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Choosing A Shotgun For Pheasant Shooting : A Guide

A successful pheasant shooter is a skilled gunman who understands the behaviour of birds in their own habitat. He needs certain equipment: cartridge belt, shooting bags, ear protection, knives, etc. His most important tool, though, is the shotgun.

A hunter’s favourite gun becomes his life-long companion, as familiar to him as a part of himself. When choosing to buy a shotgun for sale, one must ensure that it is durable, accurate, well balanced, and of a suitable weight. It needs to be just right.

President Barack Obama shoots clay targets on the range at Camp David, Md., Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House. — Choosing and using your gun responsibly is important. Here is President Barack Obama shooting clay targets on the range at Camp David

Advantages Of Buying A Lightweight Gun

When trekking long distances across rough terrain, a heavy gun can be a burden. Something in the seven- or eight-pound range is ideal for an adult male; for a woman or a young shooter, an even lighter piece of equipment is advisable.

Although a light gun is great for carrying around all day, it is important that the weight is distributed slightly forward, allowing for easy tracking of the target, a positive swing and follow-through, and reduced recoil. Lighter guns will produce quite a lot of recoil, and this can be a strain on the shoulder.

It is typically the opinion of hunters that the benefits of a light gun outweigh the disadvantage of any extra kick that might occur, especially when the gun is to be carried over long distances. Extra padding on the shoulder will help to prevent discomfort.

Choosing Your Gauge

The gauge of a firearm is a unit of measurement used to express the diameter of the barrel bore, determined from the weight of a solid sphere of lead that will fit inside the bore. A barrel with capacity to fit a lead sphere weighing one ounce (¹/₁₆ pound) is labelled a 16-bore gauge; a barrel with capacity to fit a lead sphere weighing two ounces (¹/₈ pound) is labelled an 8-bore gauge.

The 12-gauge shotgun is the best option for any adult shooter of pheasant or small game; ammunition is readily available and comparatively cheap. A 16- and 20-gauge model is more suitable for youngsters. A 3-inch shell is advisable; it provides enough power to take down almost any pheasant.

Double, Semi-Automatic & ‘Over and Under’ Shotguns

The traditional double-barrelled shotgun is the general favourite among pheasant shooters, because the double barrel allows for different chokes. A more open choke is usually used on the first shot, and for the second shot, a full choke aids with the extra distance. Although expensive, these guns will last a lifetime if handled correctly; they have a classic appearance and are functional for pheasant shooting.

For pheasant shooting, barrel length is an issue only as far as personal preference is concerned; a hunter must feel comfortable with his gun. The minimum legal barrel length is 24 inches; anything up to 32 inches is suitable.

At Pellpax we stock a wide selection of shotguns for sale to buy, and our qualified staff are always happy to discuss your needs and to offer advice regarding your choice of gun.

How To Shoot A Shotgun In Three Easy Steps

For those readers who are considering applying for a shotgun licence and getting themselves one from our huge and growing range, or those who already have, here’s a short and snappy guide to shooting correctly.

For those readers who are considering applying for a shotgun licence and getting themselves a shotgun for sale from one from our huge and growing range, or those who already have, here’s a short and snappy guide to shooting correctly.

1. Think Safety First: Treat All Shotguns As Loaded

A shotgun is a powerful, and potentially lethal implement. That’s why it’s important to start from a place of treating it with great care. An oft-repeated rule is that you should always treat the shotgun as if it were loaded. It’s also important to use eye protection, and ear defenders. It’s vital to ensure the weapons is set to safety until in the firing position.

Vitally, you should make sure that the gun is never aimed at anyone, including yourself. It’s worth checking that a gun is not loaded or blocked when picking it up, putting it down or passing it to another person.

You should only touch the trigger if you are fully prepared to fire the weapon. Pointing it either up, or down will ensure no one gets hurt if the worst happens.

Source: Shooting UK.

2. Proper Form: Hold and Aim Correctly

Source: Wikiphoto http://www.wikihow.com/User:Wikiphoto — How To Hold A Gun. Source: Wikiphoto

The art of firing a shotgun is distinct and different from other projectile weapons. For example, some people say “rifles are aimed, shotguns are pointed”.

The essential grip involves holding the stock with one’s non-shooting hand, which should be placed around the middle. Make a V-shape with your forefinger and thumb, and sit the length of the gun firmly in this position.

Meanwhile, the hand with which you will fire the weapon should firmly hold the grip which is behind the trigger and guard of the shotgun. Your grip should be gentle but solid.

As for cradling the weapon, it should sit, in what has been described as the “pocket” of your shoulder. This will prevent the “kick” of the gun from causing bruising, etc., when fired.

Source: Gearpatrol, Wikihow

3. Fix Your Cheek To the Stock and Twist

A_typical_-American-_trap_shoot_scene — A typical US ‘Trap’ Shooting scene. Source: User: Jesrushton, Wikipedia.

In order to aim correctly, you will need to develop your cheek to stock aim. In other words, developing a level aim of the sight of the shotgun by keeping your cheek firmly and steadily next to the stock.

Once you have developed this through repetition and practice, when aiming at clays or birds, you will need to refine the “twist” of your waist as you follow your quarry.

These are, of course, just some of the starters for using a shotgun correctly. You will need to learn all about eye dominance, and the pros and cons of shooting “gun up” versus “gun down”.

You should also consider getting an instructor or attending a course to help you learn how to use your weapon accurately and safely. Check our our range of shotguns for sale to buy, and accessories. These include ear defenders and much more.

4 Top Accessories For Your Shotgun: Gun Cabinets, Bags and More

It’s a legal requirement of British Law that shotgun owners have a firearms certificate. Home Office guidelines go into detail, and suggest that owners keep their weapon stored in a safe. This keeps them away from children, and, potentially, from criminals would could break into your home.

Whether you’re an avid shotgun enthusiast or a beginner, there are some key accessories that are either vital, or a very useful addition to your weekends outdoors.

1. Gun Cabinets

It’s a legal requirement of British Law that shotgun owners have a shotgun certificate. Home Office guidelines go into detail, which insist that owners keep their weapon stored in a safe which is then secured to the floor or wall. This keeps them away from children, and, potentially, from criminals who might break into your home.

The standard to look out for is BS7558/92, as this means the cabinet has been tested rigorously, and weapons could not be removed within a set period of time. Thankfully, all of the cabinets we supply come from either Biometric, or Brattonsound, and both manufacturers conform to this high standard.

2. Bags

Bags can be both a status symbol, and a highly desirable accessory when out on a highland shoot with friends during hunting season. They’re also a practical way to keep your cartridges safe, clean and dry.

We stock some great bags to keep your cartridges ready for action, such as this beautiful Byland Leather Loader Bag by Croots. You can also check out our huge range of shotgun cartridges for sale.

3. Shotgun Cases

bisleyeconomyrifle — Bisley Economy Rifle Cover £17.99

Shotgun cases and slips come in a range of colours, designs and prices. They’re an essential piece of kit to keep your shotgun in peak condition, particularly if you’ve spent a considerable amount of money purchasing it. Here in the UK, it is also a legal requirement to keep your gun under cover when in public.

At the budget end of the market, you can purchase covers like Bisley’s Economy Rifle Cover. It’s black, robust and features a strap to help you carry your pride and joy.

If you’re in the mid range price bracket, in terms of what you can spend, then Uncle Mike’s Shotector II Cover is an example of a good quality weapon case which is waterproof, and floats, and has an LED Safe light to make it easy to find if dropped.

The breech, butt and muzzle have been reinforced to ensure your weapon is absolutely safe inside. The carry handle allows you to conveniently grip the bag, and there are pockets for storing shotgun accessories conveniently with the weapon.

Croots Malton Bridle Leather Slip £329.99

At the very top premium end of our range is the Malton Bridle Leather Slip by Croots, which is a thing of beauty. Tanned using traditional methods, processes, and materials, it is a great accessory for the hunting season, and comes in 30 and 32 inch lengths. Bags of this quality are rare, and while the price point reflects the quality of workmanship and materials, it’s also a once in a lifetime purchase that will give the careful owner years of pleasure alongside a quality weapon.

4. Recoil Pads

Shotguns deliver a kick upon firing which can cause flinching, sore shoulders and bruised cheeks. A recoil pad made from rubber and similar materials can be slipped on or attached to your weapon to mitigate this effect, and we sell a range of these in different types, colours and sizes.

These Microcell Recoil Pads by Cervalatti srl are a great example:

There are these and many other shotgun accessories in our store. And you can always give us a call for advice from one of our team of experts. If you want to check out our huge range of shotgun accessories for sale, head on over to the store.