The air rifle is a very effective weapon for the control of rabbits and vermin. This clearly written and fascinating book covers the following topics in a practical and thorough way. · Demonstrates how to learn to shoot an air rifle safely and accurately and how to construct your own forty-yard range· Discusses shooting techniques and all the firing positions· Considers the advantages and disadvantages of using air rifles for pest control and rabbiting· Analyses, and tests in the field, specific models of air rifle and considers what to look for when deciding to purchase a rifle· Covers ballistics, loading, scopes, zeroing, range finding, windage, the difference between good and bad mounts, ammunition, field craft, clothing and knives· Examines the characteristics of the various quarry species (rabbits, wood pigeons, feral pigeon, and rats)· Summarizes the law as it relates to air rifle hunting and considers the ethical aspects of the sport, including care of the quarry, how to track down and dispatch injured quarry, and how to dispatch rabbits humanely· Includes a detailed chapter on how to maintain your hunting rifle in good working order· Produced with the technical assistance of top professionals inthe field of gun and scope manufacturing AUTHOR: John Bezzant has written about terriers, ferrets and birds of prey for Gun Mart and has been a regular contributor to The Countryman's Weekly. John was given his first air gun in his early teens and has taken a keen interest in air rifle shooting ever since. John served in the RAF and was taught how to handle high-powered weapons by professionals. Combining his weapons expertise with his wealth of country knowledge, John became an accomplished hunter. He now lives in the Scottish Highlands on a five-acre smallholding. 121 colour photos