A FAMILY has opened a new shop in Bristol specialising in gun sports and country pursuits.

Braces Shooting and Country Supplies will also offer coaching from a world champion at the store's own dedicated clay target range in the nearby Mendip Hills.

Dan Pool and his father John have opened the shop on Wells Road, with Dan's girlfriend helping out behind the counter and his mother Margot handling the accounts.

Despite the recession, shooting is proving as popular as ever – organised shoots have reported increased bookings for the coming season, and the Royal Mint is issuing a 50p coin celebrating shooting's inclusion as a sport in the London 2012 Olympics.

Braces will offer customers the full range of equipment for target, clay and game shooting, from shotguns, firearms and air guns to ammunition and telescopic sights.

The shop also stocks equipment for related country pursuits, such as dog training and ferreting.

The shop stocks shotguns by Beretta, Browning and other leading makes, as well as a wide selection of air rifles, and John and Dan are always willing to advise customers on the right choice of weapon and equipment.

Country clothing on sale ranges from jackets by outdoor clothing specialist Musto to boots and gloves and hats from manufacturers such as Toggi, Le Chameau and Deerhunter.

Dan has been shooting since he was boy, coached by his father, who has won a number of world championship trophies for his shooting.

He said: "With shooting and the country lifestyle attracting more and more people, we aim to provide individual enthusiasts and shooting clubs across the region with a professional, friendly service."

Read more about Country Pursuits in our December edition of Southwestbusiness.co.uk magazine.