APRIL RELEASES SHOW STRONG MOMENTUM FOR SGC BRANDS

April has brought a wave of new product launches from SGC’s key brands, proving that innovation doesn’t stop after Q1. With fresh arrivals across optics, lever-action rifles, and advanced airguns, retailers have new opportunities to engage customers and drive sales this spring.

ELEMENT OPTICS EXPANDS

WITH IRIS SFP RANGE

Gun maintenance is an unavoidable task for every shooter and offering the right cleaning products can help increase both transaction values and customer loyalty. Tipton Gun Care is a fast-growing brand in the UK, known for its innovative and high-quality gun cleaning solutions. With a broad range of cleaning accessories, Tipton products provide everything needed to keep firearms in top condition.

Element Optics has responded to dealer demand for an affordable, entry-level hunting scope with the launch of the new IRIS range. Designed to meet the needs of budget-conscious shooters, the IRIS models aim to deliver core functionality and reliability at a highly accessible price point.

Two models are available: the IRIS 3–9x40 SFP and the IRIS 4–12x44 SFP. Both are built on a one-inch tube and fitted with multi-coated lenses for improved clarity. Adjustments are generous, with 80 MOA of travel on both windage and elevation, and capped turrets to help keep internals protected in the field.

Parallax is fixed at 100 yards – a suitable configuration for general-purpose hunting. The reticle options follow a clean and simple format: the 3–9x40 model features a duplex reticle, while the 4–12x44 is supplied with Element’s Raptr-1S reticle. Both offer a clear field of view and click values of ¼ MOA.

In terms of build quality, both scopes are nitrogen purged and designed to be waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. As with other models in the Element Optics line-up, the IRIS range is covered by the company’s Platinum Warranty.

• IRIS 3–9x40 SFP – RRP: £135.99

• IRIS 4–12x44 SFP – RRP: £135.99

These models are well suited for rifle packages or for customers seeking an upgrade from basic optics without a high spend. Their arrival supports the value-focused end of the optics market at a time when many consumers are keeping a close eye on affordability.

FX LAUNCHES

LEOPARD BULLPUP AIR RIFLE

Having made its first appearance at IWA 2024, the FX Leopard has now officially launched, with initial UK deliveries beginning in April. The new bullpup air rifle introduces a blend of cutting-edge design and high-end features, and is expected to generate strong interest in both FAC and sub-12 ft/lb configurations.

The Leopard is offered in two core configurations — tube and bottle — with each designed to suit different types of shooter. Common features across all models include an over-barrel air cylinder, a 54cc plenum (FAC versions), AMP MKII regulator, FX’s Quick Tune system, a two-stage adjustable trigger and an AR-style pistol grip.

The bottle version increases air capacity significantly, offering 510cc in Compact form and 890cc in Sniper format. This translates to high shot counts, with some FAC combinations achieving up to 400 shots per fill. Three barrel lengths are available: 500mm (Compact), 600mm (Standard) and 700mm (Sniper).

The tube variant offers a lighter, more streamlined design. It includes an Arca rail and barricade stop on the longer configurations, with the Compact version weighing just 3.46kg. Both variants are available in .177, .22, .25 and .30 calibre for FAC users, and in .177 and .22 for 12 ft/lb versions.

• Calibres: .177 / .22 (Sub 12 ft/ lb and FT)

• Calibres: .177 / .22 / .25 / .30 (FAC)

• RRP: £1,271.99 – £1,725.99

The Leopard signals FX’s continued ambition to lead in technical innovation within the airgun sector, while offering options that appeal to both target shooters and field users.

SMITH & WESSON LEVER-ACTION RANGE

GROWS WITH NEW CALIBRE

April also brings an important update to the Smith & Wesson Model 1854, an underlever rifle line that blends traditional cowboy aesthetics with modern enhancements. The latest addition is a .45-70 Government calibre option, expanding the platform’s appeal among UK shooters interested in heavier loads for range or collector use.

The Model 1854 is available in three main variants: Traditional Walnut, Synthetic Stainless and the modernised Stealth Hunter. All versions now come fitted with a Picatinny optics rail and a threaded barrel as standard. Calibre options across the range include .357 Magnum/.38 Special, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt and now .45-70 GOV’T, though availability varies by model.

Traditional options feature 20-inch barrels, open sights and 6+1 to 10+1 magazine capacities, depending on calibre. Meanwhile, the Stealth Hunter brings a more tactical look with a shortened 16.3-inch barrel, synthetic furniture and an M-Lok aluminium forend allowing accessory fitment. Magazine capacity on this variant is 8+1.

These rifles are popular with shooters who value heritage-style firearms with modern usability. Their lever-action cycling and classic silhouette have helped establish the Model 1854 as a recognisable option in an otherwise niche category.

• Model 1854 Traditional Walnut – Calibres: .357 Mag / .44 Mag / .45 Colt /.45-70 GOV’T

• RRP: £1,933.99/£2,059.99

• Model 1854 Synthetic Stainless – Calibres: .357 Mag / .44 Mag / .45 Colt /.45-70 GOV’T

• RRP: £1,770.99/£1,921.99

• Model 1854 Stealth Hunter – Calibres: .357 Mag / .44 Mag / .45 Colt

• 1854 Stealth Hunter: RRP: £1933.99

LOOKING AHEAD

These April releases underscore the diversity within SGC’s brand portfolio - from affordable optics to heritage-style lever actions and next-generation air rifles. For retailers, each of these products presents an opportunity to generate fresh interest on the shop floor, drive footfall and offer something new across a range of budgets and disciplines.

As the spring-summer period progresses, more product announcements are expected and Gun Trade Insider will continue to track key developments across the trade.

UK DISTRIBUTOR

• SGC • 01392354870

• trade@sportsmanguncentre.com

• www.sgctrade.co.uk