Holland & Holland, the great British gun maker, offers the complete shooting package. Aside from producing some of the most coveted guns in the world, the company offers bespoke sporting tailoring (for men and women) as well as what is widely considered to be the best shooting school in the UK. Set in 60 acres of open countryside and woodland just 17 miles from Central London and even closer to Heathrow, the Holland & Holland shooting school is staffed by expert instructors (with over 100 years’ experience between them) who can provide coaching for shotgun and rifle enthusiasts of all abilities.

With the Glorious Twelfth (12 August being the start of the grouse shooting season) only a few weeks away, many of those lucky enough to have an invitation to shoot grouse – even the seasoned shots among them – are now visiting the shooting grounds to ensure that they are in top form for the first day of the season.

The school can tutor novices, concentrating on safety and technique that permits the most comfortable and natural shot possible. Since it is recommended that novices have several lessons before they try any game shooting, Holland & Holland offer simulated grouse, pheasant, partridge, wildfowl and many other game birds, all presented from woodlands and high towers in what is the most realistic clay target shooting environment in the world. Indeed, many come to Holland & Holland without even the intention or desire to shoot a live bird, so authentic is the experience.

I spent an afternoon with Chris Bird, the school’s chief instructor, who showed me the amazing facilities on hand. Holland & Holland provided me with two guns – a 20-bore round action side-by-side and a 12-bore ‘Royal’ over-and-under – to take around the grounds, on which there are many different stands available to shoot from. Chris offered solutions to flaws in my technique that instantly made a difference as I addressed the challenging clays that fizzed through the air before me. We shot 150 cartridges at most stands around the grounds, and although my shoulder knew that it had been given a hard time, the quality of the Holland & Holland guns meant that I suffered minimally the following day.

So regardless of whether you are lining up your sights for the shooting field or would like to take up a new sport in shooting clays, the Holland & Holland shooting school combines a great British tradition with the very best in tuition.

 

Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds

ducks hill road, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 2SS

T: +44 (0)1923 825 349

W: www.hollandandholland.com