The Gun Cupboard - Gunroom

The Gun Cupboard - Gunroom The shooting side of The Gun Cupboard, Castle Ashby. 🌾 Gun care, country sports and kit. List your gun for sale with us, coming soon.

Shotgun shot sizes explained.It catches a lot of people out, because the numbers run backwards. The higher the number, t...
26/09/2026

Shotgun shot sizes explained.

It catches a lot of people out, because the numbers run backwards. The higher the number, the smaller the pellet. So a 9 is tiny and used for close clays, while a 5 or a 6 has the weight for driven game.

The rule of thumb is simple. Smaller shot gives a denser pattern for close work. Larger shot carries more energy for range and bigger quarry.

One thing worth knowing. When you move from lead to steel you usually go up at least two sizes, because steel is lighter.

Read the full article in the comments.

How is your local force doing on fi****ms licensing?The performance figures for all 43 forces in England and Wales are o...
18/09/2026

How is your local force doing on fi****ms licensing?

The performance figures for all 43 forces in England and Wales are out, covering the year to June 2026.

One thing stands out. If you are renewing an existing certificate, you are usually seen quickly. If you are applying for your very first one, it can be a very different story.

Locally, Thames Valley is doing well on both. Northamptonshire sits mid table, and Bedfordshire is finding it harder going.

The simple takeaway is to plan ahead. Get your renewal in early, and if it is your first certificate, allow yourself plenty of time.

Read the full article in the comments.

Some good news for shoots this week.After a season of real uncertainty, the rules on releasing gamebirds near protected ...
14/09/2026

Some good news for shoots this week.

After a season of real uncertainty, the rules on releasing gamebirds near protected sites have finally been settled, and in shooting's favour.

On the 3rd of September the High Court refused Natural England permission to appeal, so the earlier ruling now stands with immediate effect.

It means shoots on or near a protected site can plan releases, keepering and let days against the law as Parliament wrote it.

We have written up the full story, including what happens next. Full article on our news and articles page, link in the comments.

The season is well and truly under way.Grouse and partridge are already in, and the big one is nearly here, with the phe...
11/09/2026

The season is well and truly under way.

Grouse and partridge are already in, and the big one is nearly here, with the pheasant season opening on the first of October.

It is easy to lose track of what opens and closes when. So we have put together a handy calendar of all the key game, wildfowl and stalking dates for the season.

Keep it by the gun cabinet and you will always know where you stand.

The full calendar is over on our website. Full article, link in in the comments

Have your say on the future of gamebird shooting.The government has launched a call for evidence looking at the rearing,...
05/09/2026

Have your say on the future of gamebird shooting.

The government has launched a call for evidence looking at the rearing, releasing and shooting of gamebirds, and the effects on wildlife, the environment and animal welfare.

If you have knowledge or experience of shooting or the countryside, you are invited to share it.

Here is how to take part:

Search "call for evidence on gamebird shooting" on gov.uk.
Read through what it covers.
Add your own evidence and views before it closes.

The call for evidence runs until 1 November 2026.

Whatever your view, this is a chance for the shooting community to be heard.

A reassuring word, and an important one.Seeking help for your mental health does not automatically put your shotgun or f...
27/08/2026

A reassuring word, and an important one.

Seeking help for your mental health does not automatically put your shotgun or firearm certificate at risk. Police licensing teams and the NHS have been clear on this.

Many certificate holders have been treated for things like anxiety, stress or low mood and kept their certificates. Each case is looked at fairly and in confidence.

The key thing is to be open. Talking to your licensing team is always better than staying quiet.

If you are struggling, please reach out. Speaking to your GP or someone you trust is a good first step, and support is always there.

With thanks to the British Shooting Show for highlighting this.

A quick and useful reminder about buying or selling a gun privately.The rule is simple. Anyone buying a shotgun or firea...
20/08/2026

A quick and useful reminder about buying or selling a gun privately.

The rule is simple. Anyone buying a shotgun or firearm from a private seller must already hold the right certificate for it. The seller should always check this before the gun changes hands.

The sale also needs to be reported. Both buyer and seller must tell their local fi****ms licensing team within seven days, in writing.

There has been talk of tighter controls on private gun sales between certificate holders. Nothing firm has been proposed yet, and a fi****ms licensing consultation that was expected earlier this year has not yet appeared. So it is worth keeping an eye out for any changes.

If in doubt, your local fi****ms enquiry officer is always the best person to ask.

The Northamptonshire shooting scene is one of the friendliest around, and late summer is a lovely time to get involved.N...
14/08/2026

The Northamptonshire shooting scene is one of the friendliest around, and late summer is a lovely time to get involved.

New to the sport? A local clay ground is the best place to start. Most welcome beginners and will happily lend you a gun and a guiding hand.

Fancy game shooting? The season is nearly here. Partridge opens on the 1st of September and pheasant on the 1st of October, so local shoots and syndicates are filling their days now.

It is also country show season, which is a grand way to meet other shooters and watch the gundogs work.

Whether it is a misty morning on the clays or a day in the field, there is a warm welcome waiting.

Ask around. Most folk are happy to help a newcomer find their feet.

A friendly reminder about certificates this week.Your shotgun or firearm certificate lasts five years, so it is easy to ...
10/08/2026

A friendly reminder about certificates this week.

Your shotgun or firearm certificate lasts five years, so it is easy to lose track of when yours is due.

A few simple habits keep it stress free.

Note your expiry date somewhere you will see it.

Apply to renew in good time, ideally four to six months ahead, as many forces are busy.

Tell your licensing department if you move house or change any of your details.

Always keep your guns stored securely.

Renewing early takes the worry out of it and keeps everything above board.

When is yours due for renewal?

Summer is the quiet season, so it's a good time to look after your gun.A few simple steps to keep it in good order:Give ...
31/07/2026

Summer is the quiet season, so it's a good time to look after your gun.

A few simple steps to keep it in good order:

Give it a proper clean before it's put away, clearing any moisture and old fouling.
Wipe the metalwork with a lightly oiled cloth to guard against rust.
Store it somewhere cool and dry, never a damp cupboard or a hot loft.
Check your cabinet is secure and the fixings are still firm.
Take it out every few weeks for a quick look over.

A little care now means it's ready when the season comes round again.

Address

Unit 10, The Shopping Yard, Castle Ashby, Northants
Northampton
NN71LF

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+441604696983

Website

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