It can sometimes be surprising how many like-minded fellow shooters are out and about in the community without us knowing it, and the subject of this month’s cover story is exactly that. Regular contributor Derek Nugent had no idea that when the people next door sold up and moved away, his new neighbour would be a keen shooter with a custom rifle that’s the stuff of dreams. The pair have since become regular shooting and hunting buddies and no doubt will be for years to come. We have a couple of excellent rifles under review this month, with Daniel O’Dea running the numbers on the Blaser R8 Professional Success, while Chris Redlich has nothing but praise for the superb Benelli Lupo High Precision. Products in the spotlight this time include Sordin Supreme Pro-X electronic earmuffs, Howa deluxe walnut rifle stocks, the affordable Pecar Black Carbon riflescope, Pro-Shot cleaning gear to keep your firearms in tip-top condition and a new range of hard gun case from Pro-Tactical. And with competition reports, readers’ letters and our usual range of columns and advice, we feel there’s plenty going on in this issue.