Hello, and welcome to our all-new, fully-featured, totally tricked-out website, and on behalf of the Airgun World and Air Gunner teams, I hope you’ll enjoy it, get involved and help us develop it. This website exists to provide more ways to enjoy our sport, and by letting us know what you want to see on here, we can build something useful and worthwhile, and we can have a laugh or two while we’re doing it. So, please use the feedback facility and tell us what you think, good or bad, and how you’d like to see this website evolve. I promise that every comment will be considered.

As I write, it’s 6 o’clock on a Tuesday morning, we pass the December Airgun World in 24 hours, and I’m just back from my first proper static lamping session, utterly knackered and buzzing at the same time. I still have my editorial to write, plus a short account of the hunt I’ve just experienced, and a final read-through of the page proofs. That schedule will no doubt translate to less than four hours sleep, gritty eyes, various aches and twinges, and constant self-reminders that I’ve got the best job in my odd little world.

Going back to that static lamping session, I’m genuinely excited about this ‘new’ method of controlling rabbits, and its possibilities for development. Static lamping can’t be entirely new, but I’d argue that it could never be done as efficiently, comfortable or enjoyable without the Idleback shooting chair, and that’s a comparatively recent development. Yes, it also involves a clinically accurate rifle and a top spec’ lamping system, but it’s that Idleback that ties it all together in a supportive, elevating, practical, portable package.

Static lamping is simply what it’s name suggests, and while I was exploring the possibilities of it, I tried doing the static bit standing, then sitting on a bean bag, then a fold-up fishing chair, and even from a high seat, but there was obviously something missing. That ‘something’ actually turned out to be several somethings, mainly the comfort, support and portability features, which were provided in one by the Idleback chair. That ingenious invention allows me to set up my little sniping situation wherever I want, taking everything I need with me, and to be ready to go within seconds of arriving at my chosen position.

Finally, the publishing clock is spinning in its usual scary way, so I’d better crack on, but before I go I’d like to put in place the final piece of the Idleback/static lamping jigsaw, and that’s ‘comfort.’ Because the chair provides a soft seat and a sturdy backrest, and it allows me to place my size 12s firmly on the ground, I can remain comfortably on station for hours. This means I’m there for as long as it takes for my quarry to emerge, and while I’m waiting, I’m enjoying the fleeting sights, sounds, smells and imaginings of the countryside at night.

Ultimately, our sport is about enjoyment, and anything that increases our shooting pleasure has to be worth exploring, and that brings us, in a shamefully contrived way, back to the purpose of this website. I hope you’ll enjoy what we’re doing here, and that you’ll become part of its development.

All the best.

Terry Doe