MOORE TO THE POINT

Dave Barham talks all things airgun industry with Simon Moore, the managing director of BSA Guns.

Dave Barham (DB): How did you first get involved in the airgun industry, and what attracted you to this field?

Simon Moore (SM):I came from an automotive background. I was working in domestic appliance manufacturing and was looking for a new role when I saw a general manager opening at BSA. I didn’t know what BSA was at the time.

DB: What are the most significant changes you’ve observed in the British airgun market over the past decade?

SM: A high level of competition from China, Turkey, and other “low-cost countries”. Their cost bases are so low compared to the UK. With assistance from governments, tax breaks, and super-low labour costs, it’s hugely competitive.

DB: Can you tell us about a particularly innovative airgun product you’ve worked on or encountered recently?

SM: For the UK market, it’s somewhat limited due to the energy level regulations and semi-auto being prohibited. Internationally, ever-increasing levels of muzzle energy and the move into bigger calibres is interesting.

DB: How has the growing emphasis on environmental concerns affected airgun manufacturing and design?

SM: The carbon footprint of BSA products is probably one of the lowest in the UK market right now. Obviously, everyone is aware that we manufacture our own hammer-forged barrels, with most of the remaining components manufactured within a 20-mile radius of our factory in Birmingham. And yes, despite some online critics constantly falsely claiming BSA’s are made overseas, they are not! In fact, the only main component made outside of the UK are the wooden stocks from Minelli in Italy.

DB: What challenges does the British airgun industry face in terms of regulations and legislation?

SM: Time will tell. However, I believe if we continue to self-govern, as I believe we do, and we all abide by rules and regulations, I believe we can have a thriving and responsible industry. Airguns bring a lot of money to the gun trade, and the gun trade brings a lot of money into the Treasury.

DB: How do you see the role of social media and online communities in shaping the airgun market?

SM: As with every aspect of life in today’s society, it’s growing and becoming more important. However, our industry does face a set of unique challenges due to advertising regulations and constant monitoring and blocking of content by some social media platforms.

DB: What trends do you foresee in airgun technology and design over the next five years?

SM: That’s difficult to say, especially without giving away some of the mind-blowing projects we are currently working on with our global research and development teams in the UK, the USA, and Spain.

DB: How does the British airgun industry compare to those in other countries, particularly in terms of quality and innovation?

SM: As the managing director of BSA and with us being a part of the world’s largest airgun group (we have BSA, Gamo, Daisy, Crosman, Benjamin, Winchester Air Guns, Splat-R-Ball, BSA Optics, Centrepoint Optics and Game Face Soft Air), I get to see the industry from many different angles, and we’re pretty much facing the same challenges and opportunities.

DB: What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in the airgun industry?

SM: Do your research. Know exactly which part of the industry you want to get into, whether it be research and development, manufacturing or sales; and my advice would be to get some wider general industry experience first, and bring that knowledge with you.

DB: What role do airguns play in introducing newcomers to shooting sports, and how can the industry encourage more participation?

SM: They play a big part. In association with BASC, and through “have a go” ranges that we support across the country, our focus is introducing the next generation of shooters into the sport/activity, in a safe and controlled manner.

DB: Can you share an interesting or unusual anecdote from your time working in the airgun industry?

SM: Honestly, it’s an industry like I’ve never experienced before. There are many characters within it, and many people who work for the industry, not always for the financial benefit but because they have a real passion for it.

I guess one incident I can recall – we were doing a photoshoot of a new product on private land, but it was overlooked by quite a busy area, so we informed West Midlands Police what we were doing and that we had permission, etc. Less than 30 minutes into the day, two armed response units turned up, not to check on us, but they wanted to have a go with our rifles. They had great fun.