When the going gets rough

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

On my last visit to the West London Shooting School, (Al’s sporting tour, 5 July), I also managed to get a chance to have a go at clays with world-class coaching from Mark Heath. It is not often that you step into a clay lesson after spending a few hours on a large-calibre rifle. I met Mark near the gunroom, and we didn’t waste time picking up a gun for the day. As far as shotgun coaching goes, Mark is as good as it gets, and, let’s face it, I need all the help I can get when it comes to clays.

There were so many delightful guns to choose from, it was heavenly. I needed to impress Mark, so I went for my personal favourite, the Browning B525: the 15in stock length has always fitted me best. I remember the time I went to a gunshop for my first game gun; the first thing I pulled off the rack was a B525, but only because I really enjoyed the woodwork. Little did I realise I was going to turn out to be a Browning aficionado. I did have the option of elegant side-by-sides, but baby steps.

Professional coaching 

I must admit, shotguns are becoming a bit of a rarity in my shooting career. My shotgun days now seem to be localised to pigeon days, where nobody can witness my terrible shooting. Professional coaching is just what the doctor ordered.

The West London Shooting School (WLSS) was opened in 1901 by Richmond Watson. It is considered one of the best shooting grounds in the country and has won several awards. It has world-class facilities that cater for corporates, shooting parties and private sessions. I did have to keep reminding myself that, although I was within the M25, it did have a refreshing country feel.