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.

Dave Barham (DB): How did you first get involved in the airgun industry, and how long have you been working in this field?

Peter Rose (PR): In 2013 I was completely bored of working for someone else. My partner had a back room in her high street shop with a separate entrance, and I thought of turning it into a gunshop. There had been a gunshop in Sleaford for over 40 years, but it had recently closed. I figured if the town had supported one for so long, there was enough business for another. We started small, selling shotguns, rifles, and airguns, treating customers as we would want to be treated.

DB: I know that you also have an excellent club range. Are there any plans to expand?

PR: When we built our airgun range in 2018, I had a vision. I wanted a quality facility with individual ambidextrous shooting benches, knockdowns, spinners, and quality-made target holders for each lane.

This year, we’re moving our shop to the range, allowing us to open more days a week. Customers will also get a free session on our range when they buy a gun. After visiting a bell target shooting session in a Lincolnshire town, we’d like to set up our own bell target range in the future.

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

PR: We’ve seen many new brands enter the UK market, particularly from Eastern Europe, Turkey, and China, giving airgunners far more choices. It’s no longer just Air Arms, BSA, Daystate, or Weihrauch.

There’s now such a range of quality airguns that choosing just one can be difficult. More competition is great for consumers, offering different styles like tactical designs, synthetic stocks, and bullpup rifles.

DB: Have you come across any particularly innovative airgun products recently?

PR: Modern chronographs are now portable and affordable, helping shooters stay within legal limits and monitor their airgun’s health. Gone are the days of using the Yellow Pages as a power gauge!

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

PR: Some manufacturers have created lead-free pellets, though results have been mixed. Awareness is growing, though, and shooting clubs are trying to contain lead more effectively. We recently had a new target holder designed to help with this.

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

PR: Scotland’s airgun licensing has had a major impact. Before its introduction, many people sold their airguns to avoid the process. English and Welsh airgunners need to be mindful that bad press could lead to further restrictions.

DB: What role do social media and online communities play in shaping the airgun market?

PR: Social media is a fantastic way to connect people, offering a space to ask for advice and share experiences. However, platforms can be unpredictable – users risk bans simply for posting legal UK guns.

Online forums are a great meeting place, but caution is needed. People often come in saying they read something negative about a certain airgun, but it’s usually a small minority with issues. The vast majority of users are happy, but they don’t always speak up.

YouTube is another great tool, allowing us to connect with customers who can’t visit us in person. Our Range and Country Airguns channel is proving very popular for this.

DB: What trends do you foresee in airgun technology and design?

PR: More electronic airguns are hitting the UK market, including one from America that talks to the user! I’m not a fan – when I’m shooting, I prefer peace and quiet. I also expect manufacturers to focus more on weight reduction, as many UK shooters are older and prefer lighter rifles.

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

PR: Some British manufacturers are less innovative, relying on established designs. Meanwhile, companies from Eastern Europe, China, and Turkey are constantly releasing new models, and there are some excellent imports available.

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

PR: Work hard and offer excellent customer service. Many times I’ve questioned whether all the late nights were worth it, but we have fantastic customers who make it all worthwhile.

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

PR: Airgun shooting is accessible and affordable, making it a great introduction to the sport. Modern guns are accurate, and it’s easy for beginners to hit targets early on, which is key to keeping them engaged. Seeing that first “ping” or a tight shot group can be a real confidence boost, and that smile it brings is irreplaceable.