5 mins
A MAJOR PLAYER
Dave Barham talks to David Player, owner of Bristol Airguns, to find out how it all began and what his future plans are
Dave Barham: How did you first get involved in the airgun industry, and how long have you been working in this field?
David Player: Thirteen years ago, I was running a pawnbroker when I decided to get a firearms licence to buy and sell second-hand airguns. What started as a side hustle quickly turned into a full-blown passion. I was hooked! By 2015, I’d fully transitioned from pawnbroking to founding Bristol Airguns.
It’s been a wild ride, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Airguns aren’t just a business for me, they’re much more than that. The shop is like my own personal collection that I’ve built up over the years, and I’m always excited to share that passion with our customers.
Back in the 1970s, I had an old break-barrel BSA and used to go shooting with my grandad. Those early days of plinking on the farm really sparked my love for airguns. It’s funny how things come full circle.
DB: I’ve heard rumours about you planning to run some competition shooting soon. Can you confirm your plans?
DP: Not quite, but we’ve got something equally exciting in the works. We hold quarterly open days at the range, which is part of the Bristol Activity Centre, where we partner with manufacturers and suppliers to give shooters the chance to try out the latest guns free of charge. It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to get hands-on experience and find the perfect fit for their needs.
If you haven’t been, I’d highly recommend it. The range is 110 yards long with 13 lanes, and they’re even adding an air pistol range soon. It’s just two minutes off the M5 at Cribbs Causeway, so it’s super easy to get to. For just £18, you get three hours of shooting in a heated, draft-free cabin, and if you become a member, it’s even cheaper. Plus, there’s food and drink on hand.
As for competition shooting, we’re working closely with suppliers to help increase imports of competition guns, which are famously hard to come by in the UK. We’re also in the process of launching a new section on our website dedicated entirely to them. This will make it easier for shooters to find exactly what they’re looking for, whether that’s match target pistols or high-end HFT rifles. We’re all about making shooting as accessible and enjoyable as possible.
DB: Does the shop cater to competition shooters in terms of gear and rifles?
DP: Rifles and pistols? Absolutely. Gear? Not so much, yet. We’re working on it. The biggest challenge we face is supply. Waiting times for precision airguns can be ridiculous, sometimes several months. It’s frustrating, but we’re working closely with distributors to improve availability. Our goal is to make Bristol Airguns the go-to place for competition shooters.
DB: What are the most significant changes you’ve observed in the British airgun market over the past decade?
DP: The shift to online retail has been huge, and we’re adapting by making our website as user-friendly as possible. What’s surprised me is how far our reach has grown. Almost half our clients this year are from outside Bristol. It just shows how connected the airgun community has become.
The market has also become more diverse. Whether you’re into plinking, pest control, or target shooting, there’s something for everyone. Technology has improved too, with PCP rifles becoming more efficient and user-friendly.
For us, it’s about keeping up with these changes while staying true to what we do best, helping people find the right kit. There’s always something new to discover in this industry, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
DB: Can you tell us about a particularly innovative airgun product you’ve encountered recently?
DP: I’m really impressed with the Fiery Deer Mono, Bi, and Tri Pods we’ve just got in stock. They’re perfect for both hunting and target shooting, offering stability whether you’re standing or seated. They’re incredibly easy to set up and are a must-have for any shooter’s kit. Whether you’re plinking in the backyard or out on a farm, these pods are a game-changer.
I also got chatting to the guys at PARD at the British Shooting Show and they have some really cool stuff coming out later this year – so keep an eye out for that.
DB: What challenges do you think the British airgun industry faces in terms of regulations and legislation?
DP: Right now, I don’t see any major changes on the horizon. The face-to-face selling and registration of airguns does a good job of keeping them out of the wrong hands. Personally, I think this regulation should be extended to crossbows, second-hand airguns and knives. It would make a big difference in reducing the number of these items being used for criminal purposes.
DB: What trends do you foresee in airgun technology and design?
DP: The future of airguns is looking incredibly exciting. We’re seeing advancements in PCP rifles that offer higher shot counts per fill, thanks to improved air storage and valve designs. Built-in silencers and refined baffle systems are making airguns quieter and more efficient, which is perfect for hunting.
I also think we’ll see more customisable options to suit individual shooters. And with AI on the rise, who knows what’s next? The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see where the industry goes.
DB: How do you think the British airgun industry compares to other countries, particularly in terms of quality and innovation?
DP: The British airgun industry is second to none when it comes to quality and innovation. Brands like BSA, Brocock, Daystate and Air Arms are known worldwide for their precision and craftsmanship. We might have stricter regulations than some countries, but that hasn’t stopped us from leading the way in PCP technology.
The US has a huge market with a mix of budget and high-end options. But I’d say British and German airguns dine at the top table. We’re respected globally for our engineering and performance.