John Wiseman is a general gunsmith, with some specialisations. So when your gun needs to be serviced before the season starts, or calls for a tweak mid season Wiseman can do the job. But there are also more complex parts of the trade at which Wiseman excels, from gun development to engraving.

And if you are going to take your new pressed gun to the hill take heed of our shooting advice. If upland shooting is you bag the Editor’s 12 Top Tips for grouse shooting will guide you to a happy conclusion. If lowland hedge hopping takes your fancy, then the partridge shooting tips for the best day’s sport will give you a head start.

But shooting well might not render a return invitation if you turn up in the wrong kit. Our guide on what to wear when shooting should help. Vintage kit can be fetching too. Just read about what is best to buy in our feature on vintage hunting and shooting clothes. All the ingredients of a good day in the field organised. Now to make sure the gun doesn’t break…

JOHN WISEMAN: TOP 10 GUNSMITHS

John Wiseman entered the gun trade in 1966, joining the family business; it now spans five generations. FJ Wiseman & Co undertakes all gunsmithing tasks: gunmaking; engraving; and prototype development as well as the more mundane strip and clean and small-part replacement and fabrication. “For us it is all about our customers. They may come to us initially for a repair, stock-fitting or servicing but frequently we can help them shoot better with further modifications. We specialise in customising to improve performance but we will take on any job within reason. I particularly enjoy gunfitting. We also specialise in Browning over-and-unders, fitting sideplates and upgrading plainer guns to higher spec. And, we are happy to be the appointed service centre for Guerini,” John Wiseman says. Tel 01543 504088; email.