Buying a Shotgun? Take Someone Who’s on Your Side.
Independent • Confidential • On Your Side
Buying a shotgun can be exciting — and that can make it easy to overlook what really matters. Richard can accompany you, offer completely independent advice and help you make the right choice. Private, confidential and entirely on your side.
Independent shotgun buying advice
It’s Easy to Get Carried Away When You Find a Gun You Love
Buying a shotgun should be enjoyable. But whether you are buying your first shotgun or changing a gun you have owned for years, excitement can sometimes get in the way of a sensible decision.
The wood looks beautiful. The gun comes to the shoulder nicely. You have already imagined owning it. At that point it becomes very easy to stop asking questions.
Is it really suitable for you? Does it fit reasonably well? Is its condition what you expected? Are you paying a sensible price? Is there something you should ask before committing yourself?
My assisted shotgun purchase service gives you another pair of experienced eyes and somebody who is there for you.
Help buying a shotgun
What Do I Actually Do?
I accompany you to the gun shop as your independent second opinion. The dealer sells guns. I don’t. My job is simply to help you think clearly before you spend your money.
Look at the Gun With You
We can look at the shotgun together, discuss what you want it for and consider whether it appears suitable for your intended shooting.
Ask the Questions
When you are excited about a gun, it is easy to forget what you meant to ask. I can help make sure the sensible questions are not forgotten.
Give You an Independent View
I have no reason to persuade you to buy one gun rather than another. Sometimes the best advice may simply be to go home and think about it.
Consider Fit & Suitability
We can consider how the gun comes to you, its general dimensions and whether it appears appropriate for your size, experience and intended use.
Slow the Decision Down
Nobody wants to lose the perfect gun, but a rushed decision can become an expensive mistake. I am there to provide a calm second opinion.
The Decision Remains Yours
I will give you my view, explain my reasoning and help you ask questions. You remain completely free to make your own final decision.
Private & confidential
Nobody Needs to Know You’ve Brought Someone Along to Help
There is absolutely nothing embarrassing about wanting shotgun buying advice.
You may be buying your first shotgun. You may have shot for years but know very little about buying guns. Or you may simply want another experienced opinion before spending a significant amount of money.
Your booking with Guns & Clays is private and confidential. I do not need to announce myself as your adviser. To anyone else in the shop, I can simply be somebody who has come with you.
Completely Independent
I have no financial connection with the dealer, the manufacturer or the shotgun you decide to purchase.
I do not take commission for recommending a gun and I have no incentive to steer you towards a particular make or model.
My only interest is helping you make a decision you are comfortable with.
What does it cost?
Compare the Cost With the Gun You’re About to Buy
A shotgun can cost hundreds, thousands or considerably more. Getting the wrong one can be far more expensive than getting some independent help before you buy.
For me, the question is simple: is £195 worth paying for the peace of mind of having somebody experienced and independent standing beside you?
There is never a guarantee that any used or new gun will remain fault-free, and this service is not a substitute for a formal gunsmith's inspection. What you are buying is my time, experience and independent opinion.
Assisted Shotgun Purchase
The remaining £145 is payable on the day.
The standard booking allows up to approximately half a day. Reasonable local travel is included. Longer-distance travel can be discussed before booking.
Book Assisted Shotgun PurchaseSimple from start to finish
How the Assisted Shotgun Purchase Service Works
Book Your Day
Choose your appointment and pay the £50 deposit through our online booking system.
Tell Me What You’re Looking For
We discuss the type of shooting you do, your experience, approximate budget and the dealer or guns you are considering.
We Go Together
I accompany you to the dealer, help you assess the options and give you an independent opinion before you decide.
Not just for beginners
Who Is This Service For?
You do not have to be inexperienced to want help buying a shotgun. A second opinion can be useful whenever the purchase matters to you.
Get some independent help before making your first big decision.
Discuss whether the change genuinely gives you what you are looking for.
The more you are spending, the more valuable a calm second opinion can become.
I can be there to help ask questions without taking the decision away from you.
If you have been away from shooting for years, the market may look very different.
There is nothing wrong with wanting somebody independent beside you.
More help from Guns & Clays
Not Quite Ready to Buy?
Sometimes the best thing to do before buying a shotgun is to improve your shooting, understand your technique or simply learn a little more first.
Shooting Tuition
Work on your shooting technique before deciding what you really need from your next shotgun.
View Shooting Tuition →Guns & Clays Shooting School
Explore our wider shooting school and the practical help available to new and experienced shooters.
Visit the Shooting School →Independent Shooting Advice
Looking for independent information about shotguns, licensing or another shooting-related question?
Independent Shooting Advice →Useful independent information
Official Information Before Buying a Shotgun
If you are new to shotgun ownership, use official sources for current firearms licensing requirements. These links open external government information in a new tab.
Shotgun Certificates
Government information about firearm and shotgun certificates.
GOV.UK Certificate Information →Firearms Licensing Guidance
Home Office information and guidance concerning firearms licensing.
GOV.UK Licensing Guidance →Firearms Licensing Law
The Home Office guide covering firearms and shotgun licensing law.
Read the Home Office Guide →Frequently asked questions
Questions About Buying a Shotgun With Independent Help
Is the service confidential?
Yes. Your booking and the reason you have asked me to accompany you are private. There is no requirement for me to announce myself as your adviser when we visit the dealer.
Do you receive commission from the gun dealer?
No. Guns & Clays does not receive commission for persuading you to purchase a particular shotgun through this service. The purpose of the service is to give you an independent opinion.
Can you guarantee that the shotgun has no faults?
No. This is independent buying help, not a formal mechanical inspection, proof examination or guarantee. Where specialist inspection is required, you should use an appropriately qualified or competent gunsmith.
Is this only for someone buying their first shotgun?
No. The service may be just as useful to an experienced shooter making an expensive purchase, changing gun type or simply wanting an independent second opinion.
Will you tell me which shotgun I must buy?
No. I can discuss the options, raise concerns and give you my opinion. The final decision whether to purchase a shotgun always remains yours.
Do I need a shotgun certificate to buy a shotgun?
In Great Britain, the possession, purchase and acquisition of shotguns are subject to firearms law and certification requirements, with limited exemptions. Check current official guidance and your police firearms licensing department if you are unsure about your circumstances.
Independent • Private • Confidential
Found a Shotgun You Love? Before You Buy It, Take Someone Who’s on Your Side.
Book Richard to accompany you and get completely independent shotgun buying advice before you make your decision.
Book Richard – £50 DepositAssisted Shotgun Purchase: £195 total. £50 deposit when booking, with the remaining £145 payable on the day.
