TWO DAYS OF ACTION, ENERGY AND EXCEPTIONAL HOSPITALITY
Over two adrenaline-packed days, more than 140 trade guests experienced the kind of hospitality and facilities that only Eaton Hall can provide. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, many described it as “the best shooting ground they’ve ever visited,” while others went further, calling it “one of the world’s best.”
SGC managing director Gary Lamburn said:
“The UK industry is extremely fortunate to have such a forward-thinking and accommodating ground as Eaton Hall. Amy, Sid, Clive and the team have been phenomenal, nothing was too much trouble. What a company!”
HANDS-ON, NOT POWERPOINT
From the outset, SGC and Benelli were clear, this would be a hands-on event, focused on testing, shooting and experiencing the latest Benelli innovations first-hand. Across three challenging courses and more than 180 clays, participants pushed themselves and their equipment to the limit.
Guests also had the rare opportunity to test their accuracy on the 100m and 200m rifle ranges, adding another layer of excitement to an already action-packed itinerary.
THE A.I. BARREL STEALS THE SHOW
The centrepiece of the event was the new Benelli Advanced Impact (A.I.) Barrel, which proved to be the star of the show. Despite challenging weather, squads achieved consistent hits at 70m and 80m, while more than half managed to connect with 90m and even 100m targets. It was a striking demonstration of both shooter skill and Benelli’s cutting-edge engineering, proof that the A.I. Barrel shoots further, hits harder and carries more energy downrange than anything else on the market.
FAST AND FURIOUS FUN
Away from the main challenge, the Rabbit Flurry delivered fast-paced, high-energy competition. Armed with Benelli M2 Speed 10-shot semi-autos, teams had less than three minutes to take down 50 clays. The top score of 47 reflected both teamwork and precision in a blur of noise, laughter and adrenaline.
PRECISION UNDER PRESSURE
The Rapid Fire Challenge provided a serious test of marksmanship, supported by the expert L.R.T. team. Shooters fired 10 rounds, five at 100m and five at 200m, as quickly as possible. The Benelli Lupo rifles delivered flawless performance, maintaining pinpoint accuracy under pressure. The best shooters managed five shots in under ten seconds, a remarkable display of control and consistency.
A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
Between competitions, guests enjoyed trying a range of Benelli shotguns, from classic 12-gauge over-and-unders to lightweight 20 and 28-gauge semi-autos, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for reliability and balance. Eaton Hall’s hospitality stood out with an excellent buffet breakfast, a relaxed lunch, and an unforgettable finale: a trick-shooting display by world record holder Davide De Carolis, complete with a pyrotechnic finish that left the crowd cheering.
“It was fantastic to bring so many people from the trade together in one place,” said Gary Lamburn. “Seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones was amazing. Seeing is believing and we hope everyone now understands why we’re so passionate about the incredible technologies Benelli is developing.”
A NEW BENCHMARK FOR TRADE EVENTS
From start to finish, the A.I. Challenge Tour was a celebration of innovation, precision and camaraderie. With record attendance, world-class facilities and an unbeatable atmosphere, SGC, Benelli and Eaton Hall have raised the bar for UK trade events, setting a benchmark that will be hard to beat.
GET IN TOUCH
SGC 01392354870
trade@sportsmanguncentre.com
www.sgctrade.co.uk