Product Description

This comprehensive survey of sporting rifle shooting covers all aspects of the sport from types and choice of weapons to a practical analysis of rifle sport available today in Britain, Europe, Africa and North America. Robin Marshall-Ball's introductory chapter places the sporting rifle in its historical context, describing its evolution from a scaled-down cannon to the modern precision weapon. He then discusses the range of calibres, bullets and sights available and their suitability for different game and different circumstances. He provides a detailed analysis of rifle sport available today. Beginning with 22 rimfire and .22 centrefire sport and deer stalking in Britain, he goes on to discuss the wider variety of game available in Europe, Africa and North America, explaining the different procedures and legislation that pertain in these areas, and giving advice on the types of weapon and cartridge suitable for a variety of game and locations. For the novice he gives valuable advice on acquiring the documentation necessary for rifle ownership in Britain, buying and setting up a suitable weapon and obtaining shooting rights.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #170510 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

Review
This invaluable survey has been completely updated. --Sporting Rifle

Nowadays many people who want to come into shooting can't find mentors so easily, which is why good ;how to do it; books are so important to encourage and educate newcomers. The Sporting Rifle has now established itself as a classic guide which will appearl to the novice and more experienced rifle user alike. --BASC Shooting & Conservation

a mine of information as well as an engrossing read. Such books are rare. I foresee The Sporting Rifle being around for many years to come with possibly further updated editions as technology moves. --Countryman's Weekly

About the Author
Robin Marshall-Ball has over fifty years experience of sporting shooting. After a career in the teaching profession, he worked as a company trouble-shooter in the food industry before becoming the Conservation Officer for the BASC on the Somerset Levels. He is the author of The Sporting Shotgun A User's Handbook, The Encyclopaedia of Sporting Shooting, I ll be Back in an Hour! and I ll be Glad when I ve Had Enough! and is a freelance contributor to Shooting Times, Sporting Gun, Shooting and Conservation and other sporting magazines.

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.