A single shot for an old gladiator
Shooting Times & Country|May 03, 2023
Chris Dalton tries out a single-shot rifle for the first time, finding in its limitations a primal sense, almost like going back to the airgun of his teenager days
DUNCAN IRELAND
A single shot for an old gladiator

The use of single-shot rifles in the stalking field is not something I had given much thought to, but that changed after a conversation with someone in the gun trade who mentioned that the sale of such rifles was on the increase. I do know of a few stalkers who use them but I have never handled one.

My curiosity was aroused. After the subsequent and inevitable discussions over a post-dinner dram on the use of the single-shot option for deer, I fired an exploratory email over to those awfully nice folk at Viking to ask about the chances of getting my hands on one for a roebuck stalk.

My request was clearly well received and a few days later a Merkel K5 arrived at Garryloop HQ. What a stunning little rifle it was; it had the most beautifully grained, shaped and oiled wooden stock. In the second box was a compact Leopold VX-3HD 1.5-5 x 20 scope along with a Merkel Helix sound moderator.

I took some time to handle and appreciate the rifle; it’s very light and compact, and beautifully balanced, but it felt so different to any other rifle I had ever used. The lever that opened the barrel was very familiar, but from my shotguns and not a rifle. The fore-end could also be released from the barrel in the same way as when breaking a shotgun down for storage or cleaning. Opening the breech then snapping it shut, I found myself automatically lifting the rifle to my shoulder and swinging it along the line of the window as if it were an imaginary crossing pheasant.

Primal

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYView all
United we stand
Shooting Times & Country

United we stand

Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023
They're not always as easy as they seem
Shooting Times & Country

They're not always as easy as they seem

While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Debutant gundogs
Shooting Times & Country

Debutant gundogs

There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
When the going gets rough
Shooting Times & Country

When the going gets rough

Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
Shooting Times & Country

The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition

In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
A step too far?
Shooting Times & Country

A step too far?

Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Two bucks before breakfast
Shooting Times & Country

Two bucks before breakfast

A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Stalking Diary
Shooting Times & Country

Stalking Diary

Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill

time-read
2 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Gamekeeper
Shooting Times & Country

Gamekeeper

Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023