Clay Shooting

The clay season is nearly here, and what a season it promises to be! As I write this we are in national lockdown, awaiting the official announcement of how and when restrictions might be eased – but by the time this issue goes on sale things should be much more clear. Fingers crossed clay shooting and other outdoor sports will be among the first activities to be permitted again. Some of the events planned for early this year have fallen victim to the uncertainty over covid restrictions. The Essex Gun Masters, for instance, has been postponed until August, the first round of the British Shooting Shotgun Series has been pushed back, and sadly the British Shooting Show and Northern Shooting Show now won’t happen until 2022. More on that in…

Longthorne Gunmakers have launched a new range of British-made trigger plate boxlock shotguns for game and Sporting clays, which they’ve been working on over the past year despite covid lockdowns and tiers. The boxlock models offer a lower cost alternative to their true sidelock models. There are several styles to suit most tastes and disciplines, including sideplated designs which include a fitted stock. The new guns are all made in-house and incorporate the company’s innovative patented barrels, Longthorne chokes in extended or flush configuration, an adjustable comb mechanism and recoil pad. Longthorne say the new guns are smooth to shoot with minimal felt recoil and muzzle flip, and are proofed to the superior steel standard with 3in chambers. They have corrosion resistant interior components and an adjustable trigger. Longthorne’s Elaine…

Rio cartridges are celebrating their 125th anniversary since they were founded in 1896 in the north of Spain. From its inception the company was closely linked to the explosives and powders industry through the Spanish Powder and Dynamite Society, founded in 1872 by Alfred Nobel. “Today with its state-of-the-art manufacturing process and cutting-edge technology, it has managed to earn the trust of the most demanding shooters and hunters in more than 100 countries,” they say. The current Rio cartridge range caters for every level of shooter, from novice to top competitors in international events up to and including the Olympic Games. Richard Atkins was impressed with their 24g target loads when he tested them in last month’s issue, and also gave Rio 21 and 28g shells top marks last year.…

Voting is open now in The Great British Shooting Awards – but you’ve only got until 7 March to have your say, so get voting now and you could win a £100 Amazon voucher for your trouble! The awards recognise the products, organisations and people that make the shooting industry tick. From cartridges to clothing, scopes to shotguns, they represent every corner of the market, with dedicated categories that showcase the achievements of the people who've really had a positive effect on the industry. Categories include Shotgun Ammunition of the Year, Shotgun of the Year and Innovative Product of the Year, each with a shortlist of nominations for you to choose from. The winners will be selected by public vote, and announced on 31 March. To cast your vote go…

Cartridge price rise Cartridges are going up in price by 7-12% from the end of February, according to online cartridge retailer Just Cartridges. The company says the increase will affect all the major UK brands, and are the result of the current economic climate and Brexit. Game Fair ticket sales soar The Game Fair is shaping up to be a huge success, with ticket sales more than double the usual amount for this time of year. “Is it the VAT holiday, our new covid insurance, pent-up demand or the promise of summer?” ask the organisers. “Perhaps it’s all of them!” The event is being held from 23 to 25 July, at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire. Details at thegamefair.org. Shooters give up after 12 weeks Shooting is ninth on the list…

British Shooting decided not to send a team to two of the first big international competitions of the year: the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Cairo, from 22 February to 5 March, and the WSPS Al Ain 2021 World Cup which happens on 15–26 March. “Neither decision has been taken lightly - with the safety, health and wellbeing of everyone involved in mind,” they said. “We have consulted extensively across government and the high performance system, and reviewed the available information that is presented to us, and do not think it is appropriate to send a team to either competition at this time.” At the time of going to press they were continuing to plan ahead for the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi, India, from 18 to 29 March,…