VIKING ARMS ANNOUNCES KEY 2025 SHOOTING EVENTS FOR DEALERS AND CUSTOMERS

Viking Arms is backing two standout events for 2025 that promise to deliver opportunities for both competitive shooters and retail partners. With the return of the Castellani Cup at Barbury Shooting Ground and free batch testing at Bisley in partnership with Lapua, the Yorkshire-based distributor is once again investing in grassroots engagement and product excellence.

CASTELLANI CUP 2025 RETURNS TO BARBURY

Following a sell-out debut in 2024, the Castellani Cup will return to Barbury Shooting Ground, Wiltshire, for a two-day competition on 19–20 September 2025.

Last year’s event, held on 9 October, saw top-level performances from across the UK clay shooting community. A challenging 100bird sporting layout, designed by awardwinning course setter Josh Brown, set the tone for a highly competitive day. Phil Smith and Olympic gold medallist Richard Faulds tied for High Gun with 94/100, closely followed by Dean Horswell on 93/100.

The 2025 event is expected to be even more ambitious, featuring another 100-bird course and one of the strongest prize funds in its category. Seasoned competitors and emerging talent alike are invited to take part.

With the Castellani brand gaining visibility in the UK through Viking Arms, the event is also a valuable opportunity for retailers. Viking dealers are encouraged to promote the competition in-store and online to drive footfall and reinforce the link between Castellani gear and top-tier performance. POS materials, social media content and brand support can all be sourced through Viking’s trade team.

Pre-registration is now open: https://blog.castellaniuk.uk/castellanicup-2025-pre-register

For more details, contact Huw at Barbury Shoot:

E: huw@barburyshoot.com

LAPUA BATCH TESTING RETURNS TO BISLEY

Viking Arms will also co-host a free batch testing event at Bisley Shooting Ground from 8–11 May 2025 in partnership with Lapua and the National Small-bore Rifle Association

(NSRA). The event gives shooters the opportunity to test multiple batches of Lapua Midas+ – a leading choice in precision rimfire ammunition – and select the lot that delivers the best performance in their rifle.

Batch testing is a vital process for competitive rimfire shooters. Even high-grade ammunition can vary slightly between lots, and selecting the optimal batch can improve group size and consistency. Attendees will receive expert support, have access to immediate feedback and can reserve their chosen batch on-site for future purchase.

This event also offers real value to dealers. Retailers stocking Lapua products can use the event to gain deeper insight into what competitive shooters are looking for and tailor their inventory accordingly. With ammunition demand increasingly driven by proven performance and reliability, the ability to recommend specific batches with confidence can be a real differentiator in store.

Retailers are also encouraged to invite competitive customers to attend the event and share the booking details locally. Doing so strengthens customer relationships and positions the store as a knowledgeable destination for precision shooting.

To book a place, contact NSRA Reception:

T: 01483 485522

E: reception@nsra.co.uk

RETAIL ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Both events underline Viking Arms’ ongoing commitment to working with retailers to support UK shooting sports. Whether through stocking high-performance gear or helping customers connect with competitive opportunities, dealers have a key role to play.

Viking’s trade team can assist with in-store promotional materials for both events, and dealers are encouraged to reach out early to plan how they can get involved - whether through point-of-sale, social media campaigns or local club partnerships.