Shooting advice, country and field sports Q&A | Sporting Gun

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Shooting Answers

Can I kill birds cleanly at over 40 yards?

I am not very good at estimating ranges. Even though my pal laughs at me I always put a marker stick 40 yards from the hide to give me some idea of where the pigeons are. Can I kill birds cleanly farther out than this? Read more

What shot size for rabbits?

In your opinion, which is the best shot size for killing rabbits cleanly? I use one ounce Trap 7.1/2s but two 'keeper friends say I should be using 5s because they hit harder. Read more

How important is it to have a gun fitted properly?

I've been shooting for 12 years with the same Miroku. It seems comfortable to shoot with but my Sporting averages have stayed around 65%. Would they improve if I had it fitted properly? Read more

Will rats get into my gun-dogs' sleeping boxes?

I have got rats around my yard and find them regularly among my horses and pigs. My gundogs are kennelled close by - will rats take up residence in their sleeping boxes? Read more

How old do you need to be to go shooting?

I am applying for a shotgun certificate but am confused about the age you must be to go shooting by yourself. I'm 15 coming up 16 and have a keen interest in all country sports. I'd like to take up pigeon shooting as we have a pigeon problem on our farm. Read more

Where should we place our release pen?

Our farmer has said we can use one of two woods on the histo build a release pen. This is good because we think the present pen is in the wrong position. What should we look for when deciding which of the two woods we choose? Read more

Which breed is best for my first gun-dog?

I am 16 years old and have just moved to a bigger farm. I now want to train my first gundog but I don't know what breed to go for. Can you give me some advice, please? Read more

How do I import a rifle from the USA?

On a recent holiday in the USA, I saw an advertisement for a .308 rifle - the FN A3G SPR. I have tried to source this rifle in the UK without success. Is it possible to import a rifle from the States? Read more

Shooting problems

Champion shot, John Bidwell, answers a couple of your shooting questions. Read more

How do I get my spaniel to hunt harder?

I would like to see my spaniel hunt a bit harder than she does. How can I encourage her to do that - and how far should I let her hunt in front? Read more