Ronnie Sunshines

If you're already considering parting with some of your 'hard earned' for a BSA, PCP air rifle then you'll probably appreciate that you are going to get an air gun of great pedigree and heritage.

The BSA factory has recently gained popular notoriety due to the references made to it it the British television crime drama, Peaky Blinders but it's own long history is a story worthy of telling..

Lincoln Jeffries

The BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) tale begins in 1861 when the company was founded with the specific aim of manufacturing guns 'using machinery' and they've been making quality firearms ever since. In 1905 they produced their first air rifle, The Lincoln Jeffries, and they have not stopped to this day, with the exceptions being, in times of war.

During WWII, BSA were responsible for producing 50% of the small arms used by the British Forces including, 1¼ million Lee Enfield rifles and over ½ million Browning machine guns. The bravery and commitment of their workforce at this time cannot be questioned -the factory was bombed 3 times and in 1940, 53 employees lost their lives and 30 suffered serious injuries attempting to keep our boys in the fight.

Today BSA still manufacture air rifles in the same factory on Armoury Road and they still employ skilled engineers who produce the same great results. They are also the only volume manufacturer of air rifles to use Cold Hammer Forged Barrels. These barrels are made on site and are usually reserved for use in high grade and military firearms.

For many years Ronnie Sunshines have enjoyed a special relationship with BSA which has resulted in some great collaborations including the RS Fieldmaster and the amazingly well received, RS Platinum. This close tie occasionally throws up opportunities for something out of the ordinary to happen which is how we have come to have these especially 'Cheeky Blinders' to offer.

We have a very limited selection of  BSA Scorpion and Ultra SE's that are furnished with a luxurious 'Black Pepper' Laminate stock, supplied by Minelli in Italy. They look great and will stand out on the range or at the club, they also represent your chance to own a rifle that is as rare as it is eye catching.

Bsa Ultra SE Laminate - Black Pepper Stock

The Ultra SE-Black Pepper is a perfectly balanced super carbine, designed for fast target acquisition. It makes a great lightweight stalker, super-compact ratter and an ideal hide rifle. In short the Ultra is built to take your sporting shooting to the next level. The laminate stocks we have used on these models not only make the gun visually superior but they also have a longer fore-end than a standard Ultra stock. This gives you more room to get to comfortable with this compact rifle while also offering the cylinder a little more protection. It also makes the Ultra better suited to the fitting of studs that allow the addition of a bi-pod or sling, as the front stud can be positioned much further forward.

Bsa Scorpion Se Laminate Combo

The Scorpion SE-Black Pepper is the bigger brother to the Ultra. Built on the same excellent action, the Scorpion is a true carbine. The advantage it has over an Ultra is it's increased shot count per fill, which is nearly doubled in .22 calibre. This increased range produces a longer 'sweet spot' and makes the Scorpion more suited to range work, its still makes a great field gun though. The Scorpion's barrel is 85mm longer and the rifle weighs 500g more however, it still retains true balance and it comes up to the shoulder, perfectly, every time

We are offering both of these rifles as 'gun only' or they can be paired with a wide selection of scope and cases options that will deliver you great savings. They are also available in a complete combo deal, these are fully loaded, ready to go and will save you a packet.

What stock we have won't last long so get yours today  -  www.RonnieSunshines.com

Here at Ronnie Sunshines we are deeply involved in most shooting sports, with each of us having a particular field of expertise from HFT, shotguns, Rimfire, centrefire to range plinking. Here I'm going to call on experience to throw some light on the popular Night Vision options that are available today.

There are many great products from which to choose right now as technology is getting better and  retail prices are becoming more competitive. So how do you decide which is the right option for you?

Operating Range: at what range do you want to operate? There are relatively inexpensive systems which will preform well between 50-100 yards that are perfect for sub 12ft/lb air rifles such as the Pulsar Challenger or the Nitesite Viper. However you might want to 'future proof' or already use a FAC airgun or rimfire in which case the Nitesite Wolf, Yukon Photon, ATN Excite and the AC Night Stalker will give you more range. With the exception of the Nitesite range upgrading to a higher power IR illuminator will boost performance but this can cost over £100. You must also consider if you want to view your quarry at high or variable magnification.

Digital v image intensifier systems: The digital revolution has really opened up NV to the masses as it has advantages over Image intensifiers. All digital systems can be used in the daylight if you wish, which means you don't have to dedicate one rifle for night use, however, the daytime image will be compromised compared with a tradition rifle scope. Image Intensifying tubes can be damaged by daylight. This is a massive consideration however they produce images with more depth and clarity and they do not suffer from processing lag. Intensifiers are also considerably more expensive and must be used carefully to avoid damage, even at night. Digital images are also very easy to record, share and save and as digital systems use a processor they generally come with a whole host of added functionality (which you may or may not need).

Dedicated Optical system or scope conversion: scope conversion systems such as the Nite Site range, the AC Night Stalker and the Pulsar Challenger are convenient to set up, allowing you to switch between day/night and from one gun to another. The compromise here comes in shooting position which is either 'heads up' or with your head a long way back on the stock. Front fitting digital systems are getting a lot better, look out for the Yukon Pulsar Forward F135 / F155 in the new year, costing around £1000. The ATN excite is a dedicated system but designed to easily switch between different rifles using a picatinny rail system and recorded ballistic profiles, that make re-zeroing redundant.

Budget: If money is no object then skip this section but if not then please remember to factor in an  additional IR torch upgrade and mounting system. Other costs include batteries, chargers, battery packs, mounts and SD cards. Here at Ronnie Sunshines we offer 0% finance so nothing is out of range.

Use our quick comparison table below to narrow down your options then come into the shop and see us for a chat and if possible a demonstration.

Following the success of last year's Nite Site Demo evening here at Ronnie Sunshines we have had to work hard to make this years even better.

On Wednesday the 29th between 4pm and 8pm at our Berkhamsted store the guys from Nite Site will be here with their units set up on our darked 20m, indoor range for you to try out. There will be the best sellers for you to try such as the Viper, the new Rtek recordable systems and the scope mounted range finder..which is awesome at night.

10% Discount on all Nite Site NV units on the night and over the weekend.

The Nite Site team will also be joined by a representative from or friends at Hawke Optics who will be available to talk all things telescopic. There will be plenty of demo units to try including the Airmax and sidewinder ranges.

10% Discount on all Hawke Airmax and Sidewinders on the night and over the weekend.

And that's not all.. our demo rifles for this event will be provided by FX airguns of Sweden and will include their amazing Impact and the new Streamline.

Just to round things off the shop will be open for a bit of late night shopping and we will be here to indulge you in all things airgun related, we'll even make you a coffee.

See you there.

Shooting is an enjoyable and addictive pastime, whether you want to shoot purely for the personal challenge of improving your aim or take part in competitions. At Ronnie Sunshines, you’ll find everything you need to get started, including a couple of great PCPs that could make a great first gun.

Choose your rifle

Gamo Coyote Synthetic Kit

One great PCP that could be a good starter for a newbie is the Gamo Coyote Kit . This bolt action rifle is accurate and reliable and features a 10-shot magazine, an integral pressure gauge, and a two-stage trigger. The Coyote comes with a slip bag, pellets and a silencer too.

Gamo Phox Pump Pack 22

Another really good value PCP option and a very cost-effective way to get started is the Gamo Phox pack. The Phox rifle comes with a moderator, scope and mount, a stirrup pump and a rifle slip. The gun is bolt action with a two-stage trigger, and a 10-shot magazine.

Shooting range tips for newbies

Once you’ve chosen your new gun, you’ll need somewhere to practice firing it, and Ronnie Sunshines' three shooting ranges offer you a great choice.

The first thing that must be at the forefront of your mind when attending the shooting range is safety. Staff at the range will give you a full safety briefing on your first visit, but in the meantime, here are four key rules:

1. Always assume that all guns are loaded & therefore dangerous.
2. Never point a gun at another person.
3. Never leave a gun unsupervised.
4. When on the range guns must be kept in a case, slip or bag at all times when not in use.
5. In the event of a gun being taken off the range it is the users responsibility to ensure that the gun is not loaded and that the magazine is removed or the barrel is broken.
6. Never enter the range target/firing area, always ask a member of staff for assistance.

Aside from the fact that it’s much more fun to go to the gun range with a group or with a friend, it’s also much safer for newbies. An experienced range buddy will be able to give you the benefit of their knowledge of safety and range etiquette so your visit will be safer and much more fun, too.

Shooting is great fun and you can maximise your enjoyment as a newbie by following the shooting range tips given above. Both the PCPs mentioned in this post make perfect starter models for the newbie shooter to begin with. The accuracy and ease of use of both these guns make them perfect for the beginner who is still finding their range and honing their technique.

There’s only 1 day left to get your limited-edition Ronnie Sunshines t-shirt!

The Ronnie Sunshines community has always been great at donating money for charity, raising hundreds of pounds a year for Help for Heroes just by dropping their loose change into our counter collection tin. However, this summer we decided we could do more to raise money for great causes, so we’ve teamed up with Communitee – a great platform for raising funds for really good causes – and we’ve created our very own Ronnie Sunshines Charity T-shirt.

Available in sports grey or khaki green, the t-shirt is plain on the back with a Ronnie Sunshines shooting graphic on the front: an adaption of the classic American sports logos seen in the NBA and baseball leagues.

The limited-edition t-shirt is made to order and delivered straight to your door, simply choose your colour and size, enter your details and continue to check out. There will be a maximum of 500 of these t-shirts produced and the deadline to purchase one is the 10th August, so don’t miss your chance to get your hands on one!

As a massive thank you too all our great supporters who purchase one of our limited-edition t-shirts, we’ll be giving away a premium air gun experience for two on our Berkhamsted shooting range. This experience is worth £87 pounds and will give you the opportunity to try out both pistols and rifles!

We have three fantastic indoor ranges with over 100 targets at our Hertfordshire store, so not only will you be supporting a great cause in Help for Heroes, you’ll be in with the chance to win an excellent day out with a friend or family member.

There is only a day left to get your limited-edition Ronnie Sunshines Charity T-shirt. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to raise money for an excellent charity, dear to our hearts, and receive some Ronnie Sunshines memorabilia – at only £12, why not!

Buy now at: https://www.communitee.co.uk/RonnieSunshines

Shooting range: Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. We recommend that 12 years old is the minimum age to try out the range due to the physical size and strength of the child and their ability to hold a gun. However, this is only a recommendation and you are welcome to bring younger children to try it out.

When you think of camping, the first thing that springs to mind might be the caravan club, seaside resorts and queuing for the shower blocks - but get out into the wild and there's a whole lot more to it than that.

In many places around the UK it is possible to wild camp; in England and Wales it is not strictly legal, but widely tolerated by landowners in remote areas such as Snowdonia and the Lake District. North of the border in Scotland it's legal to camp almost anywhere, so you can get as far off the beaten track as you like.

Why, you might ask, is this appealing?

Well, for starters, there's the scenery. By its very nature, you can camp in some of the most majestic places in the UK, surrounded by breathtaking views that you wouldn't get in a hotel, and without another soul in sight for miles around.

It's an experience for which it's vital that you come prepared, but it can be a brilliant bonding activity whether you're camping with your friends, family or partner. Sharing spectacular scenery and each other's company without the distractions of phone signal, TV or other people is a really special experience and one we'd recommend to anyone.

Be at one with nature

Of course, it's not a walk in the park and you need to be aware of your surroundings. In remote areas, the weather can change quickly and reverse your fortunes just as fast, so it's key to keep an eye on the weather forecast and prepare appropriately.

Make sure you have sufficient food and water if you're going to be a long way from civilisation, or the supplies to get involved in some bushcraft. Fishing for your own dinner is a great way to feel truly at one with the landscape, but you'll need to make sure your stove is up to the job. Stock up on fuel before you set off, too.

All in all, wild camping is an experience completely at odds with the traditional notion of a camping holiday, so if getting out and about in the great outdoors is what floats your boat, you've got to give it a go.

Make sure you're well supplied with everything you need from Ronnie Sunshine's - whether you're packing light or taking the kitchen sink, we've got everything from stoves and bivis to crayfish traps for catching your dinner!

As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so with that in mind, here is our version of the mountain man's breakfast. Most of the recipes for this are from the good old US of A and include some strange things like bell peppers, onion and something called gritts. We've made a few tweaks and made it into a great traditional British belly buster of a brekkie that will well and truly set you up for the day.

Ingredients (feeds 4):
8 ltr Dutch Oven
8 Chipolata Sausages (they cook quicker)
6-8 Rashers of bacon any type you like chopped into quarters
10 large mushrooms sliced
Black pudding (optional)
3 tomatoes sliced in half
6 eggs
Salt & Pepper
Oil
If you have more bellies to bust just add more

Method:
Heat up your Dutch Oven with coals which are placed underneath, add a splash of oil and brown off the sausages. I use chipolatas as they cook quicker but any sausage can be used.

Next add the bacon and mushrooms and cook them off, then add the back pudding whilst evenly laying out the ingredients in the pot. Now add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper then place the lid on the pot for about 5 minutes, long enough to start softening the tomatoes. In the meantime beat all the eggs in a bowl, remove the lid and gently poor the the egg mix evenly around the sausage bacon mix. Place the lid on top of the pot and put hot coals onto the lid.

Cooking time will be approx 10 minutes or until the egg has cooked.
Serve with a Great British cuppa and a good blob of the red or brown stuff.

Top tip:
It's best to cook low and slow then hot and risk burning.

Featured Product:

8 Litre Dutch Oven:
Comes with FREE carry handle and lid lifter.
£44.95

Ronnie Sunshines' Dutch Oven Week has been going down a treat... So we thought we'd bring you a recipe for cinnamon, apple & rhubarb crumble so you can treat yourself this weekend!

Ingredients (to feed 8):
8 ltr Dutch Oven
5 big cooking apples
5 large sticks or Rhubarb
1 Pack of butter
1 Bag of sugar
Porridge oats
Plain flour
Cinnamon
Instant Custard

Fruit Base:
Quarter and core the apples then cut into chunks, no need to peel them.

Cut the rhubarb into 1 inch chunks. Put the apples and rhubarb in to the Dutch Oven with the half a bag of sugar and a very generous sprinkle of cinnamon, plus a ½ small cup of water and mix together.

Topping:
Place two big handfuls of flour and four big handfuls of oats in to a mixing bowl & mix well. Cut the butter in to small cubes and add this to the oats and flour. Mix very well with your fingertips until it resembles an even crumb texture. Then add about ¾ of whats left of the sugar and mix thoroughly.

Evenly cover the fruit with the crumble mixture, sprinkle some more sugar and cinnamon over the top. Put the lid on.

Clean the mixing bowl as you will need it for the custard.

To Cook:
Level out an area of hot coals on the side of the fire and place the Dutch Oven onto them. With a spade, pick up and evenly spread some more hot coals on the top of the lid. This will now cook the crumble from the top and bottom. At the same time, fill the kettle with water and put on the boil for the custard.

Crumble cooking time is about 25 -35 minutes.

After about 25 minutes carefully lift the lid off using a lid lifter. If the top is nice and golden brown then its done, if not add some fresh coals and give it some more time.

Custard:
When the crumble is cooked, make the custard - see pack for details and enjoy.

Tips:
Check that the coals on the bottom and top are always good and hot if at any time they start to look like the are dying down then add some fresh hot ones.

If one side of the pot is very close to the fire flames then you can rotate the pot this will stop one side from burning and will cook more evenly.

If you wish, you can line your pot with foil as this will make it easier to clean.

Featured Products:

8 Litre Dutch Oven:
Comes with FREE carry handle and lid lifter.
£44.95

Lid Lifter for cast iron Dutch Ovens:
NEW: this product is specifically designed for lifting hot lids off of Dutch Ovens.
£9.99

Ronnie Sunshines caters to all your bushcraft and camping needs. To view our wide range of Dutch Ovens, cooking accessories and box sets, visit our Berkhamsted store or head to www.ronniesunshines.com. For expert advice, call us on 01442 872829.

As part of Dutch Oven Week, here's one of our favourite articles from when we attended the Bushcraft Show, for a great recipe: Stout & Fruit Soda Bread. We love to see our customers enjoy their Dutch Oven products so make sure you send your recipes, tips and pictures!

If you visited us at the Bushcraft Show you may have seen me cooking up a feast of Dutch Oven delights. It was great to speak to so many people who have already been cooking with Dutch Ovens and it was even better to introduce new people to this much overlooked way of cooking up some of the most fantastic food you will ever taste. One of the most popular things I cooked over the weekend was a new bread recipe I was trying out using a stout beer. As I was not making bread in the traditional way with yeast I found that the beer added back some of the yeast type flavour that we are accustomed to, but without having to knead the bread or wait for it to rise. I made up quite a few loafs which all disappeared very quickly, followed by many compliments. It was also a real joy to see the surprise on people faces when I lifted the lid from the oven and there was a lovely warm fresh loaf (that anyone can make). So as promised here is the recipe for you all to try out...

Ingredients: 
4 Big overflowing handfuls off strong wholemeal flour
4 Big overflowing handfuls off strong plain flour
1 Big overflowing handful off sugar (caster is better, granulated will do)
2 Heaped Table spoons of backing powder
3 Good pinches of salt
2 Big overflowing handfuls of mixed dry fruit.
1 Large egg
Large can of Stout

Tools:
8 ltr Dutch oven
Large mixing bowl
Large mixing spoon
25cm (10') metal dish
4 pebbles

Method:
Add all of the dry ingredients and the egg into the bowl and mix together.

Make a well in the middle of the mix and add some of the stout and mix, carry on mixing the stout in until all the dry ingredients are mixed in and you have a ball of dough that holds it shape. Take the dish and coat it with a layer of dry flour this will stop the bread sticking to the dish, place the bread mix onto the floured dish and sprinkle some sugar on top.

Take the 4 pebbles and place them into the bottom of the Dutch Oven, then place the dish with the bread on top of the pebbles. This will elevate it from the bottom of the Dutch Oven, allowing the air to circulate, helping to prevent the loaf from burning the lower crust.

Place the lid onto the Dutch Oven. In these photos you will see that I used quite a few charcoal briquettes on top and underneath as I did want the oven quite hot.

The cooking time is about 20-25 minutes. Remove the loaf from the oven a allow to cool then enjoy

Tips:
The best way to test if the bread is cooked is to push a knife into the middle if it pulls out clean then it is ready.

Once you have you basic mix you can experiment so instead off the mixed fruit try some fresh rosemary, or mixed herbs, sliced olives are nice or give some chopped sun dried tomatoes a go.

Featured Product:

8 Litre Dutch Oven:
Comes with FREE carry handle and lid lifter.
£44.95

Ronnie Sunshines has a large range of quality outdoor, bushcraft and camping products. See our wide range of Dutch Ovens, cooking accessories and box sets at the Berkhamsted store or head to www.ronniesunshines.com.
For expert advice, call us on 01442 872829.