[Derek Roxborough]

 any one contemplating a rod or a new handle should look at Mc hardys site  I bought an assortment of handles for a few quid , amazing value for repairs some  largish bore  but a few smaller  but the corks would be great for that repair you have always meant to do, easgach1

[Rob Brownfield]

McHardys used to put out a paper catalogue that was full of interesting bits and bobs for rod building, lure making and other strange DIY projects. Stopped about 15 years ago and their website never had anything listed.

I'll have to have a look but my better half is off to the US for 3 weeks on the 4th of Jan, so will have a suitcase of corks and burl to bring home for me

[Derek Roxborough]

 Aye Rob but £4 for 10 handles or £10 for 30 is a bargain not to be missed, I use Elm burr and I have some Oak and ash burr, for the reel seats, I used my last bit of fiddle back maple on a reel seat ,, there are many other things i would bring back from the States, easgach 1

[Rob Brownfield]

I am getting a pre shaped Switch handle brought back...its £12, but when I looked at making it myself its closer to £30, so a bit of a no brainer for me...and I know it will fit the blank

As for other bits..oh yes, there are a few interesting bits I am after.

[Derek Roxborough]

 I dont think I would be allowed a Sharps black powder rifle     easgach1

[Rob Brownfield]

I dont think I would be allowed a Sharps black powder rifle     easgach1

I am thinking of something a bit bigger calibre..

[Derek Roxborough]

45/100 cal,or 50/70. but I managed to persuade the guy on the sharps stand to let me handle one, after my son took me to a Gun Show near SFO,many years back I used to shoot a 577 Snider Enfield, that was fun, easgach 1

[Rob Brownfield]

I started on .303 Lee Enfild No.3 rifles and went up the way

Nothing quit like a .50 Browning mounted on the back of a Defender 110 to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

Actually, there is, a L115A3 firing a .338 Lapua Magnum round 936 odd m/s, confirmed kills to this rifle in Afghanistan at 2, 475 meters. Awesome rifle.

Never had the pleasure of firing a black powder rifle.

[Derek Roxborough]

we used to shoot a 1858 enfield rifle at 600yds , I had a No 4 mk1 * rifle just before the army went on to the Slr , I saw the you tube video of that rifle, also the 50cal, Barret at 1 1/4 miles , there is another of the Russian Moisin Nagant at
 1000yds it has a 139in trajectory , My son in the US has a AR15 .223 ah the thrill of shootin easgach1