I am hunting with Mike McCrave again next September. On my previous hunt I brought my Kimber Montana 3006. On that hunt we went straight to and from the Shermore Lodge. This trip we will be doing 2 days sight seeing in Edinburgh and will stay in a hotel. Not sure how gun friendly the hotels and public transportation are? Would I be better off using a borrowed rifle from the outfitter or will the gun transport be okay? Thanks in advance for your wisdom on the subject.

Some rural hotels accustomed to hosting shooters will have gun cabinets available but not necessarily in your room. Urban hotels might be far less accommodating. Our major rail network has just banned the transport of firearms. Taxis and bus service would likely run a mile. To put you in the picture it is very, very uncommon to see someone transport a visible firearm unless they are entering/leaving a gun shop or about to enter the shooting field.
I'm sorry to present such a bleak picture but we have a very poor public perception of gun ownership despite having some of the harshest gun laws in the civilised world.
I would utilise 'the estate rifle' both physically and in law. It requires no paperwork, no hassle and you will likely be using a reputable rifle, Sako, Tikka, Sauer etc and almost certainly a nice piece of European glass.
As a native with a firearms certificate travel overnight can be a hassle, leaving bits of a weapon hidden in a vehicle while taking a bolt/forend into a room or risking the ire of owners if you attempt to take a rifle/shotgun to your room. Take the estate rifle and request a few rounds to familiarise yourself with the weapon at an iron stag or target range before you set off to the hill.
I trust you will find all the other aspects of your visit to be far more warm and welcoming than our attitude towards firearms.

I’d borrow one of Mikes personally. All that hassle taking your own is in my opinion not worth it

Mike has a Parker Hale (I believe) 270 with a 4x Leupold that I used when I hunted with him. It worked perfectly for what we were doing. Avoid the potential hassle and use his rifle.

Mark

I always use Estate Rifles, it makes thing much easier. I don't know Mike but on all the Estates I have Stalked on they have always had good rifles.

On my first hunt in Scotland I took my own rifle, got a permit, etc. Rented a car. Just took the rifle with me in my car after my hunt. Is that now not allowed?

On my last hunt I rented a rifle. Much less of a pain, but I passed on a big stag at 430 because I wasn't sure of the trajectory. We could not get closer. On that hunt longer shots were ok (as opposed to my first hunt where nothing over 200 was tolerated). I ended up shooting one stag at 340 on my second hunt but asked my stalker (who owned the rifle) where it would hit at that range.

In my experience the Stalkers know exactly where their gun will shoot and if you put it where they tell you it will be a clean hit. They spend a lot of time with those guns and make a living out of making sure they know their gear.


I got a firearms permit on my first trip but decided not to take my rifle at the recommendation of a friend in Scotland. I am happy to shoot an Estate Rifle so it is not a big deal to me.

Mr. Hinn: I agree 100%

I have taken my own rifle and have used the gamekeepers rifle. In my experience, they all have excellent kit and know their rifle well. Using a rifle there makes life much simpler and allows one to tour about the country stress free.

Best wishes for safe and exciting adventures in 2018!

LL

Public transport in Scotland now don’t allow firearms. If you bring your own remove action from stock so it is a small as possible and fit it into a non gun case looking case. Plenty of hotels are used to visiting sportsmen and a decent cable lock and padlock through the action normally provides adequate security. The law requires reasonable measures to prevent unauthorised access to your firearm.

But you are probably better off using your stalkers rifle. Much less Bastos and worry all round.

Agree 100% with the above.

It's hard enough here when you have all the knowledge and experience and every bit of paper required - starting from scratch you're really better avoiding it (you will need a Visitors Firearms Permit and if flying internally more hassle is involved - many airlines don't carry firearms).

A whole lot easier to turn up, fire three shots at the iron stag and go hunt. You may well end up with a battered looking rifle - but it will be one that's killing dozens or hundreds of deer per year and can be relied on (trust me - I have such...).

Enjoy,

Ian

quote:

Originally posted by Brad Hinn:
In my experience the Stalkers know exactly where their gun will shoot and if you put it where they tell you it will be a clean hit. They spend a lot of time with those guns and make a living out of making sure they know their gear.


I got a firearms permit on my first trip but decided not to take my rifle at the recommendation of a friend in Scotland. I am happy to shoot an Estate Rifle so it is not a big deal to me.

In my case, he didn't know at 430 or perhaps didn't think or know I could make the shot. At 340 he told me where to hold and I hit it.

Thanks everyone. The consensus is clear. Just reserved one of Mike McCrave's rifles for the hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by SFRanger7GP:
Mr. Hinn: I agree 100%

I have taken my own rifle and have used the gamekeepers rifle. In my experience, they all have excellent kit and know their rifle well. Using a rifle there makes life much simpler and allows one to tour about the country stress free.

Best wishes for safe and exciting adventures in 2018!

LL

Yes and I'm still wiping the slobber off my scope!! You can bring your own next time!!

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by Brad Hinn:
In my experience the Stalkers know exactly where their gun will shoot and if you put it where they tell you it will be a clean hit. They spend a lot of time with those guns and make a living out of making sure they know their gear.


I got a firearms permit on my first trip but decided not to take my rifle at the recommendation of a friend in Scotland. I am happy to shoot an Estate Rifle so it is not a big deal to me.

In my case, he didn't know at 430 or perhaps didn't think or know I could make the shot. At 340 he told me where to hold and I hit it.

That would be the second option mate...

It was your first day right?