Equipment Reviews

The right equipment can make the difference between an enjoyable day in the field and a frustrating one. At The Instinctive Shooter we combine hands-on experience with practical guidance to help shooters choose tools that actually fit their ground, quarry, and discipline.

This section brings together in-depth reviews and guides that answer common questions and reflect real-world use across the UK.

A good place to begin is understanding how clay traps shape your practice and club sessions. Our Guide to Manual & Automatic Clay Traps sets out the pros and cons of each type, from portable manual units suited to a farm syndicate, to 400-clay automatic machines that keep club squads moving. It also explains how UK rules, battery plans, and noise considerations influence what will work best on your ground.

When it comes to guns themselves, the Popular UK Rifles and Shotguns Guide explores what British shooters actually buy today. From Beretta and Browning sporters on the clay ground, to centrefire choices for deer stalking and fox control, it shows how to match fit, proof marks, and calibre requirements to your shooting goals. It also explains the upcoming transition away from lead ammunition and what proof marks to check before buying, whether new or second-hand.

No rifle setup is complete without the right optic. Our Shooter’s Scope Selection Guide breaks down the science of magnification, exit pupil, reticles, and mounts into plain English. It considers everything from low-light stalking in Lincolnshire woodland to Civilian Service Rifle competition rules at Bisley. Alongside technical advice, you will find practical setup tips, including how to mount and level your scope to avoid the gremlins that ruin accuracy.

Together, these guides form the foundation of our equipment reviews. Each article is designed to give shooters clear, legally accurate advice and field-tested recommendations.

Whether you are weighing up a first shotgun, considering a new stalking scope, or upgrading club clay traps, you will find reliable information here that links directly to the realities of shooting sports in the UK.