This month I’m going retro. The first gun I bought was a Winchester 6500 Sporter 12-bore with 28in barrels and Teague chokes. I loved that little gun, and it got me my first win, so Winchester is close to my heart.
In a moment of madness I decided I wanted to buy another one, but fancied something slightly different. After trawling Guntrader to see what was out there, I did a bit of research to see what I thought would suit my style of shooting, if you can say that I actually have a style.
Winchester was a big name in the late 1970s and 1980s, with its 101 range of guns being made in Japan by Olin-Kodensha. Production of the Winchester Diamond Grade started in 1983, making this one of the later models turned out by the Japanese factory. Winchester guns have a reputation for quality and reliability. My old 6500, through which I must have put 15,000 cartridges a year, had just one ejector snap. The Diamond Grade is no exception. It was highly regarded when it was first introduced and is still quite a popular gun today despite having some stiff competition. The model has been superseded by newer versions.
Thermal spectrum
Paul Austin explores both ends of the thermal market with latest high-end release from Zeiss alongside a surprising entry-level offering from Xinfrared
Roe, rucks and new ground
Jon Snowdon and his team have much to keep them busy and a new tool to help them
Tales from a lifetime of foxing
Join Mike Powell as he explores the evolving world of fox shooting, drawing from a career that spans seven decades
Fox rot about Charlie
Patrick Hook responds to claims that fox numbers are dangerously on the wane
The sniff of success
Join Ryan Kay as he navigates the fascinating dynamic between a handler and their canine companion
Adventures of Nick & Ted
A new chapter in the histories of Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter has Nick Ridley reflecting on the dogs he has trained over the years he has been associated with the magazines
The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system
Vet's advice
Gundogs Q&A
No problem goes unsolved as Sporting Gun puts your questions to the gundog experts
Stop-start!
Fran Ardley continues her training tips on disciplining your dog to the stop whistle and the exercises you need to do
Gundogs at the Game Fair
Organising the Game Fair's prestigious gundog competitions: behind-the-scenes with Francesca Prentice
