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.
This story is from the August 02, 2023 edition of Shooting Times & Country.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 02, 2023 edition of Shooting Times & Country.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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
Serious matters
An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning
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
Debutant gundogs
There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting
When the going gets rough
Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique
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
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
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
Stalking Diary
Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill
Gamekeeper
Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside