Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #369142 in Books
• Published on: 2000-11-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

Synopsis
Providing a detailed analysis of rifle sport, including deer stalking in Britain and the wider variety of game in Europe, this guide includes advice for the novice on acquiring a licence, buying and owning a rifle, and how and where to shoot. An introductory chapter places the sporting rifle in its historical context, describing its evolution from a scaled-down cannon to the modern precision weapon. The book then discusses the range of calibres, bullets and sights available, and their suitability for different game and different circumstances.

Customer Reviews

Great information for those new to rifle shooting
Now in its fourth edition "The Sporting Rifle - a users handbook" by Robin Marshall-Ball (revised and edited by popular writer Colin McKelvie) is essential reading for anyone starting out in the field sport of rifle shooting. This is a comprehensive introduction to rifles, calibres, 'scopes, quarry, and application for your Firearms Certificate. Marshall-Ball's easy-to-read style of writing starts us off with a short and interesting history of sporting rifles. From there, we graduate to details of calibres and bullets, from the small rimfires to the centrefires designed for varmint, stalking and big game shooting. 'The Sporting Rifle Today' is a chapter illustrating the wide range of firearms currently available from European makers; whilst giving credit to the pre-eminence of American rifle and component manufacturers. Modern preferences in stainless steel and synthetics are covered, and the author obviously has a liking for Steyr's Scout rifle - which merits a two page section all to itself! I am surprised that telescopic sights do not warrant further coverage; and I was dismayed to read that "The way a telescope is mounted on a rifle is more or less standardised today.....". Oh that this were true!

Part Two of the book deals with 'The Sport' of rifle shooting: listing British quarry types for the various common calibres, and progressing into continental Europe for both small and big game. The wild deer of Britain are represented in chapter 6; and sections dealing with each of the six species feature historical backgrounds with distribution maps. Part Three is dedicated to the rigmarole of obtaining a Firearms Certificate, how to go about the purchase of your first rifle and required accessories; followed by hints on methods of zeroing, practicing, and finally going out into the field. Some may find the suggested cleaning methods rather lackadaisical...... In conclusion the appendices contain a list of useful addresses ..., the (British) laws on firearms, and some basic ballistics tables. So, if you you are new to the sport, and looking for sound advice on how to make a start, this book is a very worthwhile purchase.