooting. pleasurable shooting and that has to be one of
to shoot well far quicker than one struggling Because the action is pretty much the the greatest gifts we could ever give a child.
with a springer. standard Ultra, as your child grows you
could buy and t a standard stock, making
Enough power
SPECIFICATION
it a full-size, adult gun and extending the
Wisely, BSA chose to set the power output guns useful life. Using a standard stock
to 6 ft.lbs. which is more than enough for could also be an option if you wanted to use
plinking and target shooting, and has a the JSR whilst Junior wasnt about.
secondary benet of delivering more shots Manufacturer: BSA Guns
per ll. To keep the rie as small and light Full spec Web: www.bsaguns.co.uk
as possible, plus to keep costs down, the No corners have been cut in making this
JSR does not come with a silencer, but my gun, as evidenced by the pressure gauge
Model: Ultra JSR
advice to any dad buying this rie is to get that lives in the belly of the stock. All PCPs Type : Pre-charged pneumatic
one. The sharp crack that PCPs make will need a gauge, and I was glad to see the Action: Bolt-action, multi-shot
smart BSA-branded one tted as standard.
The barrel is screwcut
Length: 27 (69cm)
Despite the t being totally wrong for me,
ready for a silencer Weight: 5 lbs (2.6kg)
I couldnt resist shooting the rie and I was
not at all surprised to nd that it shoots Calibres: .177 and .22
just like its full-size brother. It printed neat Muzzle energy: 6 ft.lbs.
little groups at 25 yards, straight from the
Shots per ll: 120
box, and with a BSA silencer tted it was as
quiet as you could wish. Max ll pressure: 232bar
As Im sure youve realised by now, I think
this is a really great little rie and any
youngster lucky enough to be bought one RRP 369
will be delighted, Im sure. Im also condent

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 39


ipwvk

A truly
grass is eaten down short and your every
movement can give you away, lying up in
wait with the rie on a bipod is the clear
route to success. Like most people in our
industry Ive used Harris bipods for decades
and whilst theyre not perfect, you cannot

Versapod
take away their success.
At the British Shooting Show, the good
folks at Scott Country showed me a new
bipod that just might take the Harris
crown. The Versapod is different and has
some very impressive features that Ill walk
you through. To begin, it ts to your rie
The editor nds a bipod to challenge the Harris at last with a module that attaches to your front
sling swivel stud. A spigot protrudes forward

I
have a love-hate relationship with nothing else will do. At certain times of the from this and the Versapod slides on. This
bipods. I nd them heavy and awkward year, settling down to wait for quarry to means you can attach it in seconds so that
to use, but when you really need one, emerge is the only way to succeed. When the it doesnt need to stay on your rie all day
long.
The way the
Versapod locks into Pan and tilt
your hold is very The main body of the pod has controls for
clever
pan and tilt, which have thumbwheels to
Inset: It has a set of
feet for any surface add or subtract friction as you like. Gripping
the legs and bringing them together
allows the legs to be folded for storage,
facing backward or forward, and takes a
split second. Finally, the legs can extend
from 9 to 12 by pressing levers, which I
found much easier than the Harris design.
As youre ready to take the shot, a slight
forward pressure with the rie locks the pan
movement and adds appreciable stability to
your aim.

Adjustable everything
If that were not enough adjustability for
you, the Battle Pack Lite I was given to test
contains a choice of feet to suit varying
conditions, all in a Cordura carrying case.
The standard rubber feet look very familiar.
Next we come to the raptor feet that look
like they belong on some kind of scary sci-
eagle. These are designed to be stable in
very loose soils, and then nally, we come
to the even more interesting skis! These are
for use in mud where they offer stability
without sinking.
Just as promised, I was able to make
the Versapod lock up tight as I was
making my shots, and it did feel
very stable. It feels odd that
it can be quite free as you
establish your hold and
build your shot, and yet
lock up when youre
ready. Time will tell if it
can better the Harris,
but from what Ive seen
and felt so far, this is a
very impressive system
indeed.
www.scottcountry.co.uk
RRP 169.95

40 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


o|u{punG|zh

Punching above its weight!


Jim Chapman takes a break from big boar hunting to go after airgun quarry in Texas

I
m sitting in the airport in Dallas, adjustable power set at high. most applications. They are accurate in this
preparing to y back home after four I shipped my ries ahead to Abilene for Kral, feed reliably, and I know that their
days of hunting the west country. I pick up along the way, and when I arrived terminal performance is outstanding. In my
was at a buddys ranch to hunt boar; the checked zero, and then printed a few groups experience, this is a consistently good long-
Lone Star States feral hog population is at 50 and 75 yards. The last step was to set range pellet.
huge, but as usual, there would be plenty of up 1 spinners at 30, 50, and 75 yards, for I had business to attend to in Houston for
opportunity to hunt smaller varmints in my a plinking session shooting off the Primos a few days before the hunt, but afterwards it
down time, so I brought along a new bullpup
that had recently arrived on my doorstep,
the Kral Puncher Breaker. I havent had a so I decided to shift my attention to smaller game
lot of experience with the ries produced
by this Turkish manufacturer, a couple of
and have a go with the Puncher Breaker
brief plinking sessions whilst visiting the
USA importer, Pyramyd Air, but this would bipod sticks I intended to hunt with. After was a quick 350-mile drive to the property.
be my rst eld experience. The Puncher this experience, I had a warm, fuzzy feeling My rst stop was a my friend Edwins airgun
Breaker is a compact bullpup design, and about the Puncher Breaker with condence shop (Airguns of Texas) to pick up a charged
the version I requested is the wood-stocked I could reliably hit my kill zone out to 75 air tank, and the ries Id shipped earlier.
model, in .25 calibre. I scoped the gun with yards under eld conditions. From that point, I had an hours drive to the
a Leapers 4-12 variable, built on a 30-mm ranch, where the plan was to hunt pigs from
tube, and sighted in at 25 yards on my JSB all the way blinds in the dawn and dusk hours, then
indoor range. The results were promising: The brand of pellets selected was the JSB stomp the cedar thickets in the afternoon
60 shots formed a ragged hole with 25 grain, Diabolo round nose Exact, which looking for the big hogs as they laid up for
an average energy of 34 ft.lbs., with the is my go-to pellet in most ries and for the daylight hours.
This compact bullpup
shoots well, even from
awkward positions
o|u{punG|zh

Taking a knee on day


one; the Kral shot well
from all eld positions

I shot three boar hogs in the rst two rabbits around daybreak, and knew exactly town on it. There were areas along the road
days, so decided to shift my attention where I wanted to go. They drop corn along Id shoot, then work my way back into the
to smaller game and have a go with the the road to pull the hogs out of the heavy cactus and mesquite covered hillsides to bag
Puncher Breaker. I got up at dawn one thickets, and the rabbits, rats, ground some of the rural rabbits.
morning; Id been seeing a lot of cottontail squirrels, and many types of bird go to
Compact
My rst couple of The rst thing you notice about the Kral
cottontails in the bag
is that it is very compact, with an overall
length of 29. The second thing is that at
7.4lb, its on the heavier side. Having said
this, it was not too much of an issue for me,
and certainly helped to pull the weight into
my centre of gravity for offhand shooting.
On my gun, I will probably core the stock to
shave some weight off. However, Im going
to be careful because this gun comes to
shoulder like a charm, and is a great shooter
from every position, and I dont want to
alter that! The other characteristic that
was greatly appreciated was how easy it was
to move through the thick brush with the
compact bullpup. For me, that offsets any
issue related to weight. When on your knees,
crawling through mesquite, it is the length
of the rie catching and hanging up on
branches that you notice, not the weight.
My rst rabbit hunt found me working the
side of a dirt road, in which corn had been

44 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


o|u{punG|zh

scattered. I had not walked more than 15


minutes from the ranch house, when I saw
the rst rabbit on the side of the road, then
a couple more came hopping out. I dropped
and propped my lead elbow on my knee,
and sat back on my foot. I lined up the shot
selecting the rabbit on the side of the road,
with the crosshairs low on the head at 40
yards, squeezed the trigger and the rabbit
literally rolled over dead, and then rabbits
exploded everywhere!
There must have been four or ve more
that had gone unnoticed, in the heavy
roadside brush, along with the two I saw
on the road. I cycled the side lever and
another pellet loaded as I swung around
Kral and JSB Exacts
and took a heart shot at the next rabbit. were a great match!
It sprang straight up in the air and came Below: A 10-shot,
down anchored in place. I hung these two 50-yard group; Id
initially zeroed at
fat cottontails in the shade and moved on, 75 yards
bagging a couple more along the way and
this all happened in not much more time
than it takes to tell. dotted with live cedars and blow-downs.
I decided to call it a morning, and drive As I walked in, I spotted a rabbit feeding
back to town to pick up supplies because in at the base of a small tree. I was hidden
my rush to reach the ranch, Id neglected from its sight whilst standing behind
to get all the food I would need to see me a clump of cactus, but because of the
through the trip. That night I went out for angle was unsure if I could make the shot
another hog, and lets just say there will not without being deected by a twig or some
be a shortage of bacon at the Chapman home other obstacle between us. Using available
anytime soon. cover, I shifted a few yards to my left
and found an open shooting lane. For
The next day this shot, I pulled the break-down Primos
The next morning, I started off working a shooting sticks from my pocket, and the
hillside covered in cactus and dried grass, elastic band running inside of the three
sections on each side aligns
and locks them in position with a shake.
Limited target, but a rock-stable rest, it was the right trade Whilst standing up straight, I could see
the entire rabbit clearly, but at a tad over
off in my view, and my first rabbit of the day rolled over 50 yards I didnt feel comfortable with an
offhand shot. Taking a knee, I had to keep
high to shoot over the grass, where I could
Shooting sticks, rangender, make out the top of the rabbits head.
and water are all you really
need besides gun and ammo Limited target, but a rock-stable rest, it
but a good daypack and game was the right trade off in my view, and my
carrier are nice to have
rst rabbit of the day rolled over.
Over the next couple of hours, I went on a
leisurely stalk along game trails made either
by hogs, or the feral sheep that cohabit the
rocky slopes. By this time of the morning,
a few rabbits were out in the open, but
most were moving into the heavier brush.
I found that the Puncher Breaker allowed
me to acquire a good hold and shoot from
a number of sometimes awkward positions,
both offhand and off sticks. By the end of
the morning, Id added another six rabbits
to the bag.
I had as much fun on my small game
outings as Id had on the boar hunts, and
the Kral was a solid performer in the eld.
Compact, accurate, powerful, reliable,
shootable and a fast cycling action, it
provided everything I needed on the day.

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 45


jvYGwpz{vs

Double Digit Delivery


The editor nds something truly new in the Co2 scene

A
couple of years ago, I was shooting of this and the job I do, I thought Id capsules and had 14 .177 shots in every load.
Co2 pistol competitions very seriously seen pretty much every interesting pistol How the hell did I miss that?
and looking around at every pistol around, and was sure that I understood I vaguely remember seeing it at a show
on the market to see if I could nd some their mechanisms. So imagine my surprise where there was an animation explaining
advantage over my competitors. Because when I came across one that carried two Co2 how it worked, but I didnt recall seeing
one in the UK. Its our old friends at Edgar
In the hands the Brothers who import it and I asked for a test
92 felt just right gun as soon as I learned that fact.

Full of gas
Its called the AG92, which I guess stands
for airgun thats a visual replica of Berettas
famous 92F, and the size and handling make
it a good replica at that. Pressing the mag
release button reveals a short, deep-bodied
holder for the two 12-gramme Co2 capsules.
I would not have thought that you could get
two in such a small space, but they have.
Of course, this doubles the number of shots
you can take between rells. As original
and innovative this is, its as nothing when
compared to the pellet-loading system.
Pulling back a small tab on top of the
slide allows the barrel assembly to pop
up revealing not one, but two eight-shot
magazines on a steel spindle. They sit one
behind the other with one chamber empty in
each, which explains why its not a 16-shot
gun. Now comes the tricky part to explain.
The mags have one chamber left empty in
the 12 oclock position. As you re, a pellet
from the rear mag is shot through the front
mag and down the barrel. As you pull the
trigger again the rear mag rotates to offer
the next pellet, which like the rst, res
through the front mag. This continues until
all the pellets in the rear mag are used. Next
the front mag rotates for each subsequent
shot until its empty too.

Spares included
I was happy to see that a second set of
magazines is included in the plastic carrying
case. The manual explains very clearly
that the pellets must be fully seated in
the magazines or problems will occur. Its
obvious that any pellet sticking out of its
chamber will foul, preventing the needed
rotation.
Ill confess to a slight concern that I
might do something wrong when loading
such an apparently complex system, but in
the end I just gassed it up, lled the mags
and pulled the trigger 14 times. What a
blast! When I shot IPAS competitions, the

48 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


jvYGwpz{vs

As a replica I thought Stacking two rotary


it looked great magazines gives a
huge shot capacity

This tiny tab releases


the barrel assembly

stages were mostly ve large steel plates moments with a well-aimed le could soon how well it held velocity during rapid-re
that had to be hit in the quickest possible reshape the sights to correct that. strings.
time, which sounds easy until you miss If I were shooting IPAS competitions
when under pressure. Most of us used 8-shot Power and consistency today, Id certainly give this gun a
guns and those three spare shots were often With fresh capsules installed, my test gun thorough test against my old competition
used up by panicked, wild misses. Having gave an average of 325 fps with the Webley pistol to see how it fared. A good trigger,
nine spare shots would have made a huge Velocipell that I thought should suit a gun consistent power and lots of spare shots
difference to many a day at the range. of this kind well. Its a lighter (7.25grain) would make it very appealing. As a plinker
The trigger is typical of this kind of gun,
being long and indistinct in double-action,
and much lighter in single-action, allowing Holding two capsules means less frequent refills
for more precise shooting. However, thats
not what pistols like this are for, in my
and 14-shots in a string is a real blast
view. Theyre about getting lots of lead
downrange fast. Our competition target than average wadcutter that cycled perfectly it also has buckets of appeal. Holding two
plates were usually 10 square, and often in my gun. This equates to 1.7ft.lbs., which capsules means less frequent rells and
bigger. Precision wasnt necessary, but speed is right up with the very best pistols in 14-shots in a string is a real blast when
and consistency were. this class. I wonder if having two Co2 youre chasing a tin can down the range.
The rear sight is adjustable for windage capsules helps with this. It certainly helps Im glad I had a chance to test this excellent
and I soon had that spot-on and my sample consistency. I ran my chronograph test on pistol. It really is something different and a
shot a little low at 10 yards, but a few a 10C day and was deeply impressed by just ton of fun, to boot.

How they got two This toggle drives the two

SPECIFICATION
capsules into the Co2 capsules onto the
mag impressed me piercing probes

Manufacturer: Chiappa Firearms


Importer: Edgar Brothers
Web: shootingsports.edgarbrothers.com
Tel: 01625 613177
Model: AG92
Type: Co2
Action: Double and single-action
Length: 8.7 (22 cm)
Weight: 1.4lbs (630grammes)

RRP 102.00

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 49


jvtwl{p{pvu

WIN A TOP COMBO!

In a world packed with bullpups, Brocock is mounting than most bullups benetting trajectory
offering us a genuine alternative with the semi- at close range, for those all important rat and
bullpup Bantam. This offers a compact and feral pigeon jobs. A carbon-bre buddy bottle
lightweight rie with slighty more conventional reservoir supplies a huge number of shots per
handling. The design also allows lower scope ll to the 10-shot, magazine-fed bolt action,

ENTRY FORM
This is a snippet from a picture printed elsewhere in
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Address

this issue. Can you spot which page its on? Postcode Daytime Tel
Email
Prize to be sent to: (Name and address of your local gunshop)

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Address BASA members can
enter using one of their special
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Closing date: Friday 10th of May 2017
Tick if you have a subscription to Air Gunner.
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50 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


jvtwl{p{pvu

THIS BROCOCK BANTAM OUT-


FIT WORTH 700 ...
... COULD BE YOURS
FOR JUST 1.50!

delivering quick and easy loading in the eld. use of a Weihrauch barrel and Sling Shot hammer
Pellet delivery is through an all-new magazine system. All in all, this clever and innovative rie
thats robust and reliable, plus its very easy to makes the ideal hunter for every situation. To win
load even ddly .177 pellets. Top-class accuracy it simply complete the entry form and get it into
and consistent power are guaranteed through the the post today.

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

Closing date for entries is the 10th of May one entry free provided the entry form is submitted with a validated Free
Competition entry token from their membership pack. Multiple entries allowed. If you do not wish to destroy your copy of the
magazine you can send your entry on a separate piece of paper. Photocopies are also allowed. In the event of a tie, all correct
entries will be put into a hat and there will be a draw to decide the winner.
The prize is supplied on behalf of Air Gunner by the manufacturer. The prize will be sent to the winners designated gun shop
which may levy an administration charge for handling.

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 51


rup}lz

Respect the Viper


Endlessly fascinated by blades, the editor looks at something truly different

I
carry a knife almost everywhere I go, let size be your indicator of strength. Of knives, and as such earned my respect as a
but where I go is the countryside, the course, the handling is not what were used serious piece of kit.
farm, my shooting permissions and to, but I found I soon adjusted. It held a
our ofce. For the odd times that I go razor-sharp edge and at no time did I worry www.sportingcutlery.co.uk
into town or the city, I resort to my tiny about breaking it. This is truly a cross-over Model: Viper VR28
Victorinox non-locking micro-knives with from big, strong blades to weak pocket RRP: 59.95
their 1 5/8 blades that nobody could nd
offensive. However, theyre not all that
Despite its modest
effective, and lose their edge pretty quickly dimensions, it cuts like
on cardboard boxes and packaging. What a full-size knife

Id really like is a more substantial blade


that tted into my jeans pocket and yet
still looked inoffensive. Big, scary, ghting
knives arent for me. I need a little working
edge to see me though my day of mundane
cutting chores without attracting unwanted
attention. I have a litmus test of a knifes
looks, which is my family. If they say,
arrgh, that looks scary, I know somethings
wrong, so I dont want it. If they say,
aaaww, thats cute, I know I wont attract
unwanted attention if I use it to open a
box.

Unusual shape
The Viper VR28 from Sporting Cutlery is an
unusual contender measuring just 3 closed
and delivering a 1 7/8 blade. Its carried in
a smart leather pouch to stop it damaging
anything else in your pocket, such as
a mobile phone. Its a slim and smooth,
lozenge shape that sits unnoticed in your
pocket until you need it.
Where it treads a ne line is that it has
a liner-locking blade, which technically
makes it illegal to carry in a public place.
Please be aware of this and only carry it in
appropriate environments. I carried it for
four weeks, remembering to leave it in the
car when I went into the village or pub.

Good steel
What lifts this above cheap pocket knives
is the Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade,
hardened to AISI 301. This has cutting
power way above the usual High Street
models, and durability to match. I carried it
on a daily basis, all relevant considerations
understood, and I made no accommodation
for its size. I worked it as hard as I could,
for opening boxes, feedsacks, cutting hay
bale string etc., and even eld-dressed
rabbits and pigeons, and its clear to me
that despite its diminutive proportions, this
is a proper working tool. As they say, never

52 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


l{opjz

Back garden politics


Is it important to keep your neighbours happy? The editor believes so

I
shoot airguns in my back garden and
there are four gardens adjoining mine. The gap between my
house and our garage
Luckily, nobody has ever complained, keeps me out of sight
but I know that my neighbours could do when holding a gun

so at any time. Ive heard many tales of


neighbours objecting, not only to shooting
in the garden, but against guns full stop. I
feel strongly that each and every one of us is
an ambassador for the great sport of airgun
shooting and has a duty to show our pastime
in the best possible light.
With this in mind I started thinking about
avoiding complaints in the rst place. Heres
what I do. I have a space between the house
and the garage and sitting right at the back
Im pretty well hidden from view. Next, I
always use a silencer to avoid an irritating
crack concerning my neighbours each time
I re. On the subject of noise, my back
stop is a bucket lled with sand. When the
pellets hit, they bury into the sand which
absorbs the energy, eliminates the chance of
a ricochet and makes very little noise. If Im
shooting Co2 pistols I do it in my garage so
the noise is muted.

Live and let live you shooting, please ensure that everything One reader wrote to me who had used
If its a lovely warm day and my neighbours you do is fully compliant with the law. You this tactic. He and the previously unhappy
are out in their gardens, however much I must have a strong and durable pellet catcher neighbour had become great friends and
might fancy some shooting, I leave the guns because any pellet that crosses the boundary now shot together at their local club. Being
in the safe. I might well be fully entitled to of your property constitutes a legal offence. open and friendly speaks of condence that
shoot and be operating correctly within the Next, invite the neighbour round and offer you have nothing to hide and people will
law, but I dont want to bother, or worse still them a few shots. Often people imagine respect that. Remember that everything you
worry, my neighbours. Its more important airguns to be terrible, scary things and when do and say reects on our sport, so operate
to have them on my side than to get a tan they give one a try they soon see the truth. safely, and be proud to be an airgunner.
while launching pellets. Low noise, low recoil and lots of fun is what Who knows, you might even welcome new
If you have a neighbour who doesnt like airguns are really all about. shooters to our sport.

Many people overlook my garden, so Im as discreet as I can be

The bucket of sand traps


pellets silently. The concrete
slab behind ensures that a
wayward pellet is stopped

56 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


o|u{pun

The lightweight
springer comes on
to aim with barely
any effort, keeping
movement controlled
and to a minimum

O
n the whole I love social media and sport either licensed or stopped for good. representation of our sport and something
its unparalleled potential to bring us In the current political climate of youd boast about to your shooting mates
all together as a community. Jerry populism and knee-jerk, short-view in the pub. If not, then heed the call of the
Moss showed here in last months issue how legislation, nave or immature comments vast majority of airgun users and simply
a well-run Facebook group like his Grey made semi-anonymously in a social media dont rise to it.
Squirrel Hunters can act as a hub to inspire, group are being used by those against eld
advise and promote the great volunteer sports as an utterly incorrect representation Charlie Cheap
work, and people who are diligently trying of the mindset of the broader community. One of my favourite on-line characters is
to reduce the number of grey squirrels I believe in truly free speech, no matter Charlie Cheap. Hes the guy who will pop up
around the country. For anyone keen, but how much I may not agree with what Im on various Internet forums and Facebook
with little knowledge, there are thousands hearing, but I also believe that we all have groups with classic questions like, What is
of hours of learned experience to ask a personal responsibility to counter, either the cheapest rie and pellet for rabbits? or
for help from amongst a really positive by educating, ignoring or excluding, those Whats the cheapest good hunting pellet for
community its great! in our own community who may do our my gun? or something similar.
That said, social media can also act as a sport harm either knowingly or through For 98% of us, budgeting is a factor when
beacon for the mindless amongst our own stupidity. So, before liking that picture it comes to buying anything, whether it be
wide community who, given too much space, of someone in their camo balaclava with tinned tomatoes, a new airgun or a car if
can paint our sport in its worst light. Sadly, two favourite airguns across their chest, any of the other 2% are reading this, Im
these people can undermine all the hard or referring to airguns as my baby, or available to hire for holidays in Mustique
work that Jerrys group and so many others indeed wanting to impress, so adding an and up for possible adoption. The question
do in promoting the positives; they also give extra 40 metres to the distance of a shot of how much we want or can afford to
ammunition to those who want to see our at a crow, consider whether its a positive spend on our hobby is simply part of most

Valuing our Sport


Jamie Chandler brings us his view on what value means in airgunning
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 59
o|u{pun

peoples day-to-day lives, but Charlie Cheap budget on line somewhere, but if it comes with the damage from the rabbit population,
seems to have the very worst end of the with a pump or bottle and a scope, then I but I didnt have a shotgun certicate so
stick when it comes to hunting with an would be very cautious. PCPs are coming an airgun was the best option. This was
airgun. Would these same people be happy down in price, but I would worry about actually true event. I still cant believe my
running a marathon in a pair of supermarket paying as little as 350. We are focusing on luck permission and girlfriend all in one
trainers, or going up against Andy Murray value so we dont want a massive repair bill package! On a students budget, with a part
with a tennis racquet in a garden set from in two months, or worse, the cost of police time job, what would I do?
B&Q? Of course not the tools are simply bail because it turns out that your budget
not up to the level required. Importantly, second-user PCP is running at 15ft. lbs. Set a budget
with both examples the only thing that can neither would be valued by anyone! OK, rstly I would recognise that I wasnt
Richard Branson quite yet and set a budget.
I know, on a students income I wouldnt to be looking at I know, on a students income I wouldnt to
be looking at a BSA Goldstar or similar rst
a BSA Goldstar or similar first off, so lets say 350 off, so lets say 350. This budget may seem
excessive to some when looking at what you
be injured is the user, but when it comes Having used it almost exclusively for can buy for less, but we are talking about
to hunting with an airgun it can be the the last two months, if I were starting out hunting here, not just plinking at the range.
quarry thats injured. For any responsible and focused on value, I would buy the BSA Yes, you can go cheaper, but even on a tight
hunter, any undue suffering, no matter Lightning XL SE or similar, and ideally from budget, value should always win over cheap
how unintentional, to our quarry is simply somewhere with a range, or at the very and at this budget point we hit the mid-level
unacceptable. least a chrono to show the power output market, which offers an excellent range of
So, if I were to start with a limited before leaving the shop because once out options that are up to the job as long as the
budget, where would I begin? Lets say Id of the door, its your responsibility. The esh-bag behind the trigger is, too.
lucked in and my girlfriend of four months light weight that I always thought was Secondly, I would start with a springer.
dad owned a farm. The farmer was fed up a disadvantage in a springer has utterly You may nd a second-hand PCP at this

Two old
cartridge
cases make
an excellent
pellet pouch

Lightweight springers
can be hold-sensitive,
but even with my lack
of grip, I can still
accurately nail targets
out to hunting ranges

The Lightning XL SE
proved not only as deadly, Its all about practice.
but as comfortable as a The Air Arms Fields
mid-weight PCP to carry proving an excellent
around all day match to the barrel

60 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


o|u{pun

Range time is utterly invaluable in There is nothing more simple or


getting to know how your springer rewarding in our sport than a day in a
recoils, your combo, and aim points wood with a springer and a game bag

A mid-range springer and a heap


of practice is as deadly as a PCP
at normal hunting ranges

changed my shooting. Yes, lighter springers like a Hawke Vantage is ideal because they reasonable hunting ranges.
can be hold sensitive, but even with my lack are built to withstand the recoil from a Finally, I would head to a range or set one
of grip, I can still accurately shoot one- springer, have excellent clarity and are up on my permission that allows me to shoot
hole, clover-leaf groups out to 35 yards. The competitively priced. When hunting, I rarely from every position I will hunt from, and
Lightning also comes with a shroud which take a scope off X 7 mag, which matches my practise, practise, practise at 5-yard intervals,
aids in cocking, but really helps to tame aim points and distances perfectly. Dont ensuring a grouping that ts under a 10p
the muzzle blast, and unlike the heavier scrimp on scope mounts either a good set piece, ideally a 5p. Id mark my aim points
springers Ive used in the past, I can hunt will set you back about 20.00. on a card, learning them by heart, and then
for a whole day, barely noticing the weight. Thirdly, I would pre-order a sample pack after about 500 shots and groupings were
of different pellets from eBay, or start my achieved, both the gun and I would be ready
Simple scope ideal pellet search with .177 Air Arms Fields to go. Voil! A value hunting combination
On top, Id add nothing more elaborate than in 4.42 or 5.52. To be honest, I havent found that with basic care will keep your fridge
a simple 3-9 X 40 mil-dot scope, something a barrel they didnt group well in, out to stocked for decades, not months!

Condence in my accuracy and aim


points on the range means that with the
rangender I can be deadly in the eld

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 61


62 AIR GUNNER
PART 1
Feinwerkbau Model 602
This month Neil gets a 10-metre target, single-stroke pneumatic back into the game

T 3
he Feinwerkbau 600 series of air ries variations, to all the 600 series ries, 600,
were one of the rst truly recoilless 601, 602 and 603.
10-metre target air ries. These were
introduced in 1984, many Olympic Gold
Medals have been won with them, and after
all this time they are still one-hole accurate
3 The rst thing I do is to remove the
dioptre foresight with a 3mm hexagon
drive key and put it somewhere safe.
at the 10-metre range. This are very expensive to replace if you
The worst thing that can happen when accidentally damage it. You will note that I
using one of these ries is that when in marked the original position of the dioptre
the middle of a competition, you open with a pencil mark so that I could replace it
the cocking arm, close the cocking arm to in exactly the same position.
compress the charge, and you hear the hiss
of escaping air. This happened to a friend
of mine who was shooting in a competition
a few days ago and he was not best
4 Remove the two countersunk head
setscrews from the rear of the stock, one
each side, and one from the end of the stock
4
pleased. Needless to say, I came home from and its seating cup with a 4mm hex drive

5
that match with his rie as well as mine. key. The action can now be lifted clear of
With these ries I believe that it is a the stock and the stock placed somewhere
waste of time and effort locating the leak where it wont get damaged.
and just curing that. I always get a full
seal kit and replace everything as a matter
of course.
There are two sources that I use for these
5 I always use a shallow container to keep
all the bits and pieces in so that none
get lost.
seal kits:
City Air Weapons
247 Lyndon Road
Olton
6 Mark the position of the trigger-cocking
linkage relative to the trigger-link rod
before you remove the cap head screw with
Solihull a 3mm hex drive key. It has to be replaced
West Midlands at the same position or else the trigger will
B92 7QP not cock.
0121 742 1329

1 The other is in Canada. I email Nick at


lee01@videotron.ca and he gives me a
7 Once you have marked the position,
the cap head screw can be removed.

price that I pay via PayPal, and if he has


them in stock receive them within 72 hours.
This time I went the Canada route.
8 Turn the rie over and remove the
cocking-link return spring.

2 Although this is the Model 602


derivative, the same procedure can be
9 The trigger-cocking link can now be
slid towards the front of the rie and
removed from the circular cut-out at the end 6
applied, with small differences due to model of the slot.

1 7
www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 63
10 Take out the stop screw and anged
washer with the 4mm hex drive key. 14 The cocking-lever assembly complete
with the compression piston can now
be withdrawn from the compression tube.

11 Loosen the cap head screw in the


cylinder end cap/barrel support
bracket with a 4mm hex drive key and 15 There is no need to remove the
piston from the connecting rod,
slide the bracket to the end of the barrel. but I nd it easier to work on this way.
It is removed by prising off one C clip

12 With the end cap moved, the two


keeper plates and retaining cross
head screws are exposed. The keeper plates
with a small screwdriver and taking the
cross pin out. This photograph shows the
two bearings replaced and the original
12
locate in a shallow groove near the end of seal prised off the piston with a small
the action. screwdriver.

13 Open the cocking lever a little to


take the strain from the keeper
plates. Take out the cross head screws and
16 Put a smear of lubricant on the new
seal locating spigot and then I nd
that a sharp tap with a soft mallet seats it in
remove the keeper plates. the locating groove in the piston.

13

14
9

15

11 16
10

64 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


PART 2 NEXT MONTH
o|u{pun

Knowing the range


to your quarry
is essential for
airgunners

Making the best


of a bad day
Russel Webb is out hunting, no matter how bad the weather

B
y the time you read this, the weather quarry. It would take some planning, and I auction sites. I have also been lucky enough
will have improved because spring needed to be lucky with the weather, but I to be given some very good advice on how
will be upon us, but due to the just wanted to get out with my air rie. The to get the best out of this kit, by readers
way the publishing business works, I am most important element of my preparation of the magazine who serve in the Armed
writing on a cold and miserable, grey was to ensure that I had plenty of layers Forces.
day in February. On the last couple of of warm clothing to keep out the cold. My The MTP (Multi Terrain Pattern) jacket
occasions when I could have got out on my thermal base layer and socks are all made and trousers I wear do a good job of keeping
Cambridgeshire permission, the weather from merino wool, which does a great job me concealed, and they are also windproof,
was so wet and windy that it would have of helping to keep me warm, because there which is a great advantage when I am
pointless to drive the 80 miles there and nothing guaranteed to ruin your day out out on the windswept grain prairies of
back. I always try to live my life with the more than feeling cold. I know that I will Cambridgeshire. On top of my thermal base
philosophy the glass is always half full not shoot well if I am cold and my ngers layer, I will opt for several layers of eece
so I made a plan that on my next days off, are numb. combined with a thick wool jumper; this
if the weather were dry, I would visit my keeps me warm and the layers can be taken
permission. Army surplus off when I am in the car or visiting the
I was going to get out on my permission Regular readers will know that I am big fan farm ofce. Eating a good hot meal before
and enjoy myself, regardless of the cold of the army surplus clothing that can be heading out on a cold day will help too, and
weather or the availability of suitable purchased at bargain prices from Internet it is always a good idea to take a ask of

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 67


o|u{pun

hot coffee or soup in your backpack. some plinking targets in the boot of the car of view is 6x25, virtually the same as
Two recent purchases that have helped so I could get some practice in. The closer I my binoculars. I nd that the xed
to maintain my core temperature and travelled toward Cambridge the thicker the magnication of x6 gives a good depth of
morale in the cold weather are a portable fog became, and I noticed a very hard frost eld and at the rear is an adjustable eye
camping stove and the Ridgemonkey deep- on the elds. In the past, Ive found trying piece that brings everything into focus.
ll sandwich toaster. The Ridgemonkey is to move stealthily across frozen ground Even on a foggy morning I found the optics
a superb piece of kit and now in the cold very difcult because it is like walking on to be lovely and clear. The rangender is
weather I can make bacon sandwiches and crisp packets. supplied with a protective case and a wrist
cheese toasties. I havent yet cooked ta full By the time I arrived at my permission strap on which is a small piece of plastic
English breakfast in it, but I will be giving the fog had started to lift, but it was still that can be used unscrew the battery
that a go soon.

Trafc troubles The closer I travelled toward Cambridge the thicker the fog
When I visit my permission, I usually like
to leave the house at about 6am to avoid
the rush hour trafc around Cambridge, but
became and I noticed a very hard frost on the elds
this time it was my turn to do the school
run so I wouldnt be leaving the house until bitterly cold, so the plan was to spend the cover, so no more butchering the cover
a couple of hours later. It was a bitterly rst part of my day conducting a combined with ill-tting coins and screwdrivers. More
cold and frosty morning, though, so I was reconnaissance and hunting session on information about Hawke rangenders can
pleased to have an extra couple of hours some of the areas that had been productive be found on www.hawke.optics.co.uk.
in bed and enjoy a cooked breakfast before in the past. I was pleased to see that there
leaving the house. were fresh rabbit droppings and recently Kicking myself
After dropping my children off at school I disturbed earth on one of the biggest My careful scanning of the ground around
started the drive to my permission with the warrens. There has always been plenty of the warren didnt identify any rabbits, and
feeling of anticipation and excitement that rabbit activity around this warren and in I decided to take a stealthy and slow stalk
I always I get. Its a 40-mile drive, so I use the nearby paddocks. along the remains of a hedgerow near to
this time to plan how I will approach my Rather than use my binoculars to scan the warren. Unfortunately, this produced
visit. I was determined to enjoy the time the surrounding countryside for rabbits, no results, but I did discover that my usual
spent on my permission even if there was I now use my Hawke laser rangender camo baseball cap was not the best choice of
no suitable quarry around, and I had put because the magnication and eld headwear on a bitterly cold day. I felt like

There were very


few rabbits
around on that
cold day
o|u{pun

In such open terrain I


have to use whatever I
can nd for cover

kicking myself because Id put a great deal been productive in the past, but apart from Having made sure that I had a safe back stop,
of thought into wearing appropriate layers seeing a couple of pigeons ying noisily out I set the targets up at various ranges out to
of clothing, but hadnt even considered that of a tree, there was nothing else of interest. about 50 metres and spent an enjoyable hour
my cotton baseball cap wouldnt keep my It would have been easy to be downhearted plinking. In terms of quarry shot this was
head warm. My ears started to sting, they on this cold and foggy day, but a mug of not a successful day, but I had kept warm and
were so cold, but I had a beanie hat and hot coffee from my ask, and a bacon spent some time shooting on my permission.
a Jack Pyke face veil in my rucksack and sandwich cooked on the Ridgemonkey kept All these things combined made it a very good
after wearing the face veil over the beanie, my moral high. day for me. I hope that when I write next time,
my ears soon started to defrost. I hadnt expected this visit to be particularly spring will have arrived, the weather improved
I spent the rest of the morning visiting productive, and that was why I had put and Ill be shooting at live quarry not just
other parts of the permission that had the plinking targets in the boot of the car. metal targets!

This pocket sized


gadget is a vital part
of my hunting kit

You can always get


something from even the
worst day if you try

I always try to take


advantage of whatever
opportunities present
themselves

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 69


hpyn|uG~pzkvt

Its coming together


Gary Chillingworths labour of love is turning into a full-time love affair

A
strange thing has started to happen about all things spring and when he speaks, on order because its slightly heavier. The
to me Im starting to like spring its a good idea to listen. butt stock has a lead core, but the core is
guns. For years, I have been a PCP in the top half of the butt and placed in
man; I have looked on springers as the work Clever placement line with the spring; even though there is a
of the devil and to be perfectly honest, I Neil showed me his rie and explained how hamster, it is made from Delrin to make it as
havent given them the respect that they to place weight within the stock to make light as possible.
deserve. Over the last few months, though, the rie shoot as dead as possible. If you All of the weight in Neils gun is as close
Ive been playing with my Air Arms TX200 look at the picture of Neils HW97, you will to the spring as possible and this helps
and its now starting to get under my skin agree that it doesnt look that different to deaden the surge of the piston going
in a good way. I have started to look forward from a standard rie, but take a second look forward, the recoil going backward, and the
to my shooting again and when I come off at the scope rail and you will see not only brass muzzle break reduces any ip in the
an HFT course, I now remember the targets
I killed, as opposed to the targets I missed.
The art of taming a spring gun is exactly
Using this technique, I reduced the muzzle flip by 70%.
that, its an art and it is something that I am
starting to love.
It is laborious, but its worth taking the time to do it
Last month, we looked at adding weight
to the mighty TX and we are going to touch the scope mounts, but also extra, cut-down barrel. I can assure you, this gun shoots as
on this again. At a recent shoot, I bumped mounts, which are there to place more dead as some lower end PCPs.
into Neil Wakelin. Now, Neil is a bit like weight just above the spring. The muzzle Last month, I spoke about my TX and I
Airgun Worlds, Jim Tyler without the beard, break is made from solid brass, although looked into the rie and how it shoots. I
and like Jim, he is incredibly knowledgeable knowing Neil, he has some depleted uranium came up with an idea that as the piston and
spring rotate, this seemed to cause the rie
to twist in my hands. It is true that if I hold
the gun in a very neutral way, the pellet
will always hit to the right of my aim point.
However, I have since been told that the
piston and spring only rotate about 3 and
as they are designed to do this, there is no
way this should affect the accuracy of the
rie. Again, thanks to Jim at Airgun World
for this information.

Side weights
So, to counteract this, I thought it
would be a good idea to try placing some
weights on the left-hand side of the
rie to see if it would stop the pellets
going right. Well, after much testing and
moving weights about on both sides of
the gun, I can conclusively reveal that
it was three hours wasted and it makes
no difference whatsoever. I could go into
detail about what I did and didnt do,
but it would be a waste of ink, but if you
want the information, drop me a line at
garychillingworth36@gmail.com and I will
happily send it to you, but trust me, it did
nothing.
We now have a rie with some fairly
basic modications. We have upgraded the
internals with a V-Mach kit, added some
Could this be the last weight to the silencer, and now its time to
time I ever shoot a PCP
in competition? add some more weight to the rest of the gun
and get it as balanced and dead to shoot as

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 71


hpyn|uG~pzkvt

Neil Wakelin is a true gent.


Along with many others,
he has helped me in my
springer odyssey

possible. The thing is, though, how do you close to your cross hair. Set up the camera or right as the gun res. You will now have a
test how dead a gun is to shoot? phone to lm the card and, with the ruler, base line of recoil; for instance, the laser
Well, for this you will need: a laser pointer draw two lines one horizontal and one point went up 5mm and left 3mm. Then, add
from a pound shop, a piece of card, a ruler, vertical and mark the lines with dashes weight to the gun and repeat the process.
some sticky-backed plastic you dont 2mm apart. Using this technique, I reduced the muzzle
actually need the sticky-backed plastic, but Start the camera rolling and after making ip by 70%. It is laborious, but its worth
Ive always wanted to say it a mobile phone
or Go Pro-type camera, and if youre are
over 50, a small child to help you with the With the exception of a few targets, I had rested the butt
technology. A word of warning; if you need
a child, use one of your own, or borrow one
of the rifle on the floor for almost every shot
from a friend, dont hang around outside a
school asking kids to help you with a shooting sure that you have a good back stop, shoot taking the time to do it.
experiment. It wont end well, and you will the rie at the target a few times. Then, The thing that I have found most useful
end up having policemen tasering you. either watch the footage on your phone in though is practice; the more I shoot the
slow motion you may need to download gun, the more it becomes part of me. In the
Laser pointer an app for this, again with help of a child past I have shot guns like the Steyrs and
Attach the laser pointer to your rie in such or load the footage on to a computer and Air Arms HFT-500s. These guns are dead to
a way that when you look through your again watch in slow motion. You will see the shoot and it doesnt matter if they are hot or
scope, the laser point is marking the paper laser point move up and down and left and cold, or if the air is thick or thin, they just

I promise you this is


high-tech Sellotape
used to attach the
laser pointer

Brass, brass and more brass;


the added weight reduces
ip and absorbs vibration

72 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


hpyn|uG~pzkvt

Road car wheel weights are This is my lad Jacob. He did all the tech
cheap and self-adhesive, for me, and he can be hired out for a fee
perfect for adding weight

Below: 55 out of 60, this


score card means more to
me than any other

throw pellets with monotonous consistency. now only about ve weeks until the World had rested the butt of the rie on the oor
The springer, though, appears to be a living HFT championships and its time to start for almost every shot and there is no doubt
thing and it can atter and frustrate, but digging in and getting the practice done. that the gun performed awlessly. People
its always interesting. The rst important event for me was at have told me that it is impossible to shoot
I have found that a consistent grip is Lea Valley Airgun club. The course was set to a spring gun rested, but with the invention
perfect for me, you must allow the gun to the current 2016 UKAHFT specication, and of modern lubrication and the correct
recoil, but not hold it so softly as to let it there were plenty of top springer shooters placement of lead and brass, I think we can
get away from you. It reminds me very much there. Remembering what I had learnt on get to a point where we have a gun that
of holding my son when he was very little; the plinking range, I started off and to my is every bit as accurate and easy to shoot
I wanted to let him wriggle about, but not amazement, the targets started to fall. I as a PCP, and I can now conrm that I am
drop him - or to be more precise, not drop missed a close 15mm and the free-stander, hooked.
him again! The only way to learn this hold the free-kneeler went down, but I missed a I am Gary Chillingworth, spring gun
is to shoot the gun, and you will also need a supported kneeler and then there were two shooter, and I absolutely love it! Next
different way to hold the rie for kneeling, misses on the bump; a 25mm at 40 yards month, we are going to look at soft-bedding
elevated, and standing shots, but this is the and a easy 40mm at 20 yards I didnt show a rie, lubrication and nal preparation for
fun of the springer. the target or gun respect, and it bit me on the World Championships.
the bum and that was it. A 55 out of 60 Next month, everything you
Taking shape and with 100 shooters in attendance wanted to know about lube, but
were too embarrassed to ask
My TX is now starting to take shape and I had beaten everyone bar two PCP
with the practice I have put in, I thought shooters who had a 58 and a 56
it was time to take the gun into the heat of and Neil Wakelin who did me by a point.
competition and see how it went. There is With the exception of a few targets, I

Neils HW97, all the


weight is as close to
the springs movement
axis as possible

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 73


wlssl{z

Short and Sweet


The editor looks at the latest version of this innovative pellet
Good consistency
T
he Predator Polymag pellet has been stunningly accurate. The group was around
around for a while and its fair to I weighed 50 and found then to be from 16 1, so just about good enough for hunting
say that it has had mixed reviews. to 16.4 grains in .22, about what Id have at that distance. However, when I put the
Ive seen reports that say theyre match expected. They appeared beautifully made, .177 Polymag through my Air Arms S410,
accurate, and offer the deepest penetration which comes as no surprise because these the accuracy was much, much better,
allied to the greatest expansion, whilst are manufactured under licence by JSB, in coming close to the much revered Air Arms
others have complained bitterly about the the Czech Republic, and we all know how Field Diablo.
accuracy, especially at long range. What good their products are. I rolled them along Next, I shot them into a ballistic gel to
triggered me to ask for samples was that a pane of glass and looked carefully to see see how they expanded at 25 yards. At high
they have been redesigned to operate from if the tips ran concentrically, and to my eye power the .22 expanded beautifully with the
magazine-fed guns. The rst design had they did. Making a pellet from two materials red tip separating and being left behind. At
a long, lead, hollow-point body with the rather than just one is incredibly hard .305 the expansion was amongst the best
red polymer tip added. This made them so and I applaud JSB for the craftsmanship. Ive ever witnessed, and the shallow depth
long that they wouldnt t inside most PCP I noted on the tin that it says made in of penetration showed just how quickly
magazines. The Polymag Short does what Czech Republic, assembled in Hungary, so the energy had been transferred. The
it says on the tin, and tted easily into all it appears theyre subcontracting the tip .177 expanded to .200 and, interestingly,
the magazines I own. insertion job. penetrated to nearly the same depth as the
The waist has been thickened and moved H&N has a similar design, the Hornet, and high-power .22. If these pellets are accurate
forward, and the cavity lled back toward they told me that each tip on their pellet is in your rie then I believe it would be well
the skirt, so with such a major redesign inserted by hand! That must win the award worth trying a tin to see how you get on
I was keen to test them in a selection of for the most boring job ever known. with them.
ries to see how theyd fare. I also wanted
to try them at high power. This was because Accuracy www.bisley-uk.com
I wondered if theyd be better suited to 30 My rst test was accuracy at 25 yards from Tins of 200
ft.lbs. than 12. my 28ft.lbs. Daystate Huntsman thats .177 12.99 .22 14.99

Does what it says on


The .22 expanded the tin. These short
violently, versions tted my
suggesting strong magazines well
terminal ballistics

The shape
difference of the
shorter body is
more noticeable
on the .22

The polymer tip


seperated from the
.177 as well

74 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


jv|u{yGrp{jolu
I love taking
inspiration for my
cooking, wherever it
might come from

Squirrel Enchiladas
Jane Price is in a holiday mood making lunch

M
ost of us only cook about 12 for cooking something different, you should burritos with her small children. They loved
different meals, which can make for make the most of it. having different bowls of ingredients and
easy grocery shopping, but it can Some friends have recently returned from rolling up the tortillas themselves. Probably
get a bit dull eating the same meals all the a holiday in Mexico, and at the same time very messy, but they had great fun.
time. Thats why if you get some inspiration another friend described having fun making Although I havent been to Mexico it

76 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


jv|u{yGrp{jolu

*5,16

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Tex-Mex restaurant called Dig N The Ribs to spices so we tend to tone it down a bit. IRUPLQXWHV
in Brighton many years ago. After a long Feel free to add more chilli powder to the  5HPRYHIURPWKHRYHQDQGZDLW
day of shopping in The Lanes, walking along enchiladas if you prefer, or if you are cooking IRUPLQXWHVEHIRUHVHUYLQJ
the promenade and the pier, we would end for children you could reduce it.
up having a hearty meal of enchiladas and Squirrels dont have much meat on them 7RPDNH\RXURZQVDOVDPL[
refried beans before coming home. so you would need about one for every two WRJHWKHULQDEOHQGHUWZRFDQVRI
Anyway all of this was enough inspiration tortillas. If you dont have enough meat you FKRSSHGWRPDWRHVRQHFKRSSHG
for me to put this enchilada recipe together, can add some red kidney beans instead. If RQLRQRQHFORYHJDUOLF PLQFHG 
and mash up an avocado with some garlic you have any lime leftover, and some tequila MXLFHRIOLPHRQHZKROHMDODSHQR
and lemon juice for a side dish of guacamole. in the back of the cupboard for a margarita TXDUWHUHGDQGVOLFHG WVSHDFK
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ingredients, but I go for a less intense option. Mexican meal!

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 77


q|unslG{yhpupun

Position and Hold


Ex-soldier Phil Martin brings us a story of bravery in the face of the enemy well almost

The desert offers some


beautiful sunsets

Spring time
A
fter reading a great many of your there is a huge amount of bushcraft involved
articles, letters and tests, Ive come to Taking to springers again has really forced and right at the end of exercise, one of the
appreciate just how good Air Gunner me to work hard on my shooting, especially guides set us a few tasks; hunting, shing,
is. I really enjoy the reviews, although most my standing shot, which was terrible back and cooking the local quarry was ours. Wed
of the ries are well outside my nancial when I was a serving soldier. I always already eaten sh, snakes, iguanas, crocs
range. Your readers letters are great and remember being lectured. The position and and jungle rats. We were to sh, trap or
raise some pertinent points, but most of all, hold must be rm enough to support the hunt, and I opted for hunting.
I love the hunting articles and tips, superbly rie without any undue effort and The Lenny, our local guide, provided the tools
written by some of the most realistic and shot must be released and followed through, of the trade, and I was given some pellets
modest journalists. All this really helps without disturbing the aim. of unknown origin and an old break-barrel
me to while away the hours I spend every As part of the 11 days of jungle training Browning .22 which Arnie would have
day watching over my clients, as I work in that any British soldier receives in Belize, struggled to cock, to be honest. It was a
private security in Iraq. BEAST! God only knows how many ft.lbs. it
Since leaving the forces, I have returned Your team means everything when push comes to shove had. I check zeroed before being shown the
to my roots of airgunning and although I area in which to hunt my quarry.
have a very nice Gamo Coyote .22, I have
fallen in love with springers again. Theres Slow going
something very nostalgic and pure about It is slow and precarious going in the jungle
hunting with a springer. They force you to and really hard work, but after about two
make that shot count because there is no and half hours of slow stalking, I nally saw
quick reload, so you try that little bit harder a jungle rat. Jungle rats arent like the rats
to get those extra couple of yards to ensure in the UK; these things are bigger than a
a clean dispatch. Jack Russell, and thats no exaggeration. It

80 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


Gq|unslG{yhpupun

I look forward to my copy


of Air Gunner coming to
Iraq every month

My driver Salim Jungle rats arent like the


is a good lad ones we have at home

was just gnawing away on something as I I got to where I thought I had a clear shot relaxed and concentrated on getting my
froze and stared in amazement, with a slight and then wrestled to cock the rie. I was breath in order, and then after what seemed
tinge of fear. Almost instantly, it stopped actually quite surprised that he was still like an age, I brought the rie back up into
and stared straight at me, with what I swear there as I struggled to control my breathing. the aim, placing the sights smack on the
was a what you lookin at! expression.
Realising lots of wild animals have an
almost sixth sense, I looked away instantly Sweating profusely and my heart pounding, I got to
and he dropped his head back down.
Rather than take the long shot, I wanted where I thought I had a clear shot
the guarantee of a good head shot and a
clean kill, so I slowly retraced my steps into Slowly, I brought the rie to bear, all the jungle rats head. Suddenly, it just sat up
cover and without looking directly at him, time trying to bring my breathing back to and stared straight at me. I took aim and
I picked my way through the bush until I normal. I was shaking like a leaf from effort. squeezed the trigger. Thur-waaanng the
was about 17 yards away. I was sweating No, no good, I thought as I lowered the ries internals let go, and Thwaaack! went
profusely and my heart was pounding, but big American lump of a rie. I stood still, the pellet as the shot hit a tree over the
giant rats shoulder. It inched and then, in
During the war I patrolled the Iraq - Iran border a decidedly arrogant manner, looked over at
me, and swung its head back round with an
Oh, really! expression on its face.

Squaddie fashion
In true highly trained warrior fashion, I
screamed like a girl as I ran away in fear of
being the monster rats next meal. I gave the
rie back to Lenny and said, Its crap, that
thing. You couldnt hit a barn door with it.
Lenny simply cocked it, popped a pellet in
and then shot a fruit out of a tree at about
60 yards.
I understand now why I couldnt hit my mark;
it was because I didnt understand springers. I
did the position and hold must be rm enough
to support the rie, but I did it a little too well.
I was hanging on to it as if it were a Lee Eneld
.303. Id forgotten about the without any undue
effort bit. You must allow for its recoil, allow it
to do its thing to release the shot and follow-
through accurately. Its something I take great
pride in doing these days because each springer
in my mind has its very own personality and
you need to nurture a relationship with it to
hunt effectively. Lesson learned!

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 81


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AIR GUNNER 83
jshzzpjGhpyn|uz

Beeman
story short, Bob Beeman wanted a fast-
handling air rie and added his own stock
design to accomplish the latter. It appeared
on the market priced at 62.50 in 1984 and
was described, according to Air Gunner, as
primarily for the American market, with a

Beautiful!
striking stock and weighing only 7lbs. It
was an air rie that could be shouldered
with ease and could be used for shotgun
training. Through the years the price of
the C1 uctuated (maxing out at 86.50 in
1990) and although the C1 was claimed to
be a quality rie from good breeding - it is
claimed that Webley had hardly anything to
do with it because the production time span
Steve Prime adds an unusual Webley to his collection did not mirror actual sales.
In fact, it would be fair to say it was

S
o, the question to ask is, when is a Since then, I have become a collector of not a favourite with airgun enthusiasts.
Webley not a Webley? The answer is, Webley pistols, ries and artefacts and at Christopher Thrale suggests that despite
when it is a Beeman! Now, my only the beginning of the collection which I the C1 not being a popular seller, a good
experience of a Beeman was our rst pistol never intended to happen I was offered example could now be a good investment
when we took up airgun shooting back in a Beeman C1 in .22 calibre and told that it for a collector. So why would we be tempted
2007. We purchased the Beeman 2004E; was a Webley in disguise. In all honesty, I to buy a rie that Webley supposedly had
you know the one, the pistol that caused wasnt sure and thought I might have been little to do with? Well, it is all to do with
so much controversy when it was described having the wool pulled over my eyes. Up the stock and its design that makes this a
as a copy of the Weihrauch HW40. Many steps Christopher Thrale and his bible on sought-after/collectable acquisition for any
suggested that they were made by the same Webley ries entitled Webley Air Ries 1925 collector.
company - but those more in the know to 2005- a must for all Webley enthusiasts. The stock was designed around the
actually knew better. It was a good copy After a quick read, I was delighted to Winchester 94 carbine and the key was
marketed at half the price of the HW40 and discover that the wool was articial and to shorten the barrel length to 14 inches,
although a damn good pistol - it denitely see-through yep, the Beeman C1 was a with a 12-groove, ried barrel. The stock
was not of the same build quality. I Webley in sheeps clothing! was made of hardwood believed to be beech
remember Neil Price saying that the Beeman, with a walnut stain and lacquered nish,
although good, was made of monkey metal Successful design completed with a rubber butt pad embossed
(cheaper quality) - a phrase that still brings Webley had a lot of success with the Vulcan with the name Beeman inset into it. Early
a smile to my face. and its highly-praised action. To cut a long models were manufactured without a safety

Sarah would love


to shoot this gun
but its going in my
display cabinet!

84 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


jshzzpjGhpyn|uz

I had trouble
nding the correct
cheek position

Fully adjustable
open sights were
standard t

I like having
the guarantee
certicate

catch, and this was rectied on later models it would not sell with the damaged stock. Sarah found the ergonomic shape suited
which displayed a simple design, push- Truth be known, it appears that the gun her cheek anatomy perfectly and she loved
forward catch. has been dropped on its butt at some time, the smooth trigger and the way the rie
hence the minor fractures in the beech. handled and shot.
Weight Why it was never restored to its former
It is interesting to read that there are glory and sold on remains a mystery, Final thoughts
contradictions between sources as to the but it is now in good hands and will be a We both thought the C1 was a well-balanced
weight of the C1. As mentioned earlier, a future project to bring it back to pristine rie with good build quality and a lovely
weight of 7lbs has been disputed by Beeman condition. My acquisition is in .22 calibre action. Shooting the duck target at 20 yards
who claimed the weight to be 6.3lbs for the and has no safety, showing that it is an was not only fun, but the results from the
C1 were also acceptable for an older spring
rie on rst ring. I felt quite honoured
Christophers book is a fantastic reference and a great in a funny kind of way to shoot an old
rie for the rst time, straight from the
read packed with facts, figures and useful information box, as it were. The conclusion is that this
Beeman C1 will not be a regular visitor to
the range, but will remain polished and on
.177, and 6.2lbs for the .22. Claimed muzzle early model, but I believe it has never display with my other collectables in my
velocities exceeded UK limits and had to had a pellet put through it, which means gun cabinet.
be wound down, so to speak, for our home I have the exciting proposition of taking
market. it to the range and putting it through its
The smile
Christophers book is a fantastic paces. says it all
reference and a great read, packed with
facts, gures and useful information; it Not for everybody
certainly gave me lots of information and So, how did the Beeman C1 react and
more importantly, peace of mind, but what perform out on the range? Firstly, the
of my C1? It came boxed with an attached stock is quite striking; the wood with its
ticket of authenticity and slight stock lacquered nish denitely draws the eye,
damage easy to sort. The story is that it and as mentioned, the design makes it easy
was purchased as a job lot of airguns from to shoulder. I found it a little difcult to
a seller who had decided to retire at the site under my cheekbone to begin with,
age of 80. The rie had sat at the back of and had to adjust my cheek position several
the shop for some time, probably because times to get a clear sight view. Saying this,

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 85


AIRGUN
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Early Webley Mark I Pistols Part 2 by John Atkins


Original research: Jeff Hyder & Chris Dunn. Additional photographs: F-Stop, Vic Nelson & Richard Robson

W
hereas BSA started their airgun
industry by making air ries to
Lincoln Jeffries Patent 8761 of 1904
and added air pistols to their products much
later, Webley commenced with an air pistol FIGURE 1
rst, their Mark I protected by Patent 219872
of 1923/4 and quickly added a Mark I air rie
to their range, thus making full use of their
superimposed tip-up barrel system for both
Webleys initial air pistol and rie.
The Mk. I air pistol was arguably the most
important Webley airgun, being the milestone
marking the start of their airgun production
so I feel that it warrants detailing in places.
A small selection of both pre- and post- World
War II Webley Air Pistol Mark I models appears
in Figure 1. The various versions of the Mk.
I made from 1924 until 1964, the year when
both Mark I and Senior model air pistols were
amalgamated to become the new Premier
pistol, could be a good theme for starting a
collection, with the ultimate aim of nding I could be recognised, in some cases differing going to be a blow-by-blow account of the
the rst spring-clip/s barrel retained Mk. I from each other in only minor detail, so there Mark I pistol. Id need the entire magazine
pistols as the highlights of the collection. would be plenty of variations to nd. Half of to do that - but some rst-hand observations
Figure 2 shows what a twin-clip model breech these variants sprung to mind when discussing and one or two amendments to past thoughts.
in undamaged condition should look like. them with Jeff Hyder recently but we would The Mk. I still remains the favourite
According to Dr. M. H. Newcomer in his have needed pistols in front of us, with some Webley pistol of many. Devotees of the Mk.
pioneer Webley pistol articles in Guns Review dismantled in order to recall all the others I include Jeff - whose single-clip breech
in August 1975, some 20 variants of the Mk. our friend Mark noted, but this isnt modications made to a later sliding top latch
pistol featured in the February issue. This
altered pistol complete with bogus markings
also appears at the top of Figure 3 above a
genuine double-clip model. I explained that
the changes Jeff made to simulate the very
rst Mk. I as it was originally
designed werent meant
to deceive, but to see
FIGURE 3 if the initially planned
single-clip tted to the
rst handful of Mk. I
pistols in early 1924 (as
per the patent drawings
and publicity matter)
would positively retain
the barrel in the ring
position on discharge.
Our tests proved it was
insufcient to be effective
and this would have
prompted Webley &
Scott to add the second,
opposing spring barrel

88 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk FIGURE 2


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FIGURE 5
Figure 1: Mk. I pistols, inter-wars and post-war. Left
from top: Wood grips Mark 1 .177 serial no. 25600
Aug./Sept., 1927; .177 s. no. 34504 July, 1929
and .22 s. no. 36676 Feb./March, 1930. Middle:
Pre-war slant grips: .22 s. no. 51537; .177 s. no.
58676 and .22 s. no. 61575. Right: Post-war slant
grips: .22 Batch no. 700 (under left grip and front
bung); .177 b. no. 702 and .22 b. no. 720
rest on the top edges of the clips.
Combined with careless closure of the
Figure 2: The double spring-clip retained barrel of
barrel, resulting in top and inside wear
early 1924, small frame Webley & Scott Mk. I air
and a rounding-off to these lugs, all
pistol with all original nish, serial number 118
contributes to them often snapping off
quite cleanly. This means any undamaged
Figure 3: Top: Left hand side of Jeff Hyders
double-clip Mk. I air pistol is now highly
single-clip breech modication of a sliding top latch
valued by a discerning collector - while Mk. I body operations
Mark 1 to a single narrow spring-clip barrel catch,
even those in relic and incomplete form can started with centre
following the patent with no second clip on this side.
command a high price; like serial no. 177 drilling the forging. By
The markings are bogus. Lower: Genuine twin-clip
from the Webley Museum Collection that January 34 the Webley
Webley Mark I from early 1924
achieved a hammer price of 520 at Wallis & Costs List had grown from
Wallis, auctioneers on 14th June 2006. We 30 to 50 operations. No. 50
Figure 4: Left: John W. Fearn (died 1949), Webleys
dont know if that number was apt and the being drilling and tapping for the breech
works manager. Right: Frank Clarke (1875-1937)
gun started life with a .177 calibre barrel, keeper screw. Just before that, sliding barrel
Wholesale ammunition manufacturer, gunsmith and
because the barrel and linkage were clearly catches would be tted by undercutting for
air pistol designer who teamed up with Webleys
replacements from years later - as you can see the catch and drilling for the catch tie peg, so
Douglas Johnstone and John Fearn in 1922/3 to
in Figure 5. I imagine the catch was also a late operation
collaborate on air pistol designs
I suggest any unbroken double spring- on the early pistol bodies from Andrews
clip pistols should now be retired and not Solids Ltd. who were the suppliers of the body
Figure 5: Forming Lot 1412 in Wallis & Walliss
regularly used in order to preserve these forgings for the rst spring-clip pistols. Jeffs
auction of The Webley Airgun Museum Collection
fragile ears. If you must, then regularly apply research shows there were four other suppliers
on 14th June, 2006, was this 1924 Webley Mk.
some Dri-slide to plate the worn grooves in for later pistols.
I Air Pistol serial number 177 incomplete and in
the barrel sides and inside the clips on the After all the Mk. Is expensive machining
little more than relic condition selling for 520
dimple detents with a lubricant to help make operations and inspections were completed
hammer price, despite pitting, a much later barrel,
the metal move - but dont use it on your (apart from body rolling) with maybe just
missing barrel retaining spring clips and turn safety
trigger sears to make them slippery - or your the clips to t, if the projections got broken,
mechanism. [Courtesy of Webley. Photo: F-Stop.]
Webley may never cock again! then Webley might conceivably overrule any
All should look quite square, like the inspectors rejection and try to sell it, and not
Figure 6: Chris Dunn photographed during his time
example in my photographs of serial no. waste the work time and money already spent
as technical manager at Webley & Scott. [Courtesy
118 and as also seen on later ne condition on the body, because in 1923/4 times were
of Webley. Photo: F-Stop.]
double-spring clip examples from just prior tight. When asked about this, an ex-Webley
to the change-over to sliding top catch. Its employee said he would be very surprised if
clip to the left side of the breechblock to a well-known fact that Webley never threw that happened. The inspections were many
improve the barrel retention. anything away that they could sell, fuelling and quite rigorous.
discussion off and on over the last 30 years On the few later ones Ive seen - or know
Early Breech Fragility that Webley actually sent out pistols with about (two boxed) they were just like serial
As you lift the barrel upwards from between tidied-up broken lugs. If any of the vulnerable no. 118, with full-length lugs, so that rather
the clip dimples (forming inner detents) a top projections did snap under careless scotches the recurring school of thought that
certain amount of upwards strain must be put assembly - inevitable Id say - it would have there was another, later variant of the double
onto the forward top projections to the breech been very tempting to take a le to the spring-clip made without the projections
block as the clips in their housing grooves broken one and trim back the other to match above the spring-clips. It seems plausible that
try to go up with the barrel until friction is and then try to sell it. Id hope this wasnt owners with broken projections would like to
overcome and the hardened detents release the case because, to me, its a damaged believe this, but theres no doubt that Webley
the barrel sides. The projections help restrain product and it would be a complete bodge to workers would have welcomed it because they
this by acting as buttresses to add top support let something like that, with top projections were on piece work, each person doing one
and hold down the clips a little, so I cant missing to leave the works. Knowing the lugs operation and the last thing men in a hurry
agree that they serve no purpose - as has really should be there, just makes any without to earn money would want to worry about was
been recently suggested. seem incomplete. having to treat a fragile area on each pistol
Its unknown who came up with the idea for
the spring clip/s, but it was probably Frank FIGURE 4
FIGURE 6
Clarke or John Fearn. (See Figure 4). Time
proved that the powerful double clips were
not a good system either, leading to scored
barrel sides and difculty in overcoming
their grip on the barrel when lifting it from
the closed position. As explained, this puts
strain on the undersides of the fragile top
frontal projections of the breech block that

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 89


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FIGURE 7
FIGURE 8

pistols account and in supplying the promised


gures enabling early Mk. I and Mk. II models Although
to be dated approximately for the rst time. unsung on
This information comes courtesy of Chris this most important
Dunn and Jeff Hyder, and does not appear air pistol patent ever
frame with kid in books or elsewhere to the best of my (applied for 20 days after the
gloves. knowledge - although Ive no doubt it will do twist-grip pistol patent) he was
However, we need to in the future! too good an inventor to have
see far more later spring- simply stood on the sidelines
clip breech pistols in the Remarkable Discovery without contributing ideas. In
500 and 600 serial no. ranges During his time as Head of Webleys Technical consideration of the assistance
- not just the few known Department, Mr. Chris Dunn (Figure 6) Clarke rendered in working out the
- before anyone can make a made a remarkable discovery when searching pistol layout, Wembley agreed that
judgement that there was a true through Webleys archives for information during the life of the British Patent
variant with deliberately removed regarding the original patentees of the as may be hereafter granted, as on
projections. As a well-known Mk. I tip-up barrel air pistol; namely, the their application No. 32036, dated 21st
collector commented to me recently: then Managing Director, Douglas Vaughan December 1923, they would pay Frank Clarke
Its amazing how owners of damaged pistols Johnstone, and Works Manager (later Works the sum of threepence (3d) per pistol on
have a powerful urge to portray them as an Consultant) John William Fearn. Tucked all the pistols made under the said Patent
original variation. Human nature I suppose. away unseen for years, a bound volume of and sold by themselves, as from the time
I agree completely with you that any pistols the Boardroom minutes recorded between of a letter placed in the minutes dated 8th
with missing lugs are a bodge, wherever and the years 1920 to 1929, revealed that the February 1924 conrming the arrangement.
by whomever the tidying up work was done. air pistol designer and pellet manufacturer, Frank Clarke was also given a special rebate
Webley took a big risk with the Mark I Frank Clarke, assisted Johnstone and Fearn of 2/- (two shillings) on any pistols he bought
pistol when they decided to make it on 7th of Webley & Scott to develop their new from Webley and also promised 25% of any
February 1924. Jeff Hyders research reveals Mark I air pistol by working out that its proceeds received by Webley with regard to
that the rm even looked into having another superimposed barrel should be jointed at the the sales of Foreign Rights should they decide
premises just for air pistol production away muzzle end on a swinging bracket - rather to dispose of these in any country. The ledger
from Weaman Street, when Works Manager than the alternative patented system hinged also contained an accurate record of the
John W. Fearn was asked to visit an old at the rear end. number of air pistols made between 1924 and
sheep shearing premises for the purpose of Thanks to Chris Dunn sharing research 1930. This important discovery lls a wide
acquiring these buildings for the air pistol ndings with Jeff, with their joint permission gap in the early history of Mk. I and Mk. II
manufacture. History proves that they must I was able to reveal Clarkes involvement air pistols, as very little in the way of records
have proved unsuitable. At this time, with no in the Webley design in Air Gunner October or drawings have survived to help pinpoint a
contracts for revolvers having been received 1998 for the rst time. It seems inevitable pistols date of manufacture.
from the Government, it was imperative to that during their collusion over the patented Due to the fact that Mk. II Target Model
introduce other forms of guns or discharge a rotating butt sleeve air pistol in 1923/24 pistols were numbered in sequence with Mk.
large number of the workforce, thus causing (Figures 7 and 8) - where Clarke was named Is, and the Mk. I had genuine sequential
the possible closure of the Weaman Street, as co-patentee with Johnstone and Fearn, serial numbers, it is possible to correlate
Birmingham factory itself. Frank Clarke also got involved with the these production gures into pistol serial
My apologies for the delay in this proposed new Webley tip-up barrel pistol numbers as the table Figure 9 indicates.
continuation of the very early Webley air whilst possibly acting as a consultant. Unfortunately, these accounts records dont
distinguish between Mk. I and Mk. II pistols
FIGURE 9 until the arrival of the Junior model in 1929.
Assuming steady production ow, the
table now makes it possible to arrive at the
approximate date when individual pistols
might have been made. Joining the Junior
model air pistol in production from 1929, the
rst 90 Seniors replacing the Mk. II Target
Model were produced from June 1930, but
unfortunately, the records then come to a
dead end and tell us no more. Jeff points
out that its interesting to note that these
production gures correspond with the
1925-1930 records of wages schedules, which
provide further evidence that these gures
are correct.

More on Mark I nos. 27 & 241


Now for some more details of single-clip pistol
No. 27 as promised in Februarys Part 1. It has
been renished and the story goes that the

90 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


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Figure 7: Late 1980s reproduction by Mac


Evans of the Clarke, Johnstone & Fearn
1923/4 patent pistol, cocked by a rotating butt
sleeve. No original pilot piece is known to still
exist. With a powerful enough mainspring to
give reasonable power, the twist grip method
of cocking meant you needed to be quite
tough to cock it! [Photo: Vic Nelson]

Figure 8: Spigot loading, helical grip sleeve


cocker that never went into production.
Reproduced from the 1923/4 patent drawings
of Clarke, Johnstone & Fearn by Mac Evans,
its shown with the piston pulled back into the
cocked position by the rotating butt sleeve.
[Photo: Vic Nelson]
FIGURE 10
Figure 9: Assuming steady production ow,
this table now makes it possible to arrive at the
previous owner to Richard Robson, who had it The third difference is that the serial approximate date individual pistols might have
for over 20 years, found it in a junk shop in number, found on the trigger and sear etc., been made. Webley. [Courtesy of Chris Dunn]
the Birmingham area and that it was covered is also to be found on the internal face of the
all over with light pitting and a few patches large coin-slotted breech screw (Figure 11) Figure 10: Webley Mark 1, serial number
of deeper pitting, and that the whole lot was and there is no -inch circular bre buffer 27. Patents Applied For in three lines roll
covered in black paint. No doubt whoever sold inset into the screw either, My own no. 118 stamped on left of breech block with slim,
it to the junk shop thought they might get a has the last digit only 8 stamped here and side-pattern barrel catch spring clip on the
few bob more for having tarted it up! also lacks both locking grub screw and bre right side only. [Photograph Richard Robson]
It was then stripped; cleaned and reblued buffer. This feature (Webley part no. 32) tted
to the condition you now see it in its original in a recess in the breech screw and appeared Figure 11: Rear of very early Mk. I spring clip
box tray in Figure 10, luckily saving all the on some early models to help to prevent piston model showing slim walnut grips and no small
lettering - although its faint in places. The head screw (part no. 21) damage by cushioning retaining screw for the breech screw - the
pistol does show some wear at the breech its impact on the end of the air chamber torque of an ordinary brace and a special bit
and interestingly, Richard told me he could should the pistol be red without a pellet. (Webley Part no. 39) was recommended to
make out some slight bowing or bulging A later Mk. I with the small retaining screw keep it in tight
of the metal at a point opposite the spring added quite early on, is shown alongside two
clip at the barrel seating which looked as if Mk. II Target Models in Figure 12. Figure 12: Left: Later Mk. I s. no. 25600
the barrel was being pressed over into the After double checking, Richard informed me with small locking screw added to keep the
opposite support wall as it passes the spring that, the whole, tatty, but complete box and breech screw, compared with two Mk. II Target
clip. Possibly this was another problem instructions appeared completely identical to de luxe Models. Centre: s. no. 30574 (Aug.
Webleys identied. that in which his twin-clip Mk. I no. 241 was 1928) with solid rear end. Right: s. no. 38913
Richard also owned a twin-clip pistol serial contained - which was not that surprising. (1930) very late Target Model, with centrally
number 241 (which I knew years ago when The instructions tell the user to pull barrel positioned breech retaining screw, the new
it belonged to my friend Alan Holmes and up from its seating until it catches the sear. location allowed by the improved sights.
gained fame by appeared in Mark Newcomers Obviously, if the instructions had made any
August 1975 Guns Review article) and Richard reference to drawing back a sliding top catch
found three differences between them. The - then this would have indicated a later (and just after Christmas where the excellent
single clip is thinner measuring only 1/8th incorrect) box. NHS ran tests and scans before eventually
inch from top to bottom (No. 241s clips Next month, Ill look closely at a boxed Mk. giving me a clean bill of health. Something
measure 3/16th inch). The second difference I, purchased in 1924 by a policemen at The happened, but it was neither a minor stroke
is, there is no securing screw, which locks the British Empire Exhibition staged at Wembley, nor a TIA. Any false alarm like this, provides a
breech screw in place - and no mention of where he was on duty and saw the debut of bit of a wake-up call to lose some weight, get
one in the parts list in the original booklet the new pistol there; also, the promised look at tter and to take the two-month rest from
which lists and pictures just the one clip as controversial Mark I pistol no. 131, and discuss the newspaper and magazine deadlines Ive
Barrel Catch Part 18. component differences between 1924 and 1927 met for the estimated 7,200 publications Ive
models that Ive run out of space to show here. worked on and contributed to, mainly as a
FIGURE 11 Finally, many thanks to my friend and graphic artist and illustrator, since I was 17.
fellow collecting writer, John Milewski for Given the opportunity, Id do it all again!
stepping into the breach at short notice
with his excellent articles to grace the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: My thanks to Jeff
Air Gunner collecting pages, as well as his Hyder and Chris Dunn for generously
own in Airgun World. Thanks also to the sharing research ndings, to Nigel Allen
many collectors and other readers who and to the late Richard Robson for details
kindly sent cards and emails to my and photos of Mk. Is No. 27 and No. 241.
address following my unscheduled visit SOURCES: Original unpublished Webley
to the stroke unit of my local hospital research manuscripts by Jeff Hyder.

FIGURE 12 www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 91


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FOR SALE: A collection of airgun BSA STUTZEN .177 mint boxed THEOBEN EVOLUTION .20, ambi AS NEW CO2 COLT BB,
books. Webley Air Pistols (Bruce) with target holder 350, BSA stock, adjustable butt pad, sling and S/A revolver with six cartridges,
2001 20, Complete Book Of The Junior 1910 Original bluing 650, swivels, 3-9 x 50 scope, vgc 450. belt and holster 115 inc p+p .
Airgun (Nontejr) 15, American BSA Club Airsporter 275, BSA Gunpower Stealth, boxed .177, 4-16 Colt pellet S/A revolver with 18
Air Ries (2001) 20, Airgun Cadet smooth bore 85, Webley x 50 scope. stock, green laser + cartridges 125 inc p+p. S&W
Digest Book (Beeman 1976) 5, Service .177 and .22 barrels, torch, sling, swivels, bi-pod, tactical 686 revolver with 4 / 6 barrels
The Airgun Book (Walther, 1961) matching numbers 550, BSA drag bag and silencer. 500. and 5 magazines 165 inc p+p.
10, Essential Airgun Annual 1st standard 175, Webley Mark 3 Tel: 01695 570652 (Lancs). CZ75 compact BB pistol
Edition (2006) 10, all plus p+p 160. Tel: 07821 283976 (Leeds). 55 inc p+p.
Tel: 01728 648739 (Suffolk). AIR ARMS TDR .22 walnut stock, Tel: 01388 810873 (Durham).
WEIHRAUCH HW80 .22 with new, boxed, unmarked. Unused
DAYSTATE MK1S .177 Hunter 4 x 40 scope waterproof. JSR 6 x 32, 1 scope AO, IR, FAC AIR ARMS .22 S300
750, Midas no. 100 .22, no.89 VGC 175 ono. Inc 500 sunshade ip up lens covers. P.C.P. with silencer and Tasco
.177, 600 each, Air Arms Prosport Superdome pellets. Special custom made unassuming 4x40 scope with Parallax
.177, TX200 .177, S200 .177, Alpha Tel: 07824 443473 (Northwich). rucksack that AA case ts into, compensator. Excellent condition
Pro 300 each. All mint condition unused, 675. Buyer collects / 295.
with large scopes and slings. WEIHRAUCH HW97K .177, meets within reason. Tel: 01306 711986 (Surrey).
Tel: 07999 258051 (Norwich). 22ft. lbs. plus Nikko Sterling Tel: 01761 241426 Somerset).
scope 12-9 x 50, new gun second WEIHRAUCH .22 HW80K,
HW35E with scope, mounts, hand in excellent condition, also WANTED: a pair of cross slot F.A.C. conversion by V-Mach
silencer, Gammo 440 Hunter, rare 1500 pellets and gun bag. First to scope rings or BSA B25 mounts Custom Rie. Silencer and wide
walnut scope effect stock in mint see will buy it! FAC holders only, to t 11mm rail + 1 tube. angle 4 x scope. Very good
condition, HW45 pistol mint, bargain price 150, no offers, Tel: 07977 323504 (Conwy). condition 200. Tel: 01306
BSA Supersport, Webley Tempest buyer collects. 711986 (Surrey).
pistol. Tel: 07526 676036 Tel: 07926 567845 (Llandudno). WEBLEY AIR RIFLE MK3 .22 UL
(High Wycombe). NO.27460, good condition 250 FEINWERKBAU CO2 (SSP)
BROOM HANDLE MAUSER C96 BB with scope or 200 without. AND FEINWERKBAU 300S
WEBLEY AIR PISTOL pistol blow back, all metal model. Webley Junior air pistol, no.1289 (one of the last) match ries
VINTAGE .177 mark one in good Still boxed, unused, unwanted .177 75, good condition. with extra bits. Both immaculate
original condition and working competition prize 100 ono. Tel: 01553 775575 (Norfolk). and barely used. Both have
order (circa 1925) 160 no box. Remington 1911 R.A.C BB pistol adjustable stocks and in hard
Tel: 01276 29460 (West Surrey). blow back in padded case with WANTED: wooden grips for Walther cases. The Co2 650 and the
canvas holster 60. CP88 pistol or information where 300s 400,
BSA SUPER METEOR 2.2 complete Tel: 07890 781668 (S. Leicester). they can be obtained. Webley or both for 950.
with BSA 4 x 20 scope. Good Tempest pistol in pristine condition, Tel: 07538720290 (Herts).
condition throughout. Occasional GAMO COYOTE 10 SHOT SILENCER, original box, appears to have been
use from new (1981) 100 Hawke Night Eye digital 4-6 x 50 SF. purchased but never used. Obtained WANTED: British made Diana
ono. Buyer collects. Tel: 01833 very good condition with gun case. from house clearance. 100 ono. Model 55. Just name your price!
627550 (Yorkshire). 280. Tel: 07904 313164 (Preston). Tel: 07890 781668 (Leicester). Tel: 01777838617 (Notts).

The editor reserves the right to edit adverts as may be required. Swap Shop is a service offered to readers who wish to undertake private transactions between themselves. There is no
need for such transactions to be made face to face (unless an airgun is FAC-rated), but Air Gunner requests that all due caution is excercised when buying or selling an airgun. You must
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92 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


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AIR GUNNER 93
ylkGzx|pyylsGyhunly

Caravan Conies
Jerry Moss is away from his squirrel duties helping a friend to control rabbits
Caught in the open I got
low and took the shot

T
he FX Streamline is certainly getting to know if I fancied helping him clear some out the following day. The site is about 50
some work. It went on loan to a fellow rabbits from the area. He told me that the acres and the statics are spread about the
ranger, Ando, for a couple of weeks site was closed for a couple of months over lower part of it. There are big banks on each
because he had sold his sub-12 rie a few the winter and the rabbits had become a side, with a stream through the middle and
months back and hadnt got around to problem with their digging all over the a nice pond at the other end of the property.
replacing it. Ando was so impressed with it green areas and in the bankings. I had Given the nature of the place, and for 10
that he ordered one, and a week or so later he helped him there a few years back and really months of the year people are about, some
had a Streamline. I asked him which features got on top of the rabbit population, but of the rabbits are not really bothered by the
he liked and his reply was, Easy to carry rabbits being rabbits, it sounded like they presence of noise, so we could use this to
about. Very accurate and consistent; it has had come back with a vengeance. So I said, our advantage, to clear a few easily because
a really good shot count per ll, and can be Yes, not a problem - can bring a mate as at the end of the day this is pest control and
shot down to 55 bar on the regulator. Just well? Well see what we can do. we are there to do a job. Things dont always
the job for our pest-control work. go to plan, though.
I received a phone call from a lad I know I need a volunteer We arrived on site early the next day, got
who happens to manage a static caravan A phone call later, I had a willing volunteer ourselves sorted, grabbed our Streamlines
holiday home site, not far away. He wanted in Ando and we arranged to check the place and set off on foot. Ando didnt know the
GylkGzx|pyylsGyhunly

ground so we went together and I showed Ando loves his synthetic


him the areas that I remembered where the stock Streamline
majority of the rabbits liked to be.
After a few footsteps, a rabbit appeared
from behind one of the caravans, and after
checking for the background, I quickly
shouldered my rie and took the shot one
rabbit in the bag.
We made our way toward the far end of
the site, and as we went along the path,
to the right there was a large tree-covered
bank and we could see the rabbits moving
about in there. These could be testing shots:
1. Wed be shooting upward most of the time
so would have to remember our aim points.
2. There were a lot of understory hazel trees
and so there were lots of branches to thread
pellets through. 3. We had to estimate the
correct distance to the target.
Ando got a chance after watching a couple
of rabbits chasing about and one of them
stopped. He moved slightly to get a clear shot,

the rabbits had become a problem with their digging


all over the green areas and in the bankings
squeezed the trigger, and the rabbit dropped many a rabbit was seen, and the majority
and rolled down the bank toward the stream. bolted off as we made our way, but the odd
The plan was to leave any shot rabbits lying, one stopped, giving the chance of a quick
and pick them up on the way back. shot, and we bagged a few more. A re-think
of this part, and a re-visit with shotgun is
Static tactic in order, plus we will have a few visits with
There were a few conies about this area so the lamp or night-vision to try to get the
we decided to split up and sit about 50 yards numbers down. Until then, a visit or two
The damage caused by the
away from each other and watch for half an more during the day would provide for some rabbits was everywhere
hour. This static approach paid off because great sport.
Ando and I bagged a few. We had a quick We spent a good few hours on our rst
chat and made an executive decision to go visit, and shot 22, but due to the terrain pleased when I dropped them off for him,
back to my pick-up for a brew. only managed to pick up 14 still, that and on the way out, I called to see Arthur,
The next area, on the other side, was helped to ll up our freezers and I am the manager of the site, and he was happy
wind bushes, grass, bracken and scrub. This sure there will be more to come with the with our efforts, so the landowner was
proved to be a frustrating hour or so because following visits. The game dealer was pleased as well.

INFORMATION
A nice bag
from a good
day out

As always, we welcome
your thoughts and ideas.
Get in touch and tell us
about the methods
that work for you.

Follow Jerry on Facebook


For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/
Penrith-and-District-Red-Squirrel-
The bag built steadily
through the day Group/487229667979369?fre f=ts

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 95


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96 AIR GUNNER
ihsspz{pjz
11.2ft.lbs is easily
enough power to take
this squirrel if your
shot is accurate

The position of power


Do we need to worry that our rie is only making 10.8 ft.lbs? the editor asks
The hunters pellet
T
hirty-ve years ago, when I was a into the external ballistic performance at
young man working in a gun shop, To understand this subject we need to different power levels. External ballistics
I was addicted to the chronograph. know what our pellet does in the hunting ia all about what happens between the
I stripped and rebuilt my spring/piston environment. Airguns cleanly despatch pellet exiting the muzzle and striking the
airguns so often that I could have done it quarry through precision shot placement. target. If we assume that the pellet were
blindfolded. I searched endlessly for another The damage done by our pellets is limited to using suits the barrel and that the gun is
0.1 of a foot pound in the sure and certain the calibre of the hole they make. High- consistent, there are two main factors in
knowledge that it would make me a more power, centrere bullets cause huge shock airgun accuracy; the rst is trajectory, and
successful hunter, and score better in the waves that destroy tissue in a radius around the second is the effect the wind has in
embryonic sport of eld target. I dreamed of the wound channel, but thats not the case changing the pellets ight.
the display reading 11.99 ft.lbs and worked
tirelessly to achieve it. So why when Im
testing guns today do I write 11.2ft.lbs. If we assume that the pellet were using suits the barrel and that
just how I like it?
The answer is that today I understand
the gun is consistent, there are two main factors in airgun accuracy
exterior ballistics and know that hitting
the target, be it a knockdown or a live with an airgun pellet. To drop that squirrel Lets look at identical guns, one set
pigeon, is much more about the skill of the cleanly, your pellet must go straight through at 10.5ft.lbs and the other at 11.5 to see
shooter than muzzle energy. Also, I know the brain, and half an inch off to one side the differences. Well use .22s, ring the
that all airguns vary from shot to shot, wont do the job. This applies to 10, 12 or ever-popular Air Arms Field Diablo because
and in the eyes of the law, even one pellet even 14ft.lbs. Accuracy is everything to the its a pellet I know very well. With both
exceeding the 12 ft.lbs. limit could land you airgun hunter. guns zeroed at a nominal 25 yards, lets
in deep trouble. Accepting this as a fact, we can then look compare their trajectories. By 35 yards they

www.airgunshooting.co.uk AIR GUNNER 97


ihsspz{pjz

Below: This is the difference in drop at 35 yards and makes


At my maximum hunting distance, 35 yards, the difference in trajectory is small and easily accomodated no difference when you know your trajectory
 

 

 

 
       

have both dropped considerably, but the with our chosen pellet is 583 fps, and 584 right side of the law by a sensible margin.
difference is around between the two. fps would make your gun illegal. Even the If you are a skilled tuner, and
I agree that every fraction of an inch is best airguns vary between 5 and 10 fps, so chronograph your ries regularly, then
important, but at maximum hunting range, at a maximum we would set them at 573 going to 11.5ft.lbs. might be okay, but
isnt going to change much. Nobody has fps. This would make our muzzle energy remember the vast majority of airgunners
any right to hunt at 50 yards with a sub 12 11.59 ft.lbs. What about if you found a dont own a chrono and rarely get a
ft.lbs. airgun, but lets look at this extreme pellet that was extra efcient in your rie? professional to check their guns for
range to see what it can tell us. Even here Youd better build in a margin to allow for them. Ive heard a thousand stupid ways
the difference is only about . that as well shall we say another 10 fps? of testing airgun power, from shooting
That gets us to 11.19 ft.lbs which sounds through pages of an old phone book to
10.5 ft.lbs. 1.68 at 35 at 50 7.09 familiar, doesnt it? shooting turnips! When I asked if they
11.5 ft.lbs. 1.46 at 35 at 50 6.31

Next, lets look at how the wind will affect Thats where most responsible airgun manufacturers are
their ight. In a constant 5mph breeze
thats at 90 across the pellets travel, the
setting their rifles today, and I fully endorse their decision
difference is almost too small to measure.
Again at 50 yards it is tiny and would be lost Thats where most responsible airgun were raw or cooked, the teller of the story
among all the other factors at play. manufacturers are setting their ries today, didnt see the funny side of my comment.
and I fully endorse their decision. Its plenty My advice is get your gun checked regularly
10.5ft.lbs. at 35y 1.15- at 50y 2.41 of power for the airgun hunter and we can and if its running at a sensible, legal
11.5ft.lbs. at 35y 1.09- at 50y 2.28 sleep soundly knowing that were on the power, then leave well alone.

I hope that this helps you to comprehend


The wind always wants to push our pellets off course and an extra 1 ft.lb. makes hardly any difference
just what a small difference one foot-pound
makes to your external ballistics.
2.0 2.0
Its vital to understand that all airguns
vary in velocity from shot to shot. 12 ft.lbs.
1.5 1.5
Below: Thats just how I like it, thank you

1.0 1.0

0.5 0.5

0.0 0.0

-.5 -.5

-1.0 -1.0

-1.5

-2.0 -2.0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

98 AIR GUNNER www.airgunshooting.co.uk


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facilities. Friendly and knowledgeable service always! Scottish Government approved 30m and 10m indoor shooting ranges. We
cater for .22 rimfire and air guns. We also hire guns to use on our ranges. No
licenses required! Fully stocked shop and gun room. New and used rifles/
CHICHESTER ARMOURY RONNIE SUNSHINES shotguns/airguns
43 West St, Chichester, COUNTRYSIDE
ALLIANCE 4 Canalside, Northbridge Road WONDERLAND MODELS
Sussex PO19 1RP Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1EG
Tel: 01243 774687 Tel/Fax: 01442 872829 97 + 101 Lothian Road,Edinburgh EH3 9AN
Email: enquiries@chiarm.co.uk Email: info@ronniesunshines.com Tel: 0131 229 6428
Web: www.chiarm.co.uk Web: www.ronniesunshines.com Fax: 0131 229 7625
Opening hours: 9.30-1 2-5.00 Opening hours: MonSat 9am5pm Email: sales@wonderlandmodels.com
Credit cards: Credit cards: Web: www.wonderlandmodels.com
Opening hours: 9.30am6pm
Credit cards:
Good selection of new and used air rifles, stocking spring and
pre-charged guns. Help and advice always available. Hertfordshires leading Airgun Specialists we stock Weihrauch, Daystate,
Air Arms, BSA, Logun, SMK, and many more. Plus a large range of CO2 Edinburghs leading air rifle, air pistol, airgun pellet and
pistols, scopes, clothing and a comprehensive stock of airgun accessories. accessories supplier. We are dealers for Air Arms, Anics, BSA,
EMMETT & STONE COUNTRY SPORTS We are also Bushcraft and Survival specialists supplying all the kit you need Crosman, Gamo, Sportsmarketing, Umarex, Webley and
to survive. Come and visit our shop and Try before you buy on our purpose Weihrauch. We also stock BB guns, pellets and targets. We
Wilton Farm, Marlow Road built indoor range. Or visit our website www.ronniesunshines.com stock the full range of Barnett slingshots and archery equipment.
Little Marlow, Bucks SL7 3RR
Tel: 01628 474187
PORTSMOUTH GUN CENTRE GLASGOW & EDINBURGH FIELD SPORTS
Email: info@emmettandstone.co.uk
Web: www.emmettandstone.co.uk 295 London Road, Portsmouth PO2 9HF Unit 1, The Point Retail Park,
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Tel: 02392 660 574 Email: sales@portsmouthguncentre.com 29 Saracen St, Glasgow G22 5HT
Credit cards: Tel: 0141 212 8880
We stock rifles, pistols, shotguns, airguns and black powder weapons. Edinburgh Field Sports, Unit E Granton Retail Park,
Keeping the leading brands in stock, the business can accommodate all 65 West Harbour Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1PW
enquiries from customers and shooters alike. Complimenting the vast Web: www.glasgowfieldsports.co.uk
RFD to RFD transfers. Large stock of new & used guns in stock from all range of firearms, Portsmouth Gun Centre also carries a large amount of
the major brands: Air Arms, BSA, Crossman, Gamo, Daystate, Weihrauch, accessories, ammunition, clothing and miscellaneous shooting equipment. Credit cards:
Umarex, Webley, Theoben, FX, Sig. Cylinder filling on site. 50m Air Rifle
Range. All air guns servicing undertaken.
STRINGTOWN SUPPLIES Central Scotlands premier retailers of shooting and hunting equipment and clothing.
MAY OF LONDON LTD 29 High Street, Polegate
21-23 Cherry Tree Rise,
East Sussex BN26 5AB EAST
Tel: 01323 488844
Buckhurst hill, Essex IG9 6EU
Email: stringtownsupplies@btinternet.com COUNTRY SPORTING GUNS
Tel: 0208 504 5946
Web: www.stringtownsupplies.com
Email: trueshot@btconnect.com Cannons Cottage, Punchbowl Lane, Brothertoft,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stringtownsurplus Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3SB
Web: www.mayoflondon.com
Opening hours: MonSat 9.30am5.30pm, Sun 10.30am2.30pm Line 1: 01205 311246
Opening hours: TuesFri 9.30am6pm, Sat 9.30am5.30pm
Credit cards: Line 2: 01205 369470
Credit cards:
Email: stvdxn440@gmail.com
Why not visit our amazing shop (The Aladdins Cave as its
known!) Secondhand and new airguns. Air Arms, BSA, Crosman,
Web: www.countrysportingguns.co.uk
Gamo, Hawke, SMK, Umarex, Webley, Weihrauch etc. Plus: Army Opening hours: Mon Sat 9am5.30pm
Air rifle and pistol sales and servicing. Dive cylinders and filling surplus, camo clothing, Jack Pyke, archery, crossbows, airsoft, We now sell impact airguns!!
station on-site, indoor range, vast range of goods and accessories. de-acts, paintball. Mail order service. Also dealer to dealer. We supply airguns and shooting accessories, stocking all major air
Expert and friendly advice always given. We also sell shotguns,
rifle brands, optics and silencers. Setup and tuning service. We are
rifles, cartridges, ammunition, clays, cabinets and clothing.
selected BSA area dealers. Sporting rifles and shotguns including ammo.
BICESTER TARGET New and secondhand rifles and shotguns. SHOOTING RANGE. We buy
GREENFIELDS AIRGUN CENTRE airguns. This is the home of the Grand European 80 Varmint air rifle.
Walton Moore ofces
The Shooting Grounds, Sturry Hill, Sturry, Canterbury 6 Grange Mews, Station Road T.R. ROBB
CT2 0NG Launton, Near Bicester,
Tel: 01227 713222 Oxfordshire, OX26 5EG 316 High Road, South Benfleet
Fax: 01227 710611 Tel: 01869 45 71 70 Essex SS7 5HB Tel: 01268 752888
Email: sales@greenfieldsshooting.co.uk Email: info@bicestertarget.co.uk Web: www.trrobb.com
Web: www.greenfieldsshooting.co.uk Web: www.bicestertarget.co.uk
Opening hours: TuesSat 8.30am5.30pm.
Sun 9am1.00pm. Closed Mon Unique to Bicester Target and unlike any other air gun outlet, every Full range of air rifles and pistols. Soft-air and Simmons scope
rie and pistol in our shop is available to test and try out, making specialist. Tuning kits and Customising Service.
Credit cards: sure that the rie or pistol you choose is the correct one for you not
only in terms of t, but also is correct for the discipline of shooting
you choose to undertake. This concept really is where we stand PNEUMATIC BALLISTICS
Stockists of BSA, Webley, Air Arms, Logun, Weihrauch, Gamo out from any other retailer.
and many more. Helpful Friendly Advice Always Available. C/o Fern House, The Street, Sheeting,
Essex CM22 7LR
Tel: 01493 733462 | 07917 160314
Email: enquiries@pneumaticballistics.com
Web: www.pneumaticballistics.com
TO ADVERTISE YOUR GUN SHOP ON THESE PAGES PLEASE CALL US ON Opening hours: Mon to Sat 9am5pm
Credit cards:

01189 742 514 An innovative developer and retailer of revolutionary technology for
Air Rifles. We sell new and used rifles and shooting accessories including
pellet magazines which we manufacture ourselves. We offer repairs
and servicing for most makes of firearms which is carried out by our
experienced gunmaker. Go to our website to find out more.
GUN SHOPS
Directory Key: Trade Associations: BASC Trade
Member
GTA Trade
Member
COUNTRYSIDE
ALLIANCE
Countryside Alliance
Trade Member Items stocked:
ADVERTISE YOUR GUNSHOP
Airguns
01189 742 514
Pistols Optics Clothing/
Footwear Knives
Decoys Pellets &
& Hides Accessories AirSoft
Archery & Gunsmith &
Equipment Gun safes Repairs

MOOREDGES AIRGUNS
The Chantreys, Mooredges Road, Thorne,
Doncaster DN8 5RY
North Tel: 01405 741706
Fax: 01405 740936
Email: info@mooredges.com
Twitter: @Mooredges_info Web: www.mooredges.com
Opening hours: Open 6 days a week, closed Tuesdays.
Mon - Sat 9.00am - 5.30pm. Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Open Bank Holidays
Credit cards:

Extensive range of all leading airguns, scopes and accessories.


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

East WIRRAL GUNS


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

NORTH WARRINGTON GUNS SOUTH WEST


53 Norris Street, Warrington, Cheshire WA2 7RJ
SUNDERLAND SCUBA CENTRE Tel: 01925 415901
Email: sales@warringtonguns.com IAN HODGE SHOOTING & FIELD SPORTS
4A Atkinsons Buildings, Trimdon Street
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR4 6AH Web: www.warringtonguns.com Penbarn, Burlawn, Wadebridge,
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm Cornwall PL27 7LA
Tel: 01915 670147
Sat 9am - 4.30pm Tel: 01208 813651
Email: contact@sunderlandairguns.com
Credit cards: Email: sales@ianhodgefieldsports.co.uk
Web: www.sunderlandairguns.com
Web: www.ianhodgefieldsports.co.uk
Opening hours: 9.00-5.30 Mon-Fri | 9.00-4.30 Sat | 10.00-3.00 Sun
Selection of air rifles including BSA, Air Arms, Daystate, Cometa, Credit cards:
Credit cards:
Brocock, Webley, Weihrauch, Edgar, FX, Walther and more. Rimfire
and centre fire rifles, shotguns, ammunition and cartridges available here.

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

AIR GUNNER
THE SKIPTON UNIT 7, CARLETON BUSINESS PARK,
CARLETON NEW ROAD, SKIPTON BD23 2DE
GUNROOM 01756 792 630

AIR BOTTLES SOLD AND FILLED


BERETTA/HARKILA/SEELAND/RIDGELINE CLOTHING
Daystate, Air Arms, Brocock, BSA, Kral, Weihrauch, FX etc in stock
SHOTGUNS RIFLES AIR GUNS LARGE STOCK OF GAME CARTRIDGES LARGE STOCK OF
ALL MAKES OF AIR RIFLES CLAY AND GAME SHOTGUNS FULL AND SMALL BORE RIFLES

Zeiss, Leica, Leupold, MTC, Hawke, S & Bender, Redeld, Nikko Sterling Scopes in stock

www.theskiptongunroom.co.uk | 01756 792 630


Open 10am to 4pm Monday, 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 9am to 4pm Saturday

QUOTE AIRGUNNER MAGAZINE TO CLAIM YOUR FREE GIFT!

Stockists of Brocock, Daystate,


Weihrauch and much more.
Finance available.
Air ries, Air pistols and Accessories from all manufacturers, Air lls
for PCP and Paintball, Air gun repairs, Airguns to suit every budget.
2F WHITBY ROAD, ELLESMERE PORT CH65 8AD
Monday Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, Closed Wednesdays and Sundays

UK T: 0044 (0) 151 604 1788 FRANCE T: 0033 (0) 3277 45145
M: 0044 (0) 7768 406377 M: 0033 (0) 6500 74421
E: reballpel@aol.com E: reballpel@aol.com

AIR GUNNER 105


NEXT MONTH JUNE ISSUE ON SALE 26TH APRIL 2017

COM PACT
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Distributed to the trade by: ASI, Alliance House, Snape, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1SW
Tel: 01728 688555 | Fax: 01728 688950 | E: info@a-s-i.co.uk | W: www.a-s-i.co.uk

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