SPRING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE TRADE

Traditionally regarded as the “off season” among game shooters, the spring months can still present valuable opportunities for the trade—particularly for retailers willing to diversify their offering. In this article, Gun Trade Insider highlights several products from the SGC stable that can help drive sales during quieter months.

With the Essex Masters recently concluded, the clay shooting season is now well underway. As conditions improve and participation increases, this is an ideal time for retailers to ensure they have a solid selection of competition shotguns available. Offering a range of options across different price points allows dealers to appeal to both newcomers and experienced clay shooters.

One popular option is the ATA Pro 12 Competition, with this year’s Black Edition expected to attract strong interest. Featuring a Grade 5 stock and a striking satin / matte black action, the model offers impressive styling and specification for its price point, retailing from just £1,199.99.

Moving further up the market, Benelli continues to push innovation within the over-and-under category. The Benelli 828U Sport A.I incorporates the company’s Advanced Impact barrel technology, designed to enhance performance, and increases the guns effective range. Capable of breaking clays at distances beyond 100 metres, the system retains velocity, improves penetration, and allows steel shot to be used through all chokes, with results comparable to lead. By retaining more energy downrange and maintaining higher pellet speeds at greater distances, the platform is engineered to deliver cleaner breaks and improve consistency on longer targets.

Beyond clay shooting, rimfire rifles and airguns typically see strong demand during the spring months. Increasing vermin populations, combined with improved weather encourages more outdoor shooting, often driving sales in this category.

At the premium end of the airgun market, rifles such as the FX DRS and FX Impact M4 remain popular choices for shooters seeking high levels of performance and adjustability. At the more accessible end of the scale, budget-friendly options like the Hatsan 900X Breaker Combo continue to perform strongly with entry-level shooters.

For those looking to stretch their distances, CZ’s 457 rimfire series offers a versatile range of rifles. Models are available in several configurations, from the durable and affordable 457 Synthetic at £639.99 RRP to the precision-focused 457 LRP II at £1,386.99 RRP. One model expected to prove particularly popular this season is the lightweight 457 Ergo, which features an excellent thumbhole stock and retails at just £753.99.

Another brand worth considering in the rimfire category is Hammerli. The Hammerli Force B1 is a highly adaptable multi-calibre rimfire rifle featuring a straight-pull system, Picatinny optics rail, M-Lok forend and a fully adjustable stock. Compatibility with Ruger 10/22 magazines and trigger components also opens the platform up to a wide range of aftermarket customisations. If Semi-Autos are more appealing to your clientele Hammerli also offer the Tac R1, an AR style rifle with m-lok forend and adjustable stock.

As fox activity increases during the spring months, particularly as farmers and gamekeepers begin rearing young birds, interest in smaller centrefire calibres also tends to rise. For retailers looking to meet this demand, the Benelli Lupo represents a strong choice. The Lupo Granite Moss, retailing from £999.99 is an option that offers an attractive price tag along with an amazing specification. Features include sub-MOA accuracy, a fully adjustable trigger, factory-threaded barrel and interchangeable comb system. In short the Granite Moss combines strong performance with class leading value.

Air pistols also see renewed interest as the weather improves. Umarex remains a major player in this segment, well known for its replica CO₂ pistols as well as a growing range of sub-12 ft/lb air rifles. Popular models include the Beretta Mod 92 FS and the Smith & Wesson 629 revolver, while those looking for more dedicated target shooting options may wish to consider the new Umarex SPA series.

Within the air rifle range, the Prymex kit provides an accessible entry point for younger shooters. Supplied with a break-barrel action, 4x32 scope and 100 pellets, it offers an affordable and ready-to-shoot introduction to the sport.

For retailers, spring can represent a move rather than a slowdown in demand. By adapting product ranges to reflect seasonal shooting activities—from clay guns and rimfires to centrefires and airguns—dealers can take advantage of new opportunities and maintain steady sales momentum.

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