Michael Yardley

Michael Yardley

Mike Yardley, the author of a dozen books and more than two million words of journalism, is one of the world’s best known writers on sporting guns and shooting technique. He’s a graduate of London University and Sandhurst. His books include: Positive Shooting, The Shotgun: An Instructor’s Handbook & Backing Into the Limelight and a biography of T.E.Lawrence. He has broadcast much on terror, made films on JFK and RFK for the Discovery Channel, and was a main contributor to the Oxford History of the British Army. He has 70,000+ Twitter followers. He is also on Facebook and Linked in.

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william powell princeps

We have tested the William Powell Princeps previously with less enhanced specification. The William Powell Princeps 12-bore over-and-under Weighing just over 8lb, the deluxe single-trigger gun has 30in, 3in-chambered, high-performance…

man shooting air rifle

The modern airgun is a sophisticated tool and the weapon of choice for professional vermin control. Perfect for shooting magpies and rabbits around the garden

Sako Finnlight 90

This test spotlights the latest Sako Finnlight model 90 rifle, imported by GMK of Fareham. Both Sako – once, and rather remarkably, owned by the Finnish Red Cross – and…

Caesar Guerini Maxum 20-bore

This test looks at the latest model of Maxum over-and under from Caesar Guerini, imported by Anglo Italian Arms in Solihull. It is a 30in 20-bore with a single selective…

Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sport

The gun under our lens this month is the Sporter model of the new Beretta Silver Pigeon, designated the 686 Silver Pigeon I Sport and supplied by GMK. It is…

gun mount

Certain qualities identify a first-class shot: good, balanced stance (especially as the trigger is pulled), excellent vision and timing and, not least, consistent gun mounting. Many never learn to mount…

Clay pigeon shooting during the off season

Take your game-gun and go clay pigeon shooting in the off season. You will only improve your shooting and have fun when you practice on clay pigeon.

Do you covet a matched pair of shotguns? Michael Yardley examines the shotguns on the market and what to do when you have your matched pair.

rifle shooting

Rifles: Should they be London best or mass-produced? Mike Yardley guides us through the very best rifles on offer