The so-called Iron Curtain was the line between the capitalist West and communist East. It was a description first used by Winston Churchill when defining the ideological and physical barriers between the two opposing sides, which initially defined post-war Europe. At the forefront, was the divided state of Germany, half of which was in the west and the other half in the east of the country.
Airgun use was permitted in East Germany, and a 1968 Act explained that use was permitted only where the life and health of people was not placed at risk and security not disturbed. In reality, this meant use at approved ranges or in the performance of professional duties rather than casual use. A 1960s instruction manual for the Haenel 310 series of air rifles informed airgun users they were only to shoot on approved ranges and not at birds or other animals. A fine was payable if the regulations were infringed.
KEY SKILLS
The Nature Conservation Act of 1954 intended to protect wild birds and required all citizens to preserve native birdlife by not catching, torturing, injuring or killing them. The act explained that the bird population helped with the extermination of pests in agriculture, forestry and horticulture. Failure to comply could result in imprisonment for three years. Whilst hunting with air rifles was not encouraged, target shooting was a different story and the sport was seen as a way of learning key marksmanship skills.
FDJ
Esta historia es de la edición November 2020 de Airgun World.
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Esta historia es de la edición November 2020 de Airgun World.
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The ‘One Rifle' Philosophy
Philip Siddell discusses the benefits that adapting to a changing financial situation can bring to your shooting
Get Ready For Winter
Dave Barham reveals his tips and tricks for hunting rabbits during the colder months
Let's All Try The PC Approach!
The Editor recommends the limitless delights of ‘PC’ shooting - and offers some suggestions
Feeling A Little Grey?
Kevin Cudmore has the answer with the Umarex HK VP9
FUTURE SET IN STONE!
One of the UK’s leading air rifle centres gets a brand-new store!
THE EYES HAVE IT!
Via Blackpool Air Rifles and Kalibrgun, the editor examines the remarkable Argus 60
THE FUTURE IS HERE!
Russ Douglas introduces the next generation night-vision imager, relatively affordable and perfectly compact
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
Six top shooters face 10 tests of their talent – as Ian Harford reports from America’s shooting reality tv show… on the American Airgunner Challenge
EAST MEETS WEST
John Milewski takes a peek at air rifle shooting behind the Iron Curtain
A BREAK WITH TRADITION!
Tim Finley breaks his Kral Arms duck to review the Champion springer