Shotguns & Shotgunning

Layne Simpson is one of my favorite gun writers. I've been reading his stuff in Shooting Times, Rifle Shooter and other publications for a long time. I have read his books: Rifles and Cartridges for Large Game, The Custom Government Model Pistol, Shooter's Handbook: 600 Questions Answered, and this book (several times). Some gun writers are egotistical and think whatever they say is the way it is or should be. Layne is not like that. He tells you of his experiences, discusses the virtues and merits of guns, handloads and factory ammo, and gives you the information you need to be a better shooter and hunter. Aside from the pleasure of reading, I use Layne's books for reference guides because the information, especially the handloading information, is so helpful. In Shotguns & Shotgunning, I really like the way Layne organized his book. He discusses the different kinds of shotguns and discusses the merits of each (which is great because I shoot all kinds, including side by sides, but prefer O/Us). He also tells you the brands of shotguns that he uses and prefers, which I also find very helpful (I mean, face it, if we can't afford to have a gun custom fit, we buy and shoot the gun that fits us. Some shotguns, regardless of brand or quality, just don't point for me). Then he discusses all of the different gauges (10, 12, 16, 20, 28 and 410) and talks about their virtues and applicability to hunting different birds. At the end of each chapter he gives you his recommended and favorite loads for the differents birds hunted, both factory and handloads! The photographs in the books are color and top quality. Also, we've all read the books by the "purists" out there that will only hunt birds (including ducks and geese) with a side by side, and usually only if it is made in England. Layne's not like that either. His book gives an in-depth discussion about side by sides, over-unders, autos and pumps. They each have their use, and Layne uses them all and explains them all. Aside from the good writing, and interesting hunting stories, this is the most useful and practical book on shotguns, guages and loads out there. On par with Michael McIntosh! Buffalo, Wyoming - Dec 2009

This is a very thorough and well written book by an author that obviously has the experience to convey his thoughts to you. It covers every aspect of shotgunning but will not bore the well seasoned shotgunner. I would recommend this book to anyone that has an intrest in shotguns or anyone who is just getting into the sport.

Some inexperienced gunners may have a hard time sunderstanding all of the teminology and info the author goes over, but I found the book very interesting and helpful.

Very well researched and written. The author obviously knows the sport. Detailed attention is given to all types of shotguns with plenty of advice on selecting a piece suitable for the readers intended use.

After almost 40 years, I am just returning to the world of shotgun bird hunting. As a kid, my uncle taught me everything he wanted me to know - and nothing else. This is exactly the comprehensive guide I needed to find! This book is about shotguns and how to use them for hunting (primarily, birds). Mr. Simpson provides a complete survey course on shotgun types and their makers, including which is good for what and how to choose. He provides the same range of information for ammunition and chokes, correlated to the shotgun type and use. He describes shotgun activities, covering all types of hunting (wild and preserve) and the various target sports. He provides not only safe practices, but how to conduct yourself politely in the field and at the range. He even dicusses clothing and accessories (e.g., glasses and ear protection). Mr. Simpson's writing style is very enjoyable and easy to understand. Even better, he freely shares wonderful stories of a long life with shotgunning. Oh, and by the way, its a beautiful book just chockful of stunning photographs. This is a great book, and the best of the dozen or so shotgunning books I've recently read!