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

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Shooting Answers

How can I shoot clays that come overhead from behind?

My bogey bird is anything that comes overhead from behind.

Things have got so bad I now dread going into the stand knowing full well I'm going to walk away with a big fat zero on my scorecard. Can you PLEASE help? Read more

Why is the front trigger of my dad's shotgun spring loaded?

Why is the front trigger of my dad's Thomas Horsley shotgun spring loaded? You can push it forward nearly half an inch but it doesn't appear to engage with anything. Read more

Do I need to have antique guns on my certificate?

I fancy starting a collection of antique guns. Do I need to have them on my certificate? Read more

Why can't I hit hovering wood pigeon?

Why is it I can kill woodies well enough on the ground but struggle to hit them as they hover over the decoys, just before they land? I can't work out where I'm missing them. Read more

Why is walnut the preferred wood for gun stocks?

Why is walnut the preferred wood for gun stocks - and are there any alternatives? Read more

How do I clean my gun and what do I use?

I have just bought my first ever gun - a Browning B425. As part of the sale the dealer gave me a cleaning kit containing an oil bottle and a tube of grease. Read more

Should I only shoot at small groups of pigeons?

I don't like to shoot when more than five pigeons appear together, but my friends say it doesn't matter - the woodies will come back again later in the day. What are your thoughts on this? Read more

Is it neccessary to bleed a deer carcass after shooting it?

I have been told it is not necessary to bleed a deer carcass nowadays because modern high-velocity bullets do the job. Is that so? And if not, what is the best way? Read more

Will a docked tail affect my gun dog in the water?

My labrador has had to have most of his tail removed following a car accident. He has been an exceptional water dog in the past and I am worried this operation will affect his capabilities on the salt marsh? Read more

What are shooting flightlines and how do I spot them?

I am relatively new to pigeon decoying and I'm really keen to learn all I can. One thing that baffles me are flightlines. Are these regular features, and what should I be looking for? Read more