GOVERNMENT STALLS ON LEAD SHOT DECISION AS SHOOTING SECTOR’S VOLUNTARY PLEDGE FAILSA voluntary pledge made by UK shooting organisations in 2020 to phase out lead shot in favour of non-toxic alternatives by 2025 has failed, according to research funded by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

DEALING WITH PROHIBITED PERSONSLaura Saunsbury examines firearms prohibition rules and

RANGE & COUNTRY SUCCESS STORYDave Barham interviews Peter Rose on building a

THE SUCCESS OF THE BRITISH SHOOTING SHOWAfter speaking with exhibitors at this year’s British

THE NEWS IN NUMBERSThe year Russell Wilkin, who sadly passed away

GEOFF NORMAN JOINS PERAZZI UK UNDER SGC GROUPThe SGC Group has announced the appointment of

SGC TRADEbenelli.it sgctrade.co.uk

GUN TRADE MOURNS THE LOSS OF INDUSTRY FIGURE RUSSELL WILKINThe gun trade has lost one of its

HIGHLANDER GROUP EXPANDS EXPORT TEAM WITH NEW GLOBAL KEY ACCOUNT MANAGERHighlander Group has announced the expansion of its

SPORTING GUN MAGAZINE UNVEILS FRESH NEW LOOK FOLLOWING REDESIGNSporting Gun , one of the UK’s leading

UK DEFENCE CHIEFS LOOK TO AIRSOFT INDUSTRY FOR RECRUITMENT BOOSTIMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK - ALEX SEGRE The Ministry of

CRIEFF HYDRO SECURES APPROVAL FOR CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING RANGE WITH NOISE RESTRICTIONSCrieff Hydro, located in Perthshire, Scotland, is set

UK RETAILERS FACE UNCERTAINTY AS GOVERNMENT REVIEWS CROSSBOW LAWSFollowing the tragic murders of Carol, Louise, and

OUTLAWED GUNS SURRENDERED TO LANCASHIRE POLICE DURING NATIONAL FIREARMS AMNESTYLancashire Police has removed four blank-firing guns from

IWA OUTDOORCLASSICS 2025 REPORTThis year’s IWA OutdoorClassics saw a shift towards a more business-driven format, with organisers limiting non-trade visitors to enhance the quality of exhibitor interactions. While the broader industry grapples with an increasingly demanding trade show calendar, IWA reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone event, with strong exhibitor confidence and early bookings for 2026 reflecting its enduring relevance in the global firearms and outdoor sectors.

GUN TRADE JOBSMEA OPUS -SECURE YOUR PERFECT FUTURE POSITION -REGISTER AT MEAOPUS.CO.UK

EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR GUN SHOPS: A RETAILER’S GUIDE TO KEY EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATES FOR 2025In recent years, the debate surrounding the regulation of blank firing firearms Turkish-manufactured top-venting blank firers (TVBF) in the United Kingdom has intensified. Cheap to import, they are said to be readily (and cheaply) convertible to fire live ammunition making them desirable to acquire for on the black market

SGC TRADEWWW.SGCTRADE.CO.UK

CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT THE GTAAfter seven years at the helm of the Gun Trade Association, Simon West signs off with a reflection on the GTA’s enduring role in defending and supporting the industry. In this final column, he passes the baton to incoming Executive Director Stephen Jolly – and shares his thanks, optimism, and encouragement for the Trade’s future.

AM I DEALING WITH A ‘PROHIBITED PERSON’?Most in the trade will be familiar with this term, but could you actually explain to your customers exactly what it means, and satisf y yourself it does not apply to them? Specialist firearms licensing solicitor Laura Saunsbur y digs into the detail of the firearms prohibition rules.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF BRASS IN SHOOTING PERFORMANCEThere is a lot of discussion among shooters regarding what makes good brass. With so many options on the marketplace we are spoilt for choice. Here, Paul Bradley will discuss what he has found to be beneficial and where we may be able to save some money.

STEPHEN JOLLY TAKES AIM AT A STRONGER FUTURE FOR THE GUN TRADEGun Trade Insider sat down with newly appointed Gun Trade Association executive director Stephen Jolly to discuss his priorities for the role, how he plans to support the trade through challenging times, and why he believes the future of the industry depends on a strong, focused voice.

SELLING TO FIRST-TIME GUN BUYERS – WHAT RETAILERS NEED TO KNOWBest practices for engaging and educating new customers to create long-term relationships

HALF AN HOUR FOR A BETTER BUSINESSIn an industry where digital advertising is restricted, a well-optimised Google Business Profile is one of the simplest and most effective tools you can use to increase footfall, improve credibility, and get found by new customers, says Philip Montague

RANGE & COUNTRY SHOOTING SUPPLIESDave Barham asks the owner of his local airgun shop, Peter Rose of Range & Country Shooting Supplies, how it all began and how he has become so successful.

INSIDE THE LONDON PROOF HOUSEIn the first of a new series, Gun Trade Insider explores the history, role, and process of the London Proof House. Proof Master David Miles explains how this centuries-old institution continues to safeguard firearm standards and uphold British gunmaking traditions.

LEUPOLD’S LATEST OPTICS ARRIVE IN THE UK – EXCLUSIVE TO VIKING ARMSViking Arms is bringing Leupold’s latest generation of precision optics to UK retailers from late summer 2025, offering stockists a high-demand lineup of riflescopes, red dot sights, binoculars, and spotting scopes. With growing consumer interest in premium optics, these new releases provide an excellent opportunity for UK gun shops to expand their Leupold offering and meet the needs of hunters, competition shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts.

NEW YEAR, NEW KIT – SGC UNVEILS 2025’S MOST EXCITING FIREARMS & AIRGUNSThe start of the year is always a crucial time for the gun trade, with three of the industry’s biggest shows - SHOT Show, the British Shooting Show, and IWA - taking place before the end of March. These events give UK retailers a first look at the latest releases, and for Sportsman Gun Centre (SGC), this year has been no exception. With a strong line up of innovative new products, SGC continues to supply UK dealers with cutting-edge firearms and airguns that will drive demand in 2025.

FROM GBSS TO IWA, DAYSTATE’S HIGH-STAKES FEBRUARYDaystate’s Tony Belas talks through the challenges of preparing for two of the industry’s biggest shows and launching the company’s most important new product, all within 11 days.

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVEGun Trade Insider offers a detailed examination of the latest developments across various international markets.