Gun Trade Insider (GTI): Where do airguns fit in Scott Country International’s overall business plan, and which brands do you currently work with?
Paul Stewart (PS): The airgun market is a key part of our business strategy. As the UK’s leading retailer of thermal and night-vision optics, we’ve seen that the airgun market is one of the fastest-growing, technology-driven sectors.
Modern airgunners increasingly view thermal spotters and night-vision riflescopes as essential tools, and manufacturers now recognise this demand.
GTI: With so many night-vision optics brands available, what criteria do you use to select the ones you decide to work with?
PS: For us, it’s about ensuring airgunners get equipment truly designed for their needs, accommodating a large range of budgets. We don’t just stock products that can be adapted, we work closely with leading manufacturers on development, feedback and product inspiration.
That means helping to shape solutions that aren’t just “usable” for airgunners, but are actually inspired by and engineered specifically for the airgun sector.
GTI: What are the most significant trends you’re currently observing in the night-vision market, both in terms of technology and customer interest?
PS: One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is how advanced thermal and night-vision technology has become, not only in performance but also in affordability. Shooters can now pick up a digital day/night-vision scope for a price similar to a quality optical day scope, which has opened the door to a much wider audience. Customers are also more aware of the advantages this brings, from extended shooting hours to greater accuracy in challenging conditions.
The trend of moving away from traditional day optics to night vision is firmly underway for many airgunners, but there is now a shift to thermal imaging riflescopes with this technology becoming more affordable, and more suitable for the airgun market.
GTI: What are the biggest challenges facing the airgun retail sector right now, and how is Scott Country International adapting to overcome them?
PS: One of the main challenges is that thermal and night-vision technology can seem complex, with terms like NETD, sensor resolution and detection range often confusing buyers. While these systems have been widely adopted in sectors such as fox control and deer stalking, they’re still relatively new to many airgunners.
Our focus is on customer service, supplying the right products and assisting customers/ education on what’s right for them. We’re working hard to demystify the technology and show airgunners the real-world benefits. That means running live demonstration events, attending major exhibitions, investing in educating and informative social media content and welcoming visitors to our new showroom, so they can experience first-hand just how transformative this equipment can be.
GTI: How do you see the market for high-tech optics, such as thermal and night-vision scopes, evolving, and what are your customers’ most common questions about this technology?
PS: The market is evolving rapidly, with technology becoming more advanced, more compact and, importantly, more affordable. What was once reserved for professional users is now accessible to recreational shooters, and we expect that trend to continue. We’re already seeing optics that deliver higher resolution, longer detection ranges and improved low light performance—all in smaller, lighter packages that include features such as laser range finders and ballistic calculators.
The most common questions we get from customers are around understanding the technology: What’s the difference between thermal and digital night vision? What do terms like NETD and sensor size actually mean? How does this translate into performance in the field? Our role is to cut through the jargon and help shooters choose the right solution for their needs, ensuring they feel confident in their investment.
GTI: What are Scott Country International’s ambitions for its airgun offering in the next five years? Are there any new areas or brands you hope to explore?
PS: Our ambition is clear: to build the strongest range of airgun dedicated products on the market. We’re already seeing the leading brands responding to this demand, with dedicated solutions that perfectly match the needs of airgunners.
Products such as the HikMicro Alpex 4K Lite and the Pard NightStalker Mini are redefining the day/night-vision market, while the airgun inspired NocPix Bolt P25R thermal riflescope with ballistic LRF delivers stunning performance. On the handheld side, models like the Pulsar Axion XQ19 and the NocPix Lumi P13 offer lightweight, powerful spotting options ideal for airgun use.
It’s products like these that are driving the shift away from traditional day optics and firmly towards night-vision and thermal technology. Over the next five years, we’ll continue to lead that transition, working with the world’s biggest brands to ensure air gunners always have access to the most advanced, purpose-built solutions available and visiting trade exhibitions in the UK, US, Germany and so on, finding the latest innovative products.
With regards to new brands, Pixfra (distributed by Thomas Jacks) are rapidly growing and have some great new day and night-vision technology as well as thermal equipment, perfectly suited for the air gun market, so worth checking out.
GTI: Are there any current misconceptions about the airgun market (or even Scott Country International) that you would like to address here?
PS: A common misconception is that night vision and thermal technology is only for centre fire rifles or professional pest controllers. In reality, the airgun sector is now one of the most exciting growth areas for this technology, with dedicated products being developed specifically for it. Airgunners are embracing these solutions faster than ever, and the benefits, accuracy, confidence and capability are undeniable.
Another misconception is that Scott Country International is “just a retailer.” In truth, we work hand in hand with the world’s leading manufacturers, providing feedback, inspiration, and development input that directly shapes the next generation of optics. Our role isn’t simply to sell products, it’s to lead the market, educate shooters and make sure customers get the very best solutions and customer service available.
GET IN TOUCH
scottcountry.co.uk