HuntMag.eu - Second digital issue

BLASER’S RD17 – FAST ON TARGET

LEICA’S

NEW OPTIC FOR SPEED, PRECISION AND SAFETY

THE NEW

ZEISS VICTORY RF BINOCULARS

WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE LATEST SAUER S100 RIFLE LINE-UP

FAUSTI

70 YEARS ANNIVERSARY

HALALI

SPEZIAL HELPED SOMEONE SPECIAL

CONTENTS PAGE 32-33

PAGE 02

THE ART OF ENGRAVING….

KEEPING SILENT AND FAST!

PAGE 36 ELEGANCE MET EXCELLENCE WITH THE BROWNING B15

PAGE 03-04 AIMCAM SEE IT YOUR WAY

PAGE 37 BROCOCK’S ALL NEW COMMANDER PCP PAGE 38-40 DRIVEN BOAR IN SUB ZERO CONDITIONS

PAGE 05 BLASER’S RD17 – FAST ON TARGET

PAGE 41 PINEWOOD OUTDOOR SUMMER

PAGE 08-13 JOHN MOSES BROWNING

PAGE 42

PAGE 14 TIKKA’S FIRST RIMFIRE RIFLE IS OUT!

DAYSTATE’S NEW BREED IS BORN

PAGE 16-17

PAGE 43

THE NORTHERN SHOOTING SHOW IS HERE!

RIGBY UNVEILS THEIR NEW BRANDED RIFLESCOPE

PAGE 18

PAGE 44-45

THE NEW ZEISS VICTORY RF BINOCULARS

A MESSAGE FROM FACE… THE VOICE OF EUROPEAN HUNTERS

PAGE 20-21 STALKING IN THE FOG AND A SUCCESSFUL HUNT #MYGEOVIDMOMENT

PAGE 48-49 FAUSTI 70 YEARS ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY

PAGE 22 HALALI SPEZIAL HELPED SOMEONE SPECIAL PAGE 26 WE TAKE A LOOK AT HORNADY’S NEW 6.5 PRC! PAGE 27 THE “PEOPLES’ RIFLE” IS BACK… THE MAUSER M18

PAGE 28 THE TAKE DOWN AIR RIFLE FROM AIR ARMS PAGE 29-31 SAUER'S LATEST S100 RIFLE LINE-UP'

PAGE 52 LEICA’S NEW OPTIC FOR SPEED, PRECISION AND SAFETY PAGE 53 “FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME”

KEEPING SILENT AND FAST!

S

ound moderators have become more and more popular, decreasing sound levels are beneficial for the shooters health and the surroundings.

The latest innovative product to be designed by A-TEC is the A-LOCK MINI system. We all have experienced that at some point fastening a silencer to a threaded

Sound moderators are becoming more and more popular, as today we see sound moderators which don’t even minimize the muzzle trajectories performance due to the advanced designs that are being manufactured.

We looked at one of the most revolutionary sound moderators available, designed and manufactured in Norway, since 1999 A-TEC have been dedicated in making better sound moderators for the requested market.

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barrel can consume a good amount of time and fine threads can sometime be problematic for a rapid fastening, whilst attaching

and dismantling will wear the said thread. This design will help you change from a muzzle-break to a sound moderator in a few seconds!

Fastening is done in less than a second with its revolutionary short 60-degree twist. The system also aids to withstand any wear and tear than any other regular threads.

The A-LOCK MINI system will be made to fit most of the threads available on the market which are; ½”-20 UNF, ½”-28 UNEF, 5/8”-24 UNEF, M13x1, M14x1, M14x1,5, M15x1, M17x1 and M18x1.

AIMCAM SEE IT YOUR WAY

a

imCam is the accumulation from years of research and development by dedicated shooting enthusiasts and professionals from around the world, which has finally developed into the best option available capturing video footage of your true line of sight when participating in Aiming sports and other activities.

AimCam is not only a stylish pair of safety and sunglasses it also integrates our patented camera system. The AimCam camera system is fully adjustable to capture your line of sight, however, it can also be easily

set-up to function as an everyday video camera to capture your POV for all activities, such as skiing, fishing, hiking or just a day out with friends or family. That’s why our catchphrase is “See It Your Way”!

Existing products utilise a fixed centrally or side located camera which strives to record what the user is seeing with the use of both eyes. These, however, do not record an accurate representation of what the user sees when aiming down the barrel of a shotgun, shaft of an arrow or any other activity requiring precision. This is because a dominant eye is being used whilst aiming. The

development of a product which allows consumers to document their experiences from a realistic ‘First- Person’ perspective, as well as act as a training aid, would result in a holistic solution for the documentation of activities such as shooting and archery and allow spectators the opportunity to see what the sportsman and sportswomen is seeing/doing for the first time thus increasing uptake and audience participation in our sports.

Launching soon is our new Pro2 model. This incorporates our new HuntMag.eu 03

Sony 8MP micro camera for high resolution video. Our new camera has been designed with a super fast iris which quickly reacts to light as you look into the sky. The new camera has been designed with a tighter field of view from 68 to 62degrees. This allows the targets to be recorded with the same depth of view as the human eye. This allows for perfect analysis. The new lenses are now 2mm thick and offer high impact resistance at Z87+ / EN166F, 100% UV protection and side protection for stray particles and BB pellets.

We are currently developing an RX 04 HuntMag.eu

insert for our new AimCam Pro2.

You will be able to purchasing this as a single accessory and take it to your local options for custom prescription fitting.

The AimCam team are all sportsmen, so naturally, we took great care to make sure that our products are perfectly suited to the needs of everyone who shares our passion for Aiming sports. We carried out extensive market research to gather feedback from potential customers from around the world and the final product and specification incorporates

many of the features which you, our customers, asked us for, be it shaving ounces off the frame to make it even lighter or allowing for interchangeable lenses or even no lenses at all!

What’s more, we are still listening to our customers, any feedback please contact enquire@aimcam.com Launching in the UK at the Northern Shooting Show in Harrogate. RRP: From £225.00

BLASER’S RD17 – FAST ON TARGET

R

ed dot sights are becoming more and more popular into todays’ market, benefiting for a rapid target acquisition at close distances.

vision. The Blaser RD17 is specifically designed to integrate to Blaser’s Saddle Mount, optimising a very low mounting assembly, allowing a further intuitive target acquisition.

Blaser launched their RD17 sight, its got an elegant and slender design with a superior peripheral

It has got an inbuilt Intelligent Illumination Control, if no movement is detected for three

minutes, the unit automatically switches to power saving mode.

When moving again, the red dot is instantly available in the intensity that has been adjusted last.

Thanks to this system, the RD17 provides a battery lifetime of more than 50,000 hours.

HuntMag.eu 05

M N H O J

O S ES

G N I N W O R B

It is a little unclear whether it was on the 21st or 23rd of January 1855 that John Moses Browning first saw the light of day. He was born in the small town of Ogden in the newly established State of Utah. His 50-year-old father, Jonathan Browning, had been

THE FATHER OF THE MODERN FIREARM

John Moses started to help out in his father’s workshop at the tender age of six, and also worked in the family’s tannery. Even from this early age, it was working with guns that captured the young boy’s interest. At 10 years old he managed to cobble together a functional gun, which he then used for hunting. As the years went by, he developed his skills by undertaking repairs to customers’ guns that increased in number and complexity.

Text and photo:

Jens Ulrik Høgh Vast tomes seem to have been written about just about every personality in the world of hunting, and most of these books are based on abundant source material – often straight from the horse’s mouth. However, when it comes to one of the most influential figures in our firearms history, everything that has been written is based on secondary sources. This is the incredible story of a true genius of gun design, a man who abhorred attention and fame.

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Ogden was almost totally isolated from the outside world during John Moses’s childhood. All transport in and out of the town was by horse-drawn wagon over a long and dangerous trail through the wilderness. Bad weather, hostile natives and wild animals all presented hazards to travellers.

The town’s school had just one teacher, who taught all the children together in a single, large classroom. Other than this, John Moses never received any formal education.

AN INVENTOR’S DEBUT

baptized into the relatively new Church of Mormon 13 years earlier, and had gone to the new territories of the Wild West to search for a sanctuary where the family could practise its faith without persecution. He set up shop as an ironmonger and gunsmith in the town of Ogden and took a second wife, as was customary for pious Mormons.

John Moses was the first child from this relationship, and 21 years later, when his father produced his last child with his third wife, his siblings numbered 22.

In 1878, the 23-year-old John Moses, who was now responsible for running the workshop, came up with an idea for a single-shot rifle. He immediately began working on drawings and models and just 11 months later he had a fully working prototype in his hands. The rifle performed much better than any other rifle on the market, and it was clear to the young inventor that this new rifle should be patented. He had no idea how to go about patenting his invention however, so he turned to a supplier of agricultural machinery the Browning family hardware store had business dealings with. This supplier was

kind enough to refer John Moses to the correct patent office and by 1879 J. M. Browning received the first of many patents.

The Browning brothers immediately started to manufacture this new rifle. When it went on display in the shop, 25 of the guns were sold in a week for the princely $25 each! The success inspired the brothers to open a shop specialising in hunting equipment and guns. During the next few years, things went incredibly well for John Moses, but he lacked the capital to develop all his ideas. The solution came from an unexpected direction.

One day in 1883, a travelling salesman for Winchester found a used example of one of Browning’s rifles, which he immediately bought for $15. He presented this rifle to Winchester’s board of directors, and within a week the board had decided to attempt to buy the production rights to the firearm, which had impressed them deeply. It was none other than Winchester’s managing director, T. G. Bennet, who was sent on the journey out West. His mission was to negotiate for the production rights with the totally unknown firm “The Browning Company”.

Bennet arrived unannounced and found the Browning brothers working hard at their machines.

He got straight to the point, negotiations for the production rights took place over the shop counter, and a contract was signed there and then. Browning gave Winchester the full rights to his single-shot rifle for the staggering sum of $8,000, equivalent to around $750,000 today. This money enabled Browning to really start expressing his creativity.

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“LIKE SHIT FROM A SHOVEL” When John Moses was working on one of his inventions, he worked on the whole process from the initial idea to the prototype himself. He sometimes produced technical drawings and small wooden or cardboard models, but usually he quickly started to produce functional prototypes, which would then be subjected to all kinds of testing and even outright abuse. At times he found it difficult to obtain materials and equipment for his workshop, so he used whatever he could get hold of. Amongst other things he used a great deal of scrap metal, which he would then harden and heat-treat – skills he had mastered to perfection.

He often took part in shooting competitions – and was one of Utah’s best trap shooters – and he took great pleasure in the rich hunting grounds around Ogden.

Hunting gave him a welcome opportunity to unwind after long periods of hard work – a “chance to blow away the cobwebs” as he put it. But his trips into the wilderness also provided the ideal opportunity to test and refine his designs. Only when John Moses was completely satisfied with the prototype would the design be committed to paper and patented.

Shortly after his first dealings with Winchester, Browning was ready with his next weapon; a lever-action rifle. He decided to present this rifle to Winchester himself, and at 29 years old, he travelled outside the State of Utah for the first time.

Winchester bought the rifle on the spot for an incredible $50,000. The company regarded it as, quite 10 HuntMag.eu

simply, the world’s best rifle design, and it subsequently became known as the Winchester Model 1886.

One year later Browning delivered the next gun in the series – a lever-action shotgun – now known as the Winchester Model 1887. In just three years, Browning had produced three unique weapon designs, all of which sold very well for Winchester.

A MAN OF FAITH In the light of the incredible success it may seem strange that in 1887 – just as his career as an inventor was really taking off – he agreed to accept the position as a full-time missionary for the Church of Mormon. Nevertheless, he packed his bags and moved to Georgia for two years to spread the word.

That the inventor’s brain was working on more than the Word of God during his time as a missionary is suggested by the fact that when John Moses returned to his workshop in Utah he was more productive than ever.

One design after another was produced at a frantic pace. On one occasion, Winchester asked him to design a new lever-action rifle specifically of the calibre .44-40, and promised him a bonus of $10,000 if he could deliver a completed design and a working prototype within three months.

Just one month later, the prototype of Model 1892 was finished – and this included the time it took to deliver the new rifle to Winchester and return to Ogden. In other words he conceived, manufactured, tested and refined his new design in just 20 days! Winchester gave him $20,000 for his troubles.

The co-operation with Winchester worked astoundingly well for both parties. Between 1883 and 1900, Winchester bought the rights to a total of 44 different gun designs.

Far from all of them were put into production, but those that were proved incredibly popular.

In 1900, Browning received a patent for a long recoil-operated, semi-automatic shotgun, a design that had taken more hard work to develop than any of his previous inventions. To get an automatic weapon to work with widely differing loads was by no means a simple task, but nonetheless Browning’s solution worked very well, and he believed that this design would be a great success. T. G. Bennet was not of the same opinion and believed that conservative American hunters would not accept a complicated automatic weapon. He was not willing to put it into production.

Browning mulled over this for a couple of years, after which he went to Bennet’s office and demanded that Bennet start production on the semi-automatic, and said he should receive royalties for every gun produced. This was met with a blank refusal, and after a brief altercation, John Moses picked up his prototype and left. It marked the end of the fruitful partnership between him and Winchester.

NEW PASTURES More than anything else in the world, Browning wanted his new shotgun put into production. Thus he arranged a meeting with the managing director of Remington, Marcellus Hartley, who must have regarded the chance to work with the world’s leading gun designer as a great opportunity. But fate

intervened. When Browning arrived at Hartley’s office, he was greeted by a shocked secretary: Hartley had died just a few minutes earlier from a heart attack. The Remington Arms Company now had a lot to think about, and J. M. Browning was not known for his patience. He took his designs and the prototype and left shortly afterwards on a steamer bound for Belgium. He wanted production of his new weapon to start as quickly as possible!

A few years earlier, he had sold the rights to a small automatic pistol to the large Belgian weapons manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN). This pistol had been a great success in Europe, and the factory had repeatedly expressed its desire for greater co-operation. FN now had that chance with the new shotgun.

The Belgians embraced this opportunity with open arms. The factory, which had been built to produce weapons for Belgium’s armed forces, was experiencing difficulties – a revolutionary new product might save them.

Browning underlined his faith in his new design by placing an advance order for 10,000 shotguns for the American market. The contract was signed and production started in under a year.

The model was given the designation Auto-5 and it was the first fully working semi-automatic shotgun. It became an enormous success for FN and marked the start of a collaboration that lasted until Browning’s death. It was also the start of Browning as an independent brand, which now based its business model on purchasing weapons from various

subcontractors. That first order of 10,000 shotguns for the United States was sold in less than a year.

A MODEST NATIONAL HERO Browning worked on his designs unabated and there was no type of gun that escaped his attention.

During the first 20 years of his career, he mainly focused on hunting arms and revolutionised the single-shot rifle, lever- and pump-action guns as well as the semi-automatic shotgun and rifle.

Around the turn of the century, his attention was drawn towards fully automatic rifles and automatic pistols. His designs were, to put it mildly, revolutionary. He single-handedly defined the machine gun and the automatic pistol as we know them today, though the US military was a little slow to wake up to these new developments.

Only in 1917, when it became clear that the US would send troops to the battlefields of Europe, did the military decide to update its armoury. To this end, it addressed J. M. Browning directly.

They wanted the rights to produce the Browning Automatic Rifle (B.A.R.), a heavy machine gun, and the .45 ACP calibre automatic pistol. The military also wanted Browning to organise its production. In return, Browning was offered a purely symbolic sum of money. There can be no doubt about his patriotism; he accepted immediately with the words: “If that suits Uncle Sam, it’s all right with me”. Browning was offered the rank of colonel, which he graciously, but firmly, turned down.

Browning’s weapons were crucial to the American involvement in

both World Wars I and II – in fact some of the designs are still in service with the world’s strongest military power more than a century after their introduction.

THE EMPIRE GROWS When the smoke cleared after World War I, FN again started to work at full speed and the Browning Arms Company grew ever stronger. John Moses crossed the Atlantic at regular intervals, skillfully handling his role at the front of the expanding business.

He was a beloved figure at FN and everybody, from the highest to the lowest, had great respect for the inventor, gunmaker and business man. The workers never referred to him as anything other than “Le Maître” (The Master). His design work continued undeterred, and though the rate of development might have slowed somewhat, the quality remained as high as ever. Some of his designs were produced on both sides of the Pond – in the US by both Remington and Colt, and in Europe by FN. John Moses’s technically gifted son Val had been assisting his farther for some years and had moved to Liège in Belgium permanently to co-ordinate FN’s production work. In November 1926, work was due to start on J. M. Browning’s latest design: an over-and-under shotgun named the B25 or Browning Superposed.

For the 61st time, John Moses travelled to Belgium, this time in the company of his wife of nearly half-a-century, Rachel. They were travelling to follow the production of the new design and to visit their son Val. On the 26th November 1926, John Moses was at work at the factory. Suddenly he felt a pain HuntMag.eu 11

WINCHESTER 1894 The Model 1894 was a further development of Browning’s earlier Model 1892 design. The 1894 was introduced at the same time as smokeless gunpowder and has since been inextricably linked with the calibre that was developed from that, the .30-30 Winchester.

in his chest and collapsed. He died shortly after. “Le Maître” had passed away while carrying out his beloved work – a sudden but worthy end to nearly 50 years of revolutionary designs.

John Moses Browning left behind a legacy that included 128 patents and more than 70 different gun designs. Many of his designs are still in production today – and many believe that his designs have never been surpassed. A truly remarkable achievement, and unparalleled in industrial history.

cartridge into the firing chamber.

In 1890, he received his first patent for a gas-operated automatic weapon, and over the next two years he received four additional patents for various automatic mechanisms.

By 1895, the first machine gun was ready, and it was followed by

FACT BOXES CONNECTED TO THE PHOTOS: BROWNING AUTOMATIC While at the firing range one day in 1889, Browning happened to notice that the grass in front of a rifle’s muzzle was pushed over by the pressure of escaping propellant gases. This gave him the idea of harnessing the energy of these gasses to power a mechanism that could eject the empty cartridge and load a new 12 HuntMag.eu

increasingly refined designs around the time of World War I. All

gas-operated automatic weapons – old and new – are, at least to some extent, based on Browning’s original patents.

BROWNING AUTO-5 Browning considered this design to be his greatest achievement.

The shotgun, which was recoil operated, was the first successful semi-automatic shotgun ever produced. The first one left FN in September 1903.

The model was in production until 1983, a production run of 80 years. The last to leave the FN factory had the serial number 3,006,250.

Remington also produced this weapon under the designation Model 11.

Today the Auto-5 has a solid reputation for reliability. Examples of the gun that have shot more than 1,000,000 rounds are known to exist!

The Model 1894 is without doubt the most popular civilian rifle design ever. It was in continuous production for more than 110 years, and more than 7,000,000 units were produced. The reason for the 94’s success is partly due to its simple, reliable design, as well as its perfectly timed introduction on to the market. Most of all, though, it is because it is one of the handiest rifle designs ever. It is short and can be effortlessly carried in one hand. A classic which – rather undeservedly – has

always had a slightly dubious reputation in Europe, where the design has been looked down upon by the more snobbish element as “too American”, and

has brought to mind bad Westerns.

BROWNING B25 John Moses Browning’s final design and the first over-and-under to be a true commercial success, production started in 1927. The simple, dependable design has always had a great reputation amongst shotgun shooters. Today the design is still alive and kicking, and remains very much sought after, which is reflected in the high prices it commands.

Originally the B25 had a double trigger, but Val Browning quickly designed the single trigger that is associated with this design.

It is quite possible that since its introduction, other over-and-unders have been designed that work just as well as this shotgun, but it has never been

WINCHESTER 1893

This model marked the birth of the gun beloved by American: the pump action shotgun – or “trombone-gun” as guns of this type were poetically referred to by hunting journalists in Scandinavia for many years. John Moses Browning refined the design several times, he loved the principles behind this design, and used it himself when hunting and clay pigeon shooting. Millions of others followed his example, and pump-actions have been the most popular type of shotgun in America for more than a century.

The Model 1893 was replaced by the nearly identical take-down Model 1897, which was in production until 1951 - a production run of 58 years.

COLT MODEL 1911 Granted, the Colt M1911 has little relevance for hunting, but it still deserves mention here. This pistol was patented in 1911 and production began the following year. Originally .45 ACP calibre, this pistol was adopted by the US military as a service pistol from the time of its introduction. During the two World Wars, millions of these popular pistols were produced and they were only replaced (by a Beretta) in 1985 after 74 years in the service of the world’s strongest military power.

The change to a new handgun was never going to be popular, and since 1985, most of the elite corps have changed pistols again – back to the Colt M1911! Old soldiers never die. This model is still produced to this day by a wide range of manufacturers.

improved on! To date the B25 has been in production for 84 years.

Nothing suggests it will be phased out in the foreseeable future.

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TIKKA’S FIRST RIMFIRE RIFLE IS OUT! Tikka has just launched the T1x MTR, a brand new rimfire rifle for their product line up.

F

innish firearms manufacturer TIKKA, has been designing quality firearms of distinct accuracy since 1918. This

year marks a timeline for TIKKA, as they have just launched their first ever rimfire rifle. The TIKKA T1x 14 HuntMag.eu

MTR is available in .22lr and .17hmr calibres and comes standard with a 10-round magazine, making it capable to handle a wide range of shooting tasks.

Having a cold-hammer forged barrel, and thanks to its crossover profile offers the benefits of a heavier barrel mass without the extra weight, which increases stability. The T1x has been developed on the centrefire T3x platform, offering the shooter the best possible experience. The T1x is ideal for small game hunting and varmint target shooting.

Thanks to its synthetic stock, it handles various weather

conditions and tasks demanded by the shooter.

The pistol grip is compatible to the T3x accessories, making it easy to adapt the rifle to your preference. The action also shares the same bedding surfaces and inlayed footprints of the centrefire T3x rifles. For sure this rifle meets the markets high demand for an excellent price-quality ratio rimfire rifle.

THE AMMUNITION THAT EARNED THE BUCKMARK

B

rowning for the last 125 years, has been a reference in the World of firearms. The heritage bequeathed by John M. Browning still holds true in our workshops today: innovation is a tradition; reliability is a duty and precision a habit.

Browning’s experience as gunsmiths

provides a solid basis for our engineers to develop ammunition for big game hunting that also bears all the Browning values.

Browning developed two ranges of ammunition; the BXR (Rapid Expansion for Medium and Heavy Game) and the BXC (Controlled expansion for Heavy game).

The BXR is designed to offer an ultra-rapid expansion with an immediate energy transfer, this ammunition is naturally designed for medium sized game.

The Matrix tipped bullets (Mix of polymer and copper), fragments explodes upon impact,

allowing an exposed large hollow point to continue penetrating while expanding. These bullets are ideal for long distance shots.

On the other hand, the BXC ammunition series, is perfectly suited for heavy game. The lead core bonding with its Terminal aluminum tip jacket, ensures a bullet weight retention of nearly 100%, which offers major advantages. A high-energy transfer for an immediate stopping power.

Sufficient energy to result in a potential exit hole, which helps to track down the animal. And finally, with a minimal lead contamination in meat.

HuntMag.eu 15

there will be a plethora of guns and optics never seen before by the UK public most available to buy at the show.

A third hall is being added this year and will be packed with smaller specialist retailers exhibiting with their products such as Alan Westlake with his revolvers, Caledonian Classic Arms, Bolt Open Classics, By Sword and Musket, AA Gunsmiths, Low Mill Ranges and many more.

If you are looking to buy something this is the show to visit with dozens of retailers there over

THE NORTHERN SHOOTING SHOW IS HERE!

E

xcitement is mounting as the show returns on the 12th and 13th May for the third time at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate and it's a must visit for anyone in the shooting world.

This year the show is growing once again, with even more manufacturers, distributors and retailers all exhibiting in the stunning Yorkshire stone clad state of the art exhibition halls. GMK with Berettta and Bennelli will this year join all the other major brands such as Air Arms, Blaser, Bettinsoli, BSA, Daystate, Fausti, Hawke, Mauser, Marocchi, Merkel, Longthornes, Perazzi, Yildiz, Sauer, Sako, Schmidt and Bender, Swarovski, Tikka, Weihrauch, Vortex, Zeiss and many more. Many of the manufacturers will be bringing their stands straight from IWA, the huge trade only show in Germany so it will certainly be impressive. They are also taking the opportunity to follow up their European trade launch with UK launches to the general public at the show so 16 HuntMag.eu

skills it takes to make the finest guns and shooting related products. The huge Gundog Field has competitions with great prizes, demonstrations and clinic and this year has a seminar area for you to learn more about looking after your dog.

There's also a fourth hall with a huge outdoor airsoft area with everything for the airsoft shooter all in one place with competitions and unique experiences, hence why it's called Airsoft Experience. You can have a go on the CQB/hostage rescue scenario, watch or compete in the 3 gun arena or join in on the Action Air range.

Whatever your shooting interest you will find it in this stunning country setting closely located to the A1/M62 Gateway to the North.

Limited availability advance tickets are just ÂŁ12 adult, ÂŁ3 child Early Bird ticket to the show with FREE parking, FAST EARLY entry and FREE booking, to book go to www.northernshootingshow.co.uk/tickets

the show weekend with thousands of guns, optics, ammunition, accessories and specialist clothing available to purchase at the show. Don't forget many of the optics products can be tested on the day in outside areas allowing you to truly see, try and buy on the day. Make sure you take your SGC/FAC if needed, so you don't miss that show bargain. The show team are also hugely proud they led the way with having police firearm licencing departments in attendance and there are seven forces attending this year, with some offering grant interviews, variations and renewals on the day.

Outside the feel moves more to a game fair with a huge 500m clayline packed with competitions, manufacturers' have a go areas, CPSA clay shooting instruction, BASC game shooting coaching, MLAGB demonstrations and even a practical shooting style competition against the clock to knock down steel plates. The airgun ranges always prove popular with adults and children alike and they are a must visit to try out all the latest airguns.

Historic guns and military vehicles are on display and there are also craftspeople showing what HuntMag.eu 17

THE NEW ZEISS VICTORY RF BINOCULARS German optics manufacturer, ZEISS, have launched their new VICTORY RF binoculars. RF standing for Rangefinder System, is a laser rangefinder with an integrated real-time ballistics computer.

The ZEISS Victory RF, takes into consideration all of the relevant factors with the aid of the ZEISS Hunting App, which ensure precise shot placement at any distance.

The Victory RF comes in 8x42 and 10x42 which are models primarily made for daylight use and the 8x54 and 10x54 are more 18 HuntMag.eu

suitable for use in twilight situations.

The rangefinder system determine precise targets at distances up to a maximum of 2,300metres, with calculation outputs within seconds.

Synchronization between the Victory RF binoculars and the ZEISS Hunting App by the aid of a smartphone is done by means of Bluetooth. Taking into consideration factors such as distance, temperature and air pressure (in respect to altitude) when making calculations. Within the same Hunting App, up to nine personalised ballistics data can be saved in the App’s dedicated storage and transferred per the shooters desire to the binoculars.

STALKING IN THE FOG

AND A SUCCESSFUL HUNT #MYGEOVIDMOMENT

The next morning brings dense fog.

Nevertheless, we decide to climb the hill opposite the lodge. At about 1 pm we reach a clearing, and the tracker shows that Snöa has spotted some game about 1.5 km away from us. At that moment the sun is shining through the fog. Snöa is standing behind an elevation that we have to cross. We can hear Snöa’s fierce, loud barking. Now I notice something moving among the high trees in front of me. There he is – a strong bull moose.

by Oliver Dorn

H

unting in Sweden is so closely connected to my own hunting passion that last year I went moose hunting there for the third time. What fascinates me most about hunting are the hours spent stalking the game, then listening for the good dog’s bark and finally carefully approaching the animal I am about to shoot. Therefore, I was really looking forward to my trip to Åre in Jämtland, following an invitation by my friend Johan Persson. Together with his staff and some excellently-trained dogs, Johan offers hunting moose and other game species, and he accommodates his guests in a carefully restored historic manor house.

The typical hunting day on the Medstugan estate starts at 9.30 after a hearty breakfast. Then Johan takes us to one of the surrounding mountains in his

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pick-up truck. One of his dogs is of course with us. After a short drive we leave the truck behind and continue our way uphill on foot.

When we spot some moose droppings later, Johan switches on the positioning collar of his Nordic Spitz Snöa and sends her on the track. Steadily we continue our ascent.

Suddenly at a slope opposite we spot a cow moose with her calf, and

The moose are gone. Snöa is gone too, chasing after them.

Disappointed we sink to the ground breathing deeply.

the rangefinder measures about 550 metres. Her almost white hind legs are barely distinguishable from the birch trees of the forest, so that both animals are well camouflaged.

They notice us at once and with large steps disappear into the depth of the dark forest. Always keeping an eye on the signal of the tracker we move further up. By now we are only about 1,000 metres away from Snöa and the moose.

Luckily, there is a headwind.

Otherwise we would have had to to walk around the forest in a wide circle. 200 metres, 150 metres, 100 … We leave our backpacks behind, and without making any noise we approach the moose in slow motion on all fours. Hunting cannot get any more exciting than this. Snöa has tracked down the cow moose and her calf. She is now barking incessantly and is running around them. We hear trampling in the forest ahead of us, as if a herd of red deer was breaking through the undergrowth. Something is wrong!

It isn’t safe to shoot yet. Then the moose moves quickly to the left, and in front of our eyes he crosses a clearing, trying to increase the distance between us with quick steps. We follow fast against the

wind, running parallel at a distance of about 150 metres. Now the distance to the mosse is getting shorter – a glance at the tracker shows us another clearing that must be located at a right angle between us, Snöa and the moose.

80 metres distance to the bull. We keep on running. 50 metres, and the clearing is right before us. We kneel down, I load my rifle and aim.

As expected, the moose heads for the clearing to get up the hill faster.

Now I can see his head, his neck – the shot resounds in the forest. The moose gets hit by the bullet, turns to the right and gallops uphill into a thick spruce wood, followed by the dog. They both disappear, and we only hear Snöa barking, then …. silence. A clean heart shot has killed the bull almost instantly, and the exit wound is a little to the front.

Among the trees Snöa is standing next to the bull.

I look at the eight-year-old bull: my reward for an arduous hunt. Johan, Snöa and I are sitting down next to the bull, paying our last respects. I am truly greatful for this possibility to hunt with Johan, for the excellent work with his dogs and the constantly good and joyful atmosphere.

If you love unspoilt nature, active hunting and the unaffected, open-minded way of the people you simply have to try your hunting luck in Sweden.

L A I Z E P S I L A L HA E N O E M O S D E HELP L A I C E SP German hunting magazine publication Halali, earlier this year during the Jagd und Hund fair in Dortmund launched their interesting special book filled with mouth watering and healthy recipes called HalaliSpezial. The publication gathered different game recipes from across the continent, celebrating truly the organic game gastronomy with simple recipes. The publication was more interesting, as it was distributed at no cost against a donation by the numerous esteemed visitors, all donations were donated during the Jagd und Hund fair, a generous sum of â‚Ź4,500 was accumulated, which was donated to Die Tafel e. V.

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WE TAKE A LOOK AT HORNADY’S NEW 6.5 PRC!

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sny based gun-maker is going one step further, with its brand-new Made in Germany bolt action rifle. Costing well under €1000, the Mauser M 18.

The designers have not compromised in its construction, rather consistently applied the principles behind the German traditional brand which has made it the world's most famous make of bolt action rifles.

Ultra-sturdy construction made of the best materials, concentrating on the essentials for its purpose.

name which is being discussed a lot lately is the 6.5 Precision Rilfle Cartridge, which was designed to achieve the highest levels of accuracy, with a flat trajectory and extended range performance. The 6.5 PRC has got a repeatable accuracy, low recoil and a reasonable barrel life, which still produces very high velocities of more than 2,960 fps with performances beyond 1000 yards.

The 6.5 PRC is the big brother of the 6.5 Creedmoor, it can fit in both the short and medium actions. It has got a 30 degree cartridge case shoulder with an efficient case geometry. The 6.5 PRC is available from Hornady in the

THE “PEOPLES’ RIFLE” IS BACK… THE MAUSER M18

Match and Precision Hunter line Up, in 147 grain and 143 grain respectively.

In detail the Mauser M 18 is compromised of a solid-steel design with a sturdy 3-lug

locking mechanism, a cold-hammered barrel, and a silently-operating 3-position trigger lug safety system. In addition, the M 18 shines out with its adjustable, crisp direct trigger mechanism and its removable 5-shot magazine.

forearm using state of the art "1+1 K" technology, guaranteeing the perfect grip in every situation. Secondly, the butt plate is detachable without the use of tools, so that you can access a storage space in the stock.

A Mauser was, and is not just a rifle for its owners, rather a resilient companion which they are keen to have at their sides particularly in difficult situations.

The Isny-based company presents all of this on an anthracite-grey, ultra-sturdy synthetic stock which has two trump features, setting new standards in this price range.

Firstly, non-slip soft inlays are integrated in the pistol grip and

It was therefore a simple decision to make the space in the stock usable – to store things from the cleaning cord up to a full survival kit; things which you want to have quickly and close to hand when situations do not go according to plan.

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THE TAKE DOWN AIR RIFLE FROM AIR ARMS

SAUER'S LATEST S100 RIFLE LINE-UP' S 100 FIELDSHOOT – The perfect target and varmint rifle

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ritish air rifle manufacturer Air Arms, has been around since .

Since then the company inspired and engaged air rifle enthusiasts; whether it is precision field target shooting or hunting, Air Arms developed various models of PCP and spring power rifles and pistols of different calibres and powers in respect of different use.

Earlier this year, a new model has been launched, that is the S510 TDR. That is an S510 with 28 HuntMag.eu

the capability to be broken down into three sections. The S510 sporting air rifle is fitted with many features that makes the rifle a worldwide best seller, while retaining its ultra lightweight and a unique fast assembly take down capability features retained.

The S510 TDR can be taken apart in a matter of seconds, which can be packed in its lined hardcase, while allowing the scope and moderator to be retained fitted. That makes a convenient

transportation capability of this Take Down Rifle.

The S510 TDR is available in .177 and .22 calibres, comes with two 10 shot magazines, with an approximate 40 shot per fill capacity of both calibres (15 shot capacity in FAC). Wheter you are a left handed or a right handed shooter, the S510 TDR has an ambidextrous walnut stock with an adjustable butt pad. In respect to different countries regulations, it can be supplied with a Qtec moderator. Its power ranges up to 29ft/lbs.

If you are looking for a perfect target, competition or varmint rifle - The S100 FIELDSHOOT is the perfect choice for maximum precision.

The FIELDSHOOT persuades from the outside with a durable laminate wood stock and a dark oil finish.

The stock is not only looking dynamic but most importantly it is completely adjustable to the needs of each shooter. The adjustable

cheek piece is made of a robust synthetic and in combination with a recoil pad, which is adjustable in height and angle, makes the FIELDSHOOT a precision-guarantee.

The heart of the 62cm (24") match barrel is its 22mm (0.87") taper. It ensures maximum precision, balance and the right weight for any type of precision shooting.

Available calibers: .223 Rem.; .243 Win.; 6,5x55SE; 6.5 Creedmoor; .308 Win; 6.5 PRC

S 100 PANTERA – Compact Precision

The S100 PANTERA redefines long range shooting by combining pure precision with an absolutely compact size. With ergonomics at the fore, SAUER provides a highly efficient, yet elegant platform for long range shooting.

A fluted and heavy 19mm (0.75") barrel with a compact length of 51cm (20") offers multiple shot consistency. The adjustable cheek piece HuntMag.eu 29

in combination with the recoil pad, which is adjustable sideways and in height makes the rifle the perfect fit for any shooter. The sculpted palm swell of the pistol grip provides an additional and extremely natural shooting position for first round hits at the longest of ranges.

Next to the ergonomic features of this new S100, the coating is purely top of the line as well. The barrel surface and action are coated with CERAKOTE, providing the best in durability against harsh outdoor conditions.

Furthermore, an ultra-rugged special coating protects the underlying laminate wood stock and adds a tactile grip.

Together with these assuring features, the PANTERA benefits from the award winning 30 HuntMag.eu

characters of the S100 which are responsible for the worldwide success of the model – adjustable single-stage trigger, three-position safety, cold hammer-forged original SAUER barrel and the famously smooth SAUER action.

All of these features set the standard at an affordable price for long-range shooting that others aspire to.

Available calibers: .223 Rem.; .243 Win.; 6.5 Creedmoor; .30-06 Spring.; .308 Win; 6.5 PRC; .300 Win. Mag.

S 100 CHEROKEE – The pinnacle of camouflage

The dream of owning a perfectly camouflaged hunting rifle, which resists all weather conditions becomes

reality with SAUERs new S100 Cherokee.

The contour of the rifle fades due to the modern Woodland Digi Camo in almost all backgrounds, making the CHEROKEE the perfect choice for spot and stalk hunting and all those who are hunting on close range. All steel parts of the rifle are coated with CERAKOTE in "Tundra Green" for uncompromising camouflage but also impeccable weather resistance.

The soft touched stocks finally ensure a perfect grip under all weather conditions.

Available calibers: .223 Rem.; .243 Win.; .270 Win.; 7mm-08; 6.5x55 SE; 6,5x55 SE; 6.5 Creedmoor; .308 Win.; .30-06 Spring.; 8x57 IS; 9,3x62; 6.5 PRC; 7 mm Rem. Mag.; .300 Win. Mag.

S 100 ATACAMA – The desert fox

At the first look the S100 ATACAMA might look like a special model for deserts and other dry environments but in reality is the perfect camo pattern for mountain hunting and hunting in any open areas. The ATACAMA is coated with a highly resistant CERAKOTE layer called "Desert Sand". This "desert camo" pattern ensures that the rifle is never apparent as a dark spot, contrasting the landscape. Just as with the S100 CHEROKEE, not only the barrel but also the steel receiver and bolt knob are coated with CERAKOTE. The S100 ATACAMA includes all characteristics of the S100 that make SAUERs entry class rifle

so highly successful.

This rifle is the perfect solution for all those who are hunting in daylight and far away from thick and dark cover.

Available calibers: .223 Rem.;.243 Win.; .270 Win.; 7mm-08; 6.5x55 SE; 6,5x55 SE; 6.5 Creedmoor; .308 Win.; .30-06 Spring.; 8x57 IS; 9,3x62; 6.5 PRC; 7 mm Rem.Mag.; .300 Win. Mag.

S 100 CERATECH Fight the elements

with CERAKOTE in "Grey-ice" and are then oven baked in the industry's leading ceramic coating facilities. Thin film coating by CERAKOTE provides the best in durability against the forces of all elements.

Together with the award winning features of the S100, the CERATECH is THE rifle for all hard-core hunters.

Available calibers: .223 Rem.;.243 Win.; .270 Win.; 7mm-08; 6.5x55 SE; 6,5x55 SE; 6.5 Creedmoor; .308 Win.; .30-06 Spring.; 8x57 IS; 9,3x62; 6.5 PRC; 7 mm Rem. Mag.; .300 Win. Mag.

With the S100 CERATECH, SAUER provides the ultimate of affordable corrosion and abrasion resistant rifles for the hunter who fights all weather elements. The barrel and action are coated HuntMag.eu 31

finished engraving has to consist of vectors (lines) and pixels(dots) whether done by hand or mechanical means. It is possible to scan a photograph into a machine and reproduce this, however it can result in something which looks like a photocopy, lacking detail and looking ‘flat’. Some manufacturers do use this method as it cuts corners; it takes a great deal of time to recreate a photograph by drawing it however the end result is much better.

THE ART OF ENGRAVING….

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eauty is very much in the eye of the beholder and this, of course, applies to the intricate engraving designs found on shotguns.

Engraving is a very subjective issue and at Longthorne we try to have a selection in our standard guns to suit everyone’s taste, from the heavily engraved Nouveau and Celtic models to the more subtle Rose & Scroll and Hesketh designs, but some clients want a little bit more to make their guns

If you are going to have your gun customised, no matter where, it is always worth thinking carefully about the design because it can affect the re-sale value in the future if you or a family member may want to sell it. That said, we are quite often asked to personalise guns for clients for all 32 HuntMag.eu

Machining

This method has become more popular in recent years due to the advent of high speed, highly accurate machines and micro cutters which can maintain excellent detail. The drawback is the time it takes to generate the initial program: this can often take longer than hand engraving so not such a cost effective method for small batches.

Gun manufacturers use many methods, or indeed combinations of methods, to apply engraving. These include:

sorts of reasons, and with very personal aspects, we try to be as subtle and/or classical as possible.

Although, we concede that this concept did not apply to a certain coal miner from Wales with a Purdey gun embellished with the portrait of Margaret Thatcher, so there are exceptions!

that little bit more special.

well when used in conjunction with other methods.

It is worth thinking about where on the gun you would like personalisation, for example on one occasion we inserted a message on the inside of the lock plate of the gun so that the owner knew it was there but it remained subtle. Under the top lever is also a good place and on a trigger guard, which could be exchanged for a replacement if required. We receive some interesting enquiries. We once had an enquiry from a gentleman farmer about having his cows put on one of our guns. Currently residing in the Antipodes, we have an engraving of a crocodile with a

duck in its mouth, an interesting commission for our artist. Family crests can look very pleasing and quite regal.

Irrespective of how the engraving is going to be applied to your gun, it must first be designed. We are very lucky to be able to utilise the talents of our resident artist , and family member, Chloe Stewart, who is able to work with clients if they have something specific in mind.

One of our most challenging commissions was to engrave the portrait of one of our Client’s wives on the underside of his pair of guns There are other considerations though, For example, although it is possible to create a drawing from a photograph, the final interpretation will never be identical to the photograph because for the best result the

A quick and easy way of achieving a repeated design, but doesn’t always maintain detail or consistencey as the rollers eventually wear and have to be replaced or recut.

This method is an older method and tends to be used on less expensive guns.

Acid etching

Photo etching

This is similar to chemical etching and can achieve a high level of accuracy and has few ‘burrs’. It can look a bit ‘flat’, but can work

Hand engravers also sometimes use mechanical means to assist them including acid/phot etching for some applications, although of course a high percentage is done by hand using either an electronic graver or a manual implement. Manufacturers also sometimes us a laser to lay out the design initially onto the metal, which the engraver can then follow by hand, Hand engraving takes great skill and artistic interpretation to achieve the best results.

At Longthorne we start with a drawing and then use a number of different mechanical methods, depending on the design in question, and finally hand finish to ensure the final finish has a high level of detail, bearing in mind that the material we use for our guns is extremely hard in its raw state and would be very arduous, but not impossible, to manipulate completely by hand. We also do all our gold inlaying by hand, and occasionally engage the services of a hand engraver.

Rolling, pressing and stamping

This involves marking out the patterne which you do not want to remove and the applying – sometimes by spraying or agitating in an acid solution. It is good for cutting deep reliefs prior to final engraving.

Hand

Laser

Advances in this technology over recent years has led to some outstanding and very detailed results dependent on the type of laser used, some are better than others.

The human race have been engraving in one form or another since occupying the earth and have always used the tools available to them. As gun manufacturers we make no apologies for the technology we use, it is technically advance, produces excellent results and take great artistic flare and skill to utilise its potential and achieve the best results.

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ELEGANCE MET EXCELLENCE WITH THE BROWNING B15 Browning shotguns have retained a loyal public over the years. Reliable, beautiful to look at and particularly effective, they are often handed down from generation to generation.

The greatest ever firearms inventor, the late John Moses Browning was born in 1855 whom is nowadays considered a legend with the firearm fraternity. At the age of 13 he manufactured his first firearm at his father’s gun shop and was awarded his first patent at the age of 24, his career ended having over 128 firearms patents accredited.

In 1931, the Browning B25 has been hand made in Belgium as the flagship of The John M Browning Collection. The gunsmiths of the National Fabrique at Herstal continued the vision of having customised firearms according to the specifications of their clients around the World.

In 2015 as part of the John M Browning Collection, the B15 Beauchamp 12 gauge was unveiled, a shotgun that all Browning aficionados have been waiting for nearly ninety years fro the ground breaking debut of the B25. The B15 has been the eminent forerunner of the B25 and has been carefully developed and perfected by the same world class gunsmith’s at FN Herstal.

In 2018, the B15 was availed also in 20 gauge. Different engravings than its 12 gauge brother, but still carrying the same DNA of the different engraving hunting scenes. The B15 Beauchamp 20M has carries the true philosophy of the other John M Browning Collection sophistication. We believe that some pictures speak louder than words, and that is why we will leave it up to you to admire the B15’s 20M beauty!

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BROCOCK’S ALL NEW COMMANDER PCP At the heart of its buddy-bottle action and indicated by its twin air gauges, the Commander incorporates a Huma regulator that integrates with its patented Slingshot Hammer and valve system to precisely meter air release and thus eradicate the ‘power curve’ usually associated with un-regulated PCPs. Bearing testimony to the resulting air efficiency, the Commander is capable of a power output up to 40 ft/lbs, with shot-counts in excess of 500 per charge according to configuration and calibre (.177, .22 and .25 barrels are available). Two steel buddy-bottle options provide air capacities of 400 or 500cc, while the super-lightweight HiLite variant comes equipped with a 480cc carbon- fibre bottle.

To maximise handling and target acquisition, the Commander features an ergonomic drop-down pistol grip and retractable stock that allows for speedy length-of-pull adjustment, while on ‘export’ models, the butt can also be folded via a quick-release mechanism to make it even more compact, further facilitating carriage and storage.

It’s also available in both synthetic and Cerakote finishes.

In keeping with its tactical looks, the Commander sports a number of practical features, from its Picatinny scope and accessory rails (with a tri-plate accessory rail option), through its in-guard manual safety catch and on-the-fly power adjuster, to its fast-throw side-bolt – the latter allowing quick cycling of the 10-shot, removable rotary magazine. A single-shot tray is supplied for more deliberate loading, however.

Further hi-tech features come in the shape of a full-length barrel shroud cum reflex silencer and ported muzzle brake – all designed to maximise all the accuracy on offer from the Commander’s Lothar Walther barrel, regulated action and totally recoil-free firing cycle.

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CSX 1.5-6x42 on top, a very nice and light bit of kit coupled with 285 grain Lapua ammo. It was -22, as I stood ready on my peg bursting with anticipation it was so hard to keep still in the cold but still you must as the smallest of movement will send the pigs on to a neighboring gun.

20 minutes in and I could hear shots ringing out throughout the wood which sends your body in to over drive with floods of adrenalin and anticipation but still nothing came my way, after a couple of hours the end of the drive was sounded.

DRIVEN BOAR IN SUB ZERO CONDITIONS By: Mark Lewis

Mark Lewis braves the bitter cold in Hungary for three days of open area driven boar hunting with Berkshire-based Tomo Svetic, of Artemis Hunting, who was hosting a hunt for a team of 18 guns. The team had been put together by Rupert Ellis of the Hunting Agency and was a cosmopolitan mix of English, Welsh and some guest German guns.

The trip started with the five of us heading down the motorway from Wales to a Holiday Inn near Heathrow ready for our early morning flight to Vienna the following morning. Full of anticipation and beer we only managed to catch 2 hours sleep the night before we were picked up and transferred to Heathrow. The flight took just 2 hours to Vienna where we were met by Tomo Svetic of Artemis Hunting Ltd. and his team.

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After all the introductions we were on our way, the one thing that strikes you whilst you are making your way through the beautiful and stunning Austrian and Hungarian countryside, apart from it being -20 is how they are so geared up for the needs of the shooter, with high seats dotted all over the area alongside well maintained forestry.

It looked like a hunters dream! The transfer took just two hours and we arrived in comfort in our luxury coach at our destination, the Abbazia Country Club in Western Hungary. Our base for the next 3 days and what very nice accommodation it was too, with riding stables and health club, not the normal rugged hunter accommodation we were used to but none of us were complaining.

After a night sinking a beer or two and getting to know the other guns,

we rose at 5:30 for a 6am continental breakfast. We then travelled 20 minutes to a hunting lodge where we filled out all the relevant paper work, was given a safety talk and drew our peg numbers for the day. I drew peg 20.

I must say I was a bit gutted as I felt like a back gun being the last peg and on the end, but it’s the luck of the draw and yes there are a few choice positions but in truth, you are in woodland so an open space with fewer trees is to be preferred, as when those pigs are running and jinking at high speed you are less likely to shoot a tree!

We headed off for the first drive, the terrain was not too hilly or heavily wooded. Most of the shooting is either done from the many dirt roads that cross the area or not far off them. My weapon of choice was my Tikka T3 9.3x62mm with Kahles

The second drive I was on an open forest track, the first 45 minutes was deadly silent so I decided to answer the call of nature. There I was gun in 1 hand ready for action or so I thought when all of a sudden only 25 yards in front of me eight pigs ran across the track and back into the woods. I was gutted my first boar sighting and I was otherwise engaged but my frown was quickly turned upside down as another big sow crossed the forest break. I took aim shot but missed, by this time shots were ringing out all over the forest and I was starting to feel a little flustered as though I had lost my chance for this drive. Then all of a sudden I could hear twigs snapping. I looked up to see a pig running flat out, I picked up on it and just as it started to break cover I took my shot. It faltered but carried on across the track where it proceeded for 50 yards then dropped. YES my first wild boar, I was ecstatic.

Another thirty minutes passed until the end of the drive when the Hungarian shoot captain came and congratulated me and put a conifer spring in my cap that he had dabbed with the sows blood to signify my first boar, which was a sow of 135kg.

With a smile from ear to ear I joined the rest of the guns, as we all broke for lunch in the woods we had Hungarian goulash (thick soup) with ham steaks on top freshly baked bread and English tea, PERFECT! I took some more photographs and saddled up ready for the last drive of the day. It was another long drive and I was on the end again, by now it had warmed up to a respectable -11. After one hour I could hear a boar running through the woods, in an instant I saw a flash of it around 75 yards away. I took the shot which hit well, but it carried on running across the forest break. I shot once again which this time hit just above its shoulder, still it did not faultier, “am I firing blanks in this gun I asked myself” it ran on for another 100 yards before she finally came to rest, another sow of 155 kgs, what a magnificent beast 2 wild boar on my first day, to say I was Over The Moon was an understatement.

These animals command the greatest of respect as to me they are the best quarry I have ever had the pleasure to hunt, and respect was what was given at the end of the day. We were all taken into the woods where all the animals, nine wild boar and three red hinds had been laid out, tree bows surrounded them forming a tablo which has an opening in the middle with fires either side making a door way to walk through.

The beaters stood on one side and the guns stood on the other, hats were taken off and respect was then given by the hunt captain to all the animals shot by way of words and different tunes played on hunting horns followed by the last stand. It was great to see respect being paid in such a way for a good hunt and something I feel would not go amiss in my own country.

Then me being a wild boar virgin and all, it was my turn to step into

the tablo and take my initiation in the form of bending over my wild boars on all fours as the hunt captain said a few choice words while spanking me on the arse with a big stick that was cut the length of the barrel of my gun, after all the pictures were taken and the guns had finished laughing I was presented with my stick along with another gun Grant Dunston who had also had a spanking. We all headed back to the hotel for a late tea and entertainment, what an end to a perfect first days hunting in Hungary.

Day two still full of anticipation, excitement and a sore arse from day one we all rose for breakfast at 6am, a very windy morning greeted us and -11 with a wind chill making it feel -20. Today we were at a different ground and as we arrived we were met by officials and police who checked guns and licences and then conducted random breath tests, safety is paramount here and I cannot say how impressed I am of the way the trip was being run and conducted, so far it really was first class.

The first drive I was on peg 19 deep in the woods on a fire break after 30 minutes or so. I could hear twigs snapping leaf litter rustling and the ground thudding, I looked up and saw a big keiller( male tusker) running towards me. I lifted up my rifle, he stopped dead side on to me about 80+ yards away in the trees, I took aim and shot him in the neck just behind the ear. A good shot but he just looked at me turned and trotted off like I had just hit him with a pea shooter, not a 9.3mm.

Another 40 minutes later I could hear more pigs coming, they broke cover and I could see that 5 pigs were running at full stride starting to cross the ride 70 or so yards away from me. I nailed the first one just behind the shoulder in the engine HuntMag.eu 39

room. It crashed down hard just before the other side of the break, the following 4 ran straight over it. I raised my gun again to put another round in my downed pig just to make sure, click a misfire. I left it a second then recycled the round I lifted up my rifle but to my amazement my pig had gone, both pigs were hit so hard what else did I need to do to drop 1 of these beasts I asked myself. The strength of these animals is awesome, at the end of the drive we were taken back to the lodge were we cooked bacon steaks and deer sausages over a huge open fire with fruit tea and stumpy bottles of coke to wash it down. I was then informed that the killer I had shot was found 500 yards away from where it was hit. It had killed 1 dog and injured 2 others while trying to hold it at bay, it weighed in at 180kgs and was a trophy medal boar. The sow I shot running across the break was found 100 yards away and was 135 kgs, Wow! What a morning. When someone asked me how I felt my quote was “its made my f***ing year”! to which they replied “its only February “ .

For the afternoon drive I drew peg 3 right on the edge of an open field overlooking the woods which were being shot. It was very exposed and very cold but the adrenalin from the first drive was still keeping me 40 HuntMag.eu

warm, I never saw a thing in 3 hours. I heard over 50 shots ringing out from deep within the woods, Dave a member of my team shot his first sow 100 kgs and Phil shot a roe. Another end to a great day. At the lodge we had boar gulash and many a bottle of beer to celebrate, we then headed back to the hotel for a few more beers, a hot tub,sauna and bed, to be fit and ready for what the last day in Hungary had in store.

Our last day was another 6am breakfast, then back to the same hunting lodge as yesterday. It was still very cold -10 but nice and sunny. I drew peg 20 for the first drive which was in the middle of a thick hedgerow 20 or so feet wide with big open maze and stubble fields on both sides. One hour into the drive I could hear the beaters and dogs pushing towards me, just then I could hear the dogs baying 100 yards in front of me, then from my left I saw a huge red stag break cover and trot across the open field before me. I was in awe what an awesome beast, with the biggest rack I had ever seen I lifted up my rifle to see its splendor through my scope. I must say I had a very itchy trigger finger but dare not shoot as the stag was definitely a trophy and would of cost me packet if I had shot him. My admiration seemed to go on forever until I was brought back by the sound of more dogs baying even closer to me. I knew there was still something else there in front of me but WHAT, just then only 6 foot in front of me 3 pigs broke cover and ran straight at me.

One hit me head on, span me

around knocking me onto my back foot. I regained my balance mounted my rifle and shot the lead one in the head and the last one through the back, my heart was beating out of my chest. They ran on 30 yards or so and were found by the trackers, they weighed in at 50 kgs each. What another great first drive, and even better to be alive if they would have been bigger it might have been different story .

We headed back to the lodge for lunch and the afternoon drive which saw me in a high seat for the first time on the edge of the wood.

The view was stunning I heard over 60 shots ringing out in the woods as I watched the sun setting over the fields. What an epic end to an amazing 3 days driven boar hunting in Hungary. We returned to the lodge where we were given a feast fit for kings. We paid our respects to the animals that had been shot over the past 3 days and respect to our hosts and Tomo Svetic who worked like mad making sure everything went as well as possible ensuring everyone had a time to remember, All in all a great trip, excellent accommodation and food, with plenty of potential pigs. Out of the 18 guns in our group everyone had a shot and seen a lot more. We had 6 drives in 3 days accounting for 43 pigs with 210 shots fired, with myself accounting for 7 of them.

My killer being the biggest at 180 kgs.

I had the time of my life with the best hunting ever exceeding all my expectations and made some great friends in the process. If you have ever thought of doing this DO IT, it will be a trip of a lifetime and should be number one on every ones bucket list. All that is left for me to do now is to thank all the guns, our Hungarian guides and Tomo Svetic of Artemis Hunting for making my year, THANK YOU.

PINEWOOD OUTDOOR SUMMER COLLECTION Pinewood published their latest outdoor collection for Summer 2018, with all their new eye catching but still technically adapted. We take a look at some of their availed products for him and her.

OUTDOOR TROUSERS PINEWOOD KILIMANJARO

pocket for mobile phone or knife. 4 pockets with zips.

Elastic waistband for optimal fit. Made in Pinewood’s durable brushed TC-1200™ fabric. Impregnated for extra dirt and water-repellent qualities.

JACKET PINEWOOD® CARIBOU TC Practical outdoor jacket made in Pinewood’s own durable TC-Lite™ material that is water repellent and highly breathable. Jacket is equipped with 4-way stretch at sides, forearms and back yoke for added flexibility.

Lined with High-Vent™ mesh for added comfort. Chest pocket with zipper and inside pocket. Detachable and adjustable hood with reinforced brim for perfect fit.

Adjustable hem. Cuffs with grip fastener. Stretch fabric in 92% polyester, 8% Spandex®.

Lining 100% polyester, 100% nylon.

TROUSERS PINEWOOD® CARIBOU CAMOU TC EXTREME – LADIES Outdoor- and hiking trousers in modern camouflage pattern.

Tighter fit. Made in Pinewood’s own durable water repellent TC-Lite™.

The trousers have substantial elements of elastic 4-way stretch material on the knees and back for maximum flexibility and comfort.

Opening ventilation for additional air flow. Dual leg pockets with zipper. Elastic waist. Articulated knees. Leg adjustable with grip fastener. Stretch fabric in 92% polyester, 8% elastane.

Functional pants for active outdoor life. Adjustable leg bottoms. Many practical pockets and a concealed HuntMag.eu 41

DAYSTATE’S NEW BREED IS BORN

British precharged pneumatic air rifles manufacturers, Daystate, have presented their 2018 line-up with some totally new rifles.

The markets demand for PCP’s is on the increase, and Daystate have presented a totally new revamped line-up of air rifles. After partnering with renowned regulator manufacturer Huma, it was possible to offer most of the models with an air-regulated action.

Daystate has always been at the forefront when it comes to PCP rifle technology, and for sure 2018 is an important one. Daystate’s all-new Red Wolf air rifle is one of the most advanced PCP sporter in the World. Giving a distinct look on the outside, the side lever operated air rifle has more to offer.

The computerised action operates with the latest electronic MCT (Mapped Compensated technology) technology, which guarantees a 42 HuntMag.eu

shot-to-shot consistency. The MCT was developed from the earlier Pulsar model.

Daystate are offering the Red Wolf in standard and Hi-Power models which the latter includes a big-bore .303 calibre version.

RIGBY UNVEILS

THEIR NEW BRANDED RIFLESCOPE John Rigby & Co a company with more than 240 years of gunmaking experience, released a new branded rifle scope in 2-15x42 magnification. Designed and built

has a fine and detailed reticle in the first focal plane. The scope is also equipped with an innovative illuminated reticle.

in Germany, the scope is designed on a 34mm tube and has been developed to sit perfectly on the Highland Stalker rifle, inspired by the smaller calibre rifles the firm used to make at the start o the 20th century.

The rifle scope comes complete with a leather scope cover embossed with the iconic Rigby ‘double R’ logo. The Rigby branded rifle scope is exclusively available from John Rigby & Co.

Being digitally regulated for a continuous super consistent high-shot count aided by its sporting trigger, it incorporates adjustability of release and index finger placement. The Red Wolf is crafted by its layered ambidextrous stock sandwich soft red toning between its black lamination. A walnut lamination version is also available.

The Red Wolf uses either a lightweight carbon fibre bottle, or a steel tank. At 12ft/lbs in .177 one can utilize around 480 shots per charge. A distinct feature that the Red Wolf offers is the carbon shrouded barrel which helps minimizing the acoustic muzzle sound in the field.

The side-lever is another new addition to this PCP, the effortless cocking is truly understood a speed loading concept.

The Red Wolf is offered in .177, .22, .25 and .303 calibres.

The riflescope is produced in a gloss finish, to keep its traditional and classical look.

Incorporating the very latest technology, it

HuntMag.eu 43

A MESSAGE FROM FACE… THE VOICE OF EUROPEAN HUNTERS

2018 has arrived and the FACE staff started with great enthusiasm to continue on the chosen path(see previous article). After important internal meetings at the beginning of this year to define the lobbying priorities for 2018 on large carnivores, migratory birds, agriculture, biodiversity and lead ammunition, FACE attended the Hunting Exhibition Jagd und Hund in Dortmund, Germany. It was a great opportunity to enhance the visibility of FACE and to meet VIP hunting representatives, hunters, weapons manufactures, outfitters, etc. Furthermore, FACE was also present at the hunting fair HIT SHOW in Vicenza, Italy, to assist the Italian hunting associations to 44 HuntMag.eu

promote their positions on various hunting dossiers in view of the elections in Italy.

FACE was also representedat the hunting fair HoheJagd in Salzburg, Austria. Last but not least, as one of the highlights for FACE and the entire hunting industry, FACE attended in March the largest professional hunting fairIWA in Nürnberg, Germany. FACE strongly believes it is crucial to keep close contacts with the industry.

In the recent weeks and months, FACE dedicated a lot of work to tackle African Swine Fever. The malicious disease is spreading continuously, and so far, no effective countermeasures have been

found. FACE has presented its proposals against ASF to the EU Chief Veterinary Officers of the European Council. Furthermore, FACE organized together with CIC in December last year a workshop on ASF in Pravets, Bulgaria, and participatedin a high level conference in Sofia Bulgaria under the Bulgarian presidency. Together with the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis, the Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture Rumen Porodzanov, CIC and FACE a press conference was held where the Commissioner thanked the hunting community for the work involved. The Commissioner said: “I would therefore ask the hunters here today to please “keep an eye and report” at all times and under all conditions.

Your role is pivotal.”FACE asks all hunters to take high bio security measures and to keep on monitoring the wild boar populations of Europe.

When it comes to the management of wolves, FACE did a lot of successful maneuvering resulting in a very positive formulation in the coalition treaty of thenew German government. Through lobbying German MEPs, who were part of the negotiation

for the Member States. And, more rural development programs under the Second Pillar of the CAP must be designed for the participation of hunters and hunting associations.

teams of the political parties, the German government now callsupon the European Commission to review the protection status of wolves. It is necessary to reduce wolf populations. For this purpose, certain criteria must be developed to take “lethal measures” against wolves. The interest of farmers and the rural communities who suffer from the fast-growing wolf populations must be taken into consideration. FACE President Dr. MichlEbner said it is time to end romanticizing of wolves and wolf-free zones must be established.

The German Institute for Standardization (DIN) has only recently launched a DIN specification (DIN SPEC) procedure on the lethality of rifle bullets. The German government has announced to create a framework for certified ammunition with the best possible knock-down capacity whilst minimizing the use of

lead ammunition. At first sight, this seems to be a good approach. However, in order to have highly competitive market of big and small and medium sized ammunition manufactures that would provide hunters with a wide range of products at reasonable prices, a highly expensive testing scheme must be avoided.

FACE has furthermore met with the Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan to discuss the future of the Common Agricultural Policy post 2020 (see picture). FACE proposed Hogan concrete measures to improve Greening measure to boost biodiversity and to stop the decline of small games species. It is crucial to support more multiannual programs (flowered areas), to stop annual soil mulching, to dramatically reduce the use herbicides, to promote wild plants for energy and to set concrete biodiversity objectives

Last but not least, FACE co-organized together with CIC, SCI and ELOthe conference“Keep calm and let Africa take the lead- Supporting communities in wildlife conservation through African-EU dialogue”. The event was hosted by MEP Karl-Heinz Florenz, President of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on “Biodiversity, Hunting and Countryside. The conference gave the many impeccable African examples of Wildlife Management a voice to address the members of the European Parliament. These representatives of best practice cases in Africa asked the European Parliament not to go against their hard work but rather to support them in the battle against poaching and wildlife crimes by supporting their local wildlife management. This form of wildlife management supports local rural communities and makes sure that the money invested in hunting is reinvested to help and support the local community and wildlife. All of this was clearly shared in a video message from Minister of Environment of SouthAfrica Edna Molewa. As all the delegations said: “We are the winners”.

HuntMag.eu 45

RY A S ER V I FAU N N STI 70 A YE A R S

Since 1948, In Marcheno Val Trompia, Italian gun makers Fausti have been crafting and giving birth to inspirational firearms. The same philosophy of the global renomated brand, founded by Cavalier Stefano Fausti is still the principle ideas of his three daughters; Elena, Giovanna and Barbara who now manage and direct the much respective and growing company.

Over the years, Fausti had to share their Italian artistic creations Globally. In 2009, Fausti 48 HuntMag.eu

Looking at the present boutique line of Fausti, any bespoke order can reflect the customers desire in respect to wood grading and custom engraving to perfection. Fausti’s state-of-the-art technology allows century old traditions manufactured with modern technological advances to meet truly perfection. All Fausti firearms are assembled, stocked and finished by hand.

established a showroom in the USA to reach hunters, competitive shooters and collectors. Presently Fausti is represented globally, offering exceptional service to their respective clientele.

Fausti are always present at the World’s largest and most important hunting fairs, conventions and expositions.

Where they exhibit their distinguished masterpieces For sure looking back from when Fausti started in 1948, observing

every masterpiece that has been crafted by Fausti, one will visualise consistency of ‘neo-classical’ taste.Every firearm collector and enthusiast will address and refer to a Fausti as an artisan masterpiece.

During the past years, Fausti have presented a line-up of different models to attain the taste of every enthusiast. Presenting entry-level competition shotguns, whereas we are referring to the FAUSTI L4 over and under to high-end distinguished masterpieces as the FAUSTI Senator side by side.

Owning a Fausti is not just owning a firearm, it is having an investment that one acquires, whilst having the responsibility to pass to future generations.

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“FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME” The team at the Blaser Custom Shop has created an exceptionally beautiful pair of over-and-under shotguns in 20-gauge which makes a game shooter’s dream come true: A completely new designed receiver in which the metal has been shaped by hand, high-gloss polished barrels, an exquisite engraving and a distinctive rib concept make the pair one of its kind and it is titled accordingly“For the Love of the Game”.

LEICA’S NEW OPTIC FOR SPEED, PRECISION AND SAFETY The natural colour rendition and outstanding light transmission offer a clear and high-contrast image, maximising comfort and safety when shooting running game.

On most driven hunts, one must act fast to identify the moving target, reassure of having a safe back drop and take the shot in a few seconds!

There for having a low magnification optic, to achieve a wide field of view is a must for most European driven hunts.

Optic authority, Leica, as part of their Sports Optics line have just 52 HuntMag.eu

launched the Tempus ASPH. Leica implemented a red dot sight with an aspherical optic, guaranteeing a crisper and brilliant image of an illuminated dot. regardless of the mounting angle of the rifle, one will be assured that the shot is placed precisely where the red dot is seen.

The Leica Tempus ASPH, is milled from one solid piece of aluminium making it compact, lightweight which makes this optic a rugged and robust one.

The bright illuminated dot can be dimmed to 12 stages,

depending to the light situation and unfavourable weather conditions.

Two models of the Tempus ASPH are available, varying the size of the illuminated dot itself; in 2.0MOA and 3.5MOA are available.

From the very beginning the pair has been devised as one of a kind.

And the idea has never been restricted to the exterior design only: “We have completely redesigned the receiver” says Jann Ahrenholz, Head of the Blaser Custom Shop. Taking the F3 just as a starting point, a 3D model with a broader geometry was developed.

The following realization was extremely elaborate: After a first milling, many individual details near the barrel breech were custom fitted by hand. Just to shape the shotgun body by hand has easily taken more than 30 hours of handwork process for this small step.

The broadening of the receiver allowed the gunsmiths to use thicker side plates which could then be let-in flush instead of simply being screwed on. By this measure the surface of the side plates appears larger and looks

especially harmonious. Moreover, it was possible to add a concave fillet which curves boldly and seamlessly from the side plates to their bottom side.

With equal consistency, the classical design was applied to the trigger guard. “Because we wanted to have a trigger guard with inserted nuts, we had to redesign the whole latch plate”, remembers Ahrenholz. In the end the new concept system, which included different side plates as well as a different trigger guard, lead to a new stock, too, which had to be perfectly carved out of the precious wood. This different form of geometry was perfectly suited to accommodate a pistol grip in Prince of Wales style which offers, together with the stock, an exceptionally comfortable grip.

the center of the side plates.

Delicate leaf arabesques form the frame around the elaborate broader modeled receiver, which is engraved in a so-called Basso relief. By creating this beautiful scenery of a perfect day in the field, master engraver Stefano Pedretti once again impressively demonstrates his talent and experience. “With this design we crafted a pair of classical shotguns which offer extraordinary balance and make them a pure joy to shoot”, says Ahrenholz.

An especially prominent characteristic of this particular pair of guns is the two-piece concept of the barrel rib which gives the shotguns their unique appearance. An additional highlight are the so-called flush chokes. They perfectly blend with the barrels and merge into one with the muzzle of the barrels so that the possibility of changing them is not visible.

As a result the whole muzzle area appears particularly slim and elegant.

Rising pheasants, woodcocks in flight, partridges and grouse are at HuntMag.eu 53