With so many rifles, calibres, and rifle configurations on offer these days, for the novice buying a rifle, the options can be mind-boggling. Whether you’re buying a custom rifle, factory…
Mark Ripley
The Airgun Show – Livestock protection and squirrel control
This week on The Airgun Show, Mark Ripley is back at the dairy farm on animal feed and livestock protection, controlling corvids. He quickly accounts for several birds before moving…
Can you shoot foxes with an air rifle?
Humane killing of foxes I was recently asked whether it was legal to shoot foxes with an air rifle. If so, would the air rifle kill the fox humanely? Is…
Decoying crows feasting on maize
Mark’s corvid control kit Beretta AL391 12-bore semi-auto Gamebore Clear Pigeon 32g No 6 Winter stealth camo netting (5×1.5m) Flocked crow shell decoys CENS Pro Flex DX5 ear defenders Through…
Best fox calibres for catching Charlie
Fox calibres in action The rangefinding binoculars showed a distance of 536 yards. I glanced to my left to check the faint breeze caressing the longer blades of grass next…
Light stalking rifle for a newbie – what’s recommended and what about calibre?
Looking for a light stalking rifle Q: Can you recommend a good light stalking rifle and calibre for a newbie stalker? I’m looking to shoot mostly muntjac and foxes with…
Fox control wish list: the vital tools to catch a thief
Using quality and reliable products that get the job done is exactly what any serious fox controller needs. So I’ve put together a no-nonsense fox control kit list for the…
Ammunition safety: never carry live ammunition in your pocket and this is why
Two recent queries about ammunition safety. Q. Can ammunition go off in your pocket if you also have a battery in the same pocket and if so, would it fire…
First rifle for rabbiting: what should you choose?
Q: A while ago I took up rifle shooting and I’m now applying for my FAC and am looking to buy my first rifle but wondering what to get. What…
.17 HMR rifle or .22 LR? Mark Ripley sets out to compare them for a bit of everyday pest control
.17 HMR rifle or .22 LR? The sound of the bullet whistling through the air for a split second before its impact was rather rewarding, as another rabbit was tumbled…
The best fox control kit: Mark Ripley shares the essentials
Early recon pays dividends when tracking Charlie, but reliable kit also makes the job much more effective. Here is the best fox control kit which I use regularly, essential for…
Add on-devices for scopes: reviewing three of the best
Add-on devices for scopes So why are add-on devices for scopes so useful? One of the biggest inconveniences when using a night-vision or thermal scope is that their performance during…
The best shooting sticks: a selection for the field
Why we need shooting sticks It’s all too easy to miss a fox or a deer, especially when adrenaline kicks in and you don’t have a solid rest. I know…
Beretta BRX1 stalking rifle
Beretta is well known for its shotguns, pistols and military arms, having produced firearms since 1526. But other than the Sako brand under the Beretta umbrella, sporting rifles are something…
Looking for a permission for foxing? Here’s how to go about it
How to get a permission for foxing Dress to impress: wearing clothing that looks like you belong in the countryside will get you far more accepted than turning up at…
Long range foxing – how to go about it
Long range foxing early in the morning From where I sat, I could see the entire lambing field. All had remained calm until I noticed the ewe closest to the…