TOP
5 ESSENTIALS FOR GAME SHOOTERS

A good day’s shooting is rarely about bravado. It is about calm preparation, small routines, and kit that quietly does its job. You arrive feeling organised, you move safely, and when the birds come over, you are thinking about the line and the lead. Not about discomfort, slipping straps, or damp creeping into places it should not.

We are often asked what counts as sensible spending in the world of game shooting accessories. My answer is usually the same. Buy the things that protect you, support good handling, and keep your gun in proper condition. The rest is personal taste.

Hearing protection

Hearing protection is easy to underestimate because it does not feel urgent in the moment. Then you do a few seasons and realise your ears do not forgive you.

Choose something you will keep on, even when the pace picks up. Electronic ear defenders are popular because they let you hear conversation and instructions clearly while reducing the sharp report. Well made plugs can be just as effective if they fit properly. Comfort is the deciding factor. If it pinches or shifts under a cap, you will be tempted to remove it.

Shooting glasses

Shooting glasses are not just for bright days. They protect against wind, grit, and the odd bit of hedge that fights back when you push through. They can also enhance your day in gloomy conditions  allowing you to pick out and identify the birds against those slate grey British Skies. In Spain and other sunnier climbs the right lens offer you the contrast you need when conditions get bright and will add so much more than sunglasses ever will.

Look for frames that sit securely without pressing behind the ears and lenses that resist misting when you start walking. Keep a small cloth to hand. A quick wipe can make the next drive feel noticeably easier.

Cartridge Bag

The best cartridge bag is the one you stop noticing. It sits where your hand expects it, opens without a struggle and the opening is big enough and soft to allow easy access to cartridges, if you need to replensih your pockets mid drive. Make sure the strap is comfortable, padded if possible and adjusted to right length.

Also keep an empties bag on hand; it keeps the peg tidy and makes the end of the day less of a rummage. Small details, big difference.

Slip & Case

A slip is not a fashion accessory. It is protection for your gun and for everyone around you during transport. Very good padding, strong stitching, and a secure fastening matter more than branding. Again make sure the strap is comfortable and durable. Think about weather too. A damp morning can turn into a wet afternoon, and moisture is persistent, so a slip with some water resistance is vital.

If you are travelling between shoots, a hard case may be worth it for extra protection. The amount of cracked stocks we see from guns sitting in the boot of car, after a shoot and something being placed on top them is not insignificant. And at home, proper gun storage solutions are part of the same mindset. Safe, secure, and consistent.

Cleaning Kit

A modest cleaning kit and a simple routine will take you a long way. A pull through, brush and rod, cloths, and a sensible oil are the basics.

Wipe down the barrels and action at the end of the day, especially if it has been wet and always spray some oil down the barrels, and run a pull through or rod through the gun. Clean the bores before longer storage. If something feels gritty, stiff, or just not quite right, get it looked at rather than forcing it. London Gun Company is a solid option for professional care, repairs, and secure storage, which can take the worry out of keeping everything in top order.

Ready for your next day out?

If you want your kit to feel more dependable this season, take a moment to explore the services here and arrange a chat about maintenance, storage, or upgrades that suit the way you shoot.