Yildiz Pro 20-bore

The Yildiz Pro 20-bore in depth This test looks at a type of gun that I have long used for much of my own game shooting: a 32in 20-bore over-and-under. This one is made by Yildiz, a Turkish firm best known in the UK for its well-priced, lightweight, alloy actioned…

Purdey Trigger Plate 28-bore

The test gun is a 28-bore Purdey Trigger Plate, or PTP, over-and-under. It has 28in steel-proofed, Teague-choked barrels and a narrow, subtly tapered, solid sighting rib. The non-selective single trigger is detachable with a release catch to the rear of the trigger-guard. This PTP is a demonstrator with laser engraving;…

ratting with Sealyham terriers

Ratting with terriers – which terrier is best for the job? The Border terrier holds sway in the north while Parson Jack Russell’s terrier has a loyal following in the West Country. According to David Hancock, in his authoritative Sporting Terriers: Their Form, Their Function and Their Future, Russell “favoured…

Dachshund or teckel?

A dachshund is a teckel and a teckel is a dachshund Dachshunds are great characters. They are fun, they make great working and family companions, and are a joy to own. (Read: Teckels – the wire-haired dachshund is a sporting sausage dog.)  They are headstrong and require firm training as…

I think of elevenses snacks for shooting as canapés’ slightly bigger, more boisterous cousin. Both need to look attractive, be packed full of flavour and must be easy to eat while standing up and with one hand, as the other is usually clutching a drink. Something fried and fatty, such…

raised game pie

Impressive, old fashioned and plentiful, Mary Berry’s raised game pie will feed 20 hungry guests and if there is any left over, it’s ideal for a cold buffet. Raised game pies look impressive but may daunt some potential cooks. Fear not, they are simpler to make than they seem, and…

Churchill's guns

I have researched Sir Winston Churchill’s guns – a remarkable and extensive personal armoury Sir Winston Churchill’s guns Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill (1874-1965), one of the 20th century’s most important figures and one of Britain’s most influential national leaders, was also an enthusiastic shot and sportsman. He purchased, was given…

side by side shotgun

The side-by-side shotgun has much to offer the modern gun and should not be dismissed. Side-by-side or over-and-under is no longer a choice between tradition and modernity. So, which should you choose? (Read Mike Yardley’s recent review of the AYA Deluxe No 2 side-by-side.) The side-by-side shotgun – why it…