CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT THE GTA

GOVERNMENT STALLS ON LEAD SHOT DECISION AS SHOOTING SECTOR’S VOLUNTARY PLEDGE FAILS
A voluntary pledge made by UK shooting organisations in 2020 to phase out lead shot in favour of non-toxic alternatives by 2025 has failed, according to research funded by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

DEALING WITH PROHIBITED PERSONS
Laura Saunsbury examines firearms prohibition rules and

RANGE & COUNTRY SUCCESS STORY
Dave Barham interviews Peter Rose on building a

THE SUCCESS OF THE BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW
After speaking with exhibitors at this year’s British

THE NEWS IN NUMBERS
The year Russell Wilkin, who sadly passed away

GEOFF NORMAN JOINS PERAZZI UK UNDER SGC GROUP
The SGC Group has announced the appointment of

SGC TRADE
benelli.it sgctrade.co.uk

GUN TRADE MOURNS THE LOSS OF INDUSTRY FIGURE RUSSELL WILKIN
The gun trade has lost one of its

HIGHLANDER GROUP EXPANDS EXPORT TEAM WITH NEW GLOBAL KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER
Highlander Group has announced the expansion of its

SPORTING GUN MAGAZINE UNVEILS FRESH NEW LOOK FOLLOWING REDESIGN
Sporting Gun , one of the UK’s leading

UK DEFENCE CHIEFS LOOK TO AIRSOFT INDUSTRY FOR RECRUITMENT BOOST
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK - ALEX SEGRE The Ministry of

CRIEFF HYDRO SECURES APPROVAL FOR CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING RANGE WITH NOISE RESTRICTIONS
Crieff Hydro, located in Perthshire, Scotland, is set

UK RETAILERS FACE UNCERTAINTY AS GOVERNMENT REVIEWS CROSSBOW LAWS
Following the tragic murders of Carol, Louise, and

OUTLAWED GUNS SURRENDERED TO LANCASHIRE POLICE DURING NATIONAL FIREARMS AMNESTY
Lancashire Police has removed four blank-firing guns from

IWA OUTDOORCLASSICS 2025 REPORT
This year’s IWA OutdoorClassics saw a shift towards a more business-driven format, with organisers limiting non-trade visitors to enhance the quality of exhibitor interactions. While the broader industry grapples with an increasingly demanding trade show calendar, IWA reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone event, with strong exhibitor confidence and early bookings for 2026 reflecting its enduring relevance in the global firearms and outdoor sectors.

GUN TRADE JOBS
MEA OPUS -SECURE YOUR PERFECT FUTURE POSITION -REGISTER AT MEAOPUS.CO.UK

EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR GUN SHOPS: A RETAILER’S GUIDE TO KEY EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATES FOR 2025
In recent years, the debate surrounding the regulation of blank firing firearms Turkish-manufactured top-venting blank firers (TVBF) in the United Kingdom has intensified. Cheap to import, they are said to be readily (and cheaply) convertible to fire live ammunition making them desirable to acquire for on the black market

SGC TRADE
WWW.SGCTRADE.CO.UK

CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT THE GTA
After seven years at the helm of the Gun Trade Association, Simon West signs off with a reflection on the GTA’s enduring role in defending and supporting the industry. In this final column, he passes the baton to incoming Executive Director Stephen Jolly – and shares his thanks, optimism, and encouragement for the Trade’s future.

AM I DEALING WITH A ‘PROHIBITED PERSON’?
Most in the trade will be familiar with this term, but could you actually explain to your customers exactly what it means, and satisf y yourself it does not apply to them? Specialist firearms licensing solicitor Laura Saunsbur y digs into the detail of the firearms prohibition rules.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF BRASS IN SHOOTING PERFORMANCE
There is a lot of discussion among shooters regarding what makes good brass. With so many options on the marketplace we are spoilt for choice. Here, Paul Bradley will discuss what he has found to be beneficial and where we may be able to save some money.

STEPHEN JOLLY TAKES AIM AT A STRONGER FUTURE FOR THE GUN TRADE
Gun Trade Insider sat down with newly appointed Gun Trade Association executive director Stephen Jolly to discuss his priorities for the role, how he plans to support the trade through challenging times, and why he believes the future of the industry depends on a strong, focused voice.

SELLING TO FIRST-TIME GUN BUYERS – WHAT RETAILERS NEED TO KNOW
Best practices for engaging and educating new customers to create long-term relationships

HALF AN HOUR FOR A BETTER BUSINESS
In an industry where digital advertising is restricted, a well-optimised Google Business Profile is one of the simplest and most effective tools you can use to increase footfall, improve credibility, and get found by new customers, says Philip Montague

RANGE & COUNTRY SHOOTING SUPPLIES
Dave Barham asks the owner of his local airgun shop, Peter Rose of Range & Country Shooting Supplies, how it all began and how he has become so successful.

INSIDE THE LONDON PROOF HOUSE
In the first of a new series, Gun Trade Insider explores the history, role, and process of the London Proof House. Proof Master David Miles explains how this centuries-old institution continues to safeguard firearm standards and uphold British gunmaking traditions.

LEUPOLD’S LATEST OPTICS ARRIVE IN THE UK – EXCLUSIVE TO VIKING ARMS
Viking Arms is bringing Leupold’s latest generation of precision optics to UK retailers from late summer 2025, offering stockists a high-demand lineup of riflescopes, red dot sights, binoculars, and spotting scopes. With growing consumer interest in premium optics, these new releases provide an excellent opportunity for UK gun shops to expand their Leupold offering and meet the needs of hunters, competition shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts.

NEW YEAR, NEW KIT – SGC UNVEILS 2025’S MOST EXCITING FIREARMS & AIRGUNS
The start of the year is always a crucial time for the gun trade, with three of the industry’s biggest shows - SHOT Show, the British Shooting Show, and IWA - taking place before the end of March. These events give UK retailers a first look at the latest releases, and for Sportsman Gun Centre (SGC), this year has been no exception. With a strong line up of innovative new products, SGC continues to supply UK dealers with cutting-edge firearms and airguns that will drive demand in 2025.

FROM GBSS TO IWA, DAYSTATE’S HIGH-STAKES FEBRUARY
Daystate’s Tony Belas talks through the challenges of preparing for two of the industry’s biggest shows and launching the company’s most important new product, all within 11 days.

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Gun Trade Insider offers a detailed examination of the latest developments across various international markets.