Set your sights on the best shooting gear of 2018
From cartridge bags to rifle slings, we’ve got you — and your gun — covered for the upcoming season…
Words: Jonathan Wells
With the Glorious Twelfth rapidly retreating into the distance — past a knoll, through a thicket and into cover — it’s high time you kitted yourself out for the season to come. And, as your faithful instructors in all things luxury, we’ve spent our time beating out the best shooting gear for you to take to the fields this year.
Sling it: Holland & Holland Leather Rifle Sling
Built to withstand the rigours of a shoot, each of these leather slings from Holland & Holland is made from top quality bridle leather, and features covered buckles to minimise noise and protect your rifle from scratches. We never leave without one.
Get your coat: Farlows Norfolk Tweed Shooting Jacket
Traditionally tailored and conservatively cut, this Half Norfolk Shooting Jacket from Farlows is the perfect piece for a shoot — and enjoys the feature of an action back, or ‘swing back’, which allows full range movement for a gun in the field. The hand warmers don’t go amiss, either…
Boot up: Le Chameau Chasseur Héritage Leather Lined Boot
With a fine leather lining, shock-absorbing and insulating grip sole, leather trim on the upper leg, Kevlar rubber reinforcements and saddler’s-sewn leather tightening strap, these boots were made for shooting. We particularly like the quick-drying removable insoles — which are beyond handy in the field.
Long shot: Croots Bridle Leather Cartridge Magazine
Crafted from natural, vegetable-tanned leather with a greased grain, there are few magazines with as fine a finish as this one from Croots. Capable of holding up to 300 cartridges, it also comes complete with a tough leather handle and 2-inch wide shoulder sling. The perfect cartridge companion.
Slip up: Croots Byland Double Shotgun Slip
While we’re admiring Croots’ unrivalled leatherwork, let’s get your gun protected as well. This Double Shotgun Slip, with flap and zip, is a traditional piece of kit that will lend your shooting gear an air of heritage. A padded fleece lining keeps things protected, and the hand-sewn blocked muzzle end adds practicality to this Oxblood beauty.
Lace up: Crockett & Jones Newquay in Snuff Suede
When you break for lunch, you’ll need to make an effort. And these lace-ups by Crockett & Jones will stand up to anything. A e eyelet Derby shoe, these soft-suede uppered shoes may have flexible ‘City’ rubber soles, but they’re more than a match for the country.
On your marks: EJ Churchill Grouse Butt Marker
Ensuring you don’t forget a grouse, and with distance zones marked on one side to log the grouse you’ve shot, this is a must-have piece of kit to take into the field. Stylishly housed in a leather wallet made from selected tanned leather, it contains a compass with brass surround, a brass fixing spike and a marker crayon. Everything you need for a successful day.
Knife edge: Holland & Holland Damascus Folding Knife
No self-discerning gent walks into the field without a good quality folding knife — and this is the best. Crafted in South Africa for Holland & Holland, this particular model of the Damascus range boasts a beautiful blade and olive handle — stabilised for safety and designed fro show the natural characteristics of the material.
Listen up: Peltor Sportac Ear Defenders
There’s nothing worse than that persistent ringing in your ears after getting that little too close to the gun. As such, why not invest in the best from Holland & Holland? Digital technology enables the defenders to block out the sound of the gun whilst allowing you to hear people talking nearby — the best of both worlds.
To cap it off: Lock & Co Hunter Leather Cap
This is Britain, after all. It would be nice to think that we wouldn’t need cover or waterproofing when setting out on a shoot, but the likelihood is that at least a little drizzle will sweep across during the drives. This cap references the gentle sloped silhouette of the Gill tweed cap, but has been toughened up in waxed leather, stitched from supple brown leather and fully lined with cotton.
Zip up: William Evans Moleskin Shooting Vest
A more lightweight, modern option to add extra warmth on cooler days, this offering by Williams Evans is high on our must-pack list. Moleskin, a heavy cotton fabric, is woven and then sheared to create a short, soft pile on one side. Clothing made from moleskin is noted for its softness and durability — just what you need on a long day outdoors.
Gloves on: Dents Tuckstitch Fingerless Wool Shooting Gloves
If you’re heading out into the field in deep, dark autumn, then you need to be properly protected. Lambswool — a natural fibre which is an excellent insulator, well known for its warmth and comfort — is the perfect choice, and these gloves are fingerless to ensure your dexterity is unencumbered.
Zip it: Hackett Merino Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweater
The key to shooting comfort is in the layering. And, with this half-zip sweater from Hackett, spun from fine merino wool, silk and cashmere knitted in a twill jacquard, you’ll be ready for anything. Pair with the gilet from William Evans above, and your signature shooting style is secured.
Button it: Turnbull & Asser Tattersall Cotton Shirt
The foundation of any good shooting get-up is your shirt. New to Turnbull & Asser, this seasonal shirt is inspired by the colours and landscapes of rural England. The brushed tattersall cotton in cream with burgundy and blue accents is the perfect shirt for cooler days, and will look great under zip sweater and gilet alike.
Want to upgrade the rest of your wardrobe? Here’s why we’re behind the latest upsurge in monogramming…
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Further reading
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