Gun Trade Insider (GTI): How did you first get involved with the airgun industry, and what attracted you to this field?
Sam Hawksworth (SH): I’m not originally from a shooting family, so when I joined Hull Cartridge Company, I had never actually shot before. I was drawn to the company’s heritage, it’s a family business that was established in 1947 and is still run by the third and fourth generations of shooters. I saw it as a great opportunity to work within the sports industry, and so it proved. That was 18 years ago, and I now enjoy all forms of shooting.
GTI: What are the most significant changes you’ve observed in the British airgun marketplace over the last decade?
SH: The biggest change has been the vast increase in product choice available in the UK. More brands are being imported, often at a lower price point, and sometimes lower in quality. Weihrauch rifles, by contrast, which have been exclusively imported by Hull since 1977, are known for their outstanding build quality. Every gun is hand-assembled in Germany, from the entry-level HW30 to the top-of-the-range HW100, so you always know you’re buying a rifle built to last a lifetime.
GTI: Can you tell us about a particularly innovative product you’ve encountered recently?
SH: We’re working on a highly anticipated project due to launch in 2025, but I can’t say more at this stage, unfortunately. Speaking historically, and rewinding to 2016, it has to be when Weihrauch launched the HW110 PCP air rifle, followed in 2017 by the HW44 PCP pistol, based on the same action. It features a 10-shot magazine, 5.8 ft/lb power, and a built-in 200-bar air reservoir with a quick-fill probe. There really is nothing else like it in the pistol world.
GTI: How has the growing emphasis on environmental concerns affected airgun manufacturing and design?
SH: At the time of writing there are no proposed restrictions on lead use in airgun pellets. As the official UK importer for Weihrauch, we work closely with their German facility in Mellrichstadt. Like Hull Cartridge, Weihrauch is a family-owned business that prioritises responsible sourcing, manufacturing and customer care. The use of high-quality, durable parts ensures the longevity and generational use of each rifle.
GTI: What challenges does the British airgun industry face in terms of regulations and legislation?
SH: Airguns have historically been accessible in the UK without a licence, and there are millions in circulation. Scotland introduced a licensing scheme, but the rest of the UK continues without one. The shooting public understands their responsibilities, and we hope this sensible approach continues.
GTI: How do you see the role of social media and online communities shaping the airgun market?
SH: Our entire industry is often scrutinised by those unfamiliar with the conservation and economic contributions of shooting sports. Used responsibly, social media is a powerful tool for promoting a positive image of field sports and encouraging understanding.
GTI: What trends do you foresee in airgun technology and design over the next five years?
SH: We value feedback from customers, retailers, and the trade, and we relay this to Weihrauch HQ for consideration in future designs. Technologically speaking, Weihrauch continues to invest in state-of-the-art machinery to tighten tolerances, improve production and boost accuracy.
GTI: How does the British airgun industry compare to those in other countries, particularly when thinking in terms of quality and innovation?
SH: Weihrauch is synonymous with precision German engineering. The quality, consistency and performance of its rifles are exceptional. Our bestselling model, the HW100, launched back in 2003 and regularly updated since, remains a benchmark PCP in the UK.
GTI: What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in the airgun industry?
SH: You have to know and use the products. This is a hobbyist and sporting industry, so you really need to shoot in your spare time -but it’s hardly a chore, is it?
GTI: What role do airguns play in introducing newcomers to shooting sports, and how can the industry encourage more participation?
SH: Most game shooters began with airguns in their youth. It’s a highly accessible entry point. We’ve just launched the HW30 Junior, shorter stock, lighter, easy to cock and lower power at around 4 ft/lb, it’s the perfect beginner’s rifle for the next generation of airgun shooters.