I have been offered a very nice looking hammer gun by John Rigby. It has lovely damascus barrels and a pretty action. I’m very tempted but the seller told me it has True Cylinder in both barrels. I want to shoot game and I’m worried I need more choke. Should I wait for a gun with more choke to turn up or will this be okay?
DIGGORY HADOKE replies: Before 1875 choke boring was not scientific and most guns had open chokes. I use a gun with 30” barrels choked 3 thou and 7 thou – almost nothing in practical terms. The gun shoots game beautifully and with good quality shells I shoot pigeons at 50 yards in Africa, achieving clean kills. Most people use too much choke and blame the choke when they are actually off-line on the bird. Try patterning the gun with two or three different loads and see what kind of patterns you get.
James Green recounts an unforgettable week of wildfowling on Scotland’s Tay estuary, where three families shared the joys, challenges and triumphs of outdoor adventures
Choosing a new dog can be a minefield. Breed, temperament, working lines and energy levels all play a role in finding the right fit for you. Howard Kirby provides guidance