Gundog Training Forum

hi can anyone recommend a decent starter pistol for training with my spaniel. so many blank firers about now but what would you pay. thanks.

A normal revolver type is ideal, don't waste money on the more expensive ones as you wont be using it that much

Dont buy the Rekord auto one as it misfires more often than not.

I use a revolver type pistol that uses shot shell primers. Primers are cheaper and work well. My first primer pistol was a cheaper model and did not make through the training of one dog. They come in a variety of price ranges. I found the cheaper models DO NOT hold up and are less reliable. I do use mine for continued training exercises. Mostly steady to wing and shot training exercises.

Has anyone tried one of these? http://www.gundogdummies.com/gpage2.html

Yup.

Got one.

Doesn't misfire, easy to unload /load in a matter of seconds, even with cold wet hands. Won't cause alarm if it falls out of your pocket in the queue at Barclays.

Expensive. A bugger to find if you drop it in the long grass. Can't fire multiple shots in rapid succession.

I can't remember the last time I was able to fire shots in rapid succession with my revolver type - it almost invariably misfires after one or two shots so nothing new there for me. Might get one methinks it will be worth it for what little I use one.

I got the cheap one from sporting Saint. Works well and does he job. As had already been said, you won't actually use it that much anyway so I wouldn't bother breaking the bank.

Mike

I must use 100 blanks or more on a pup. Fire them at feed times during the habituation phase and much repetition is needed if you're going to train a reliable stop to shot. Wouldn't pay 65 quid for one but my ancient revolver type never lets me down.

Naj

I had thought of getting a revolver type so that I could have the Mrs come and help train, with both of us having the ability to fire a shot.

However for the few occasions I would do that, she could as easily use the dummy launcher and short.22 blanks.