UK GOVERNMENT FAST-TRACKS LEAD AMMO BANThe UK Government has confirmed plans to restrict the use of lead in ammunition, with legislation expected to be introduced by summer 2026. The measures, outlined by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), include strict limits on lead content in both shot and bullets, alongside a range of specific exemptions.

UK FIREARMS AND SHOTGUN CERTIFICATE NUMBERS CONTINUE TO DECLINEFULL STORY: PAGE 4 New Home Office

GTA SIGNS ARMED FORCES COVENANT IN SUPPORT OF THE UK MILITARY COMMUNITYFULL STORY: PAGE 8 The Gun Trade

SPORTSMAN TAKES ON UMAREX DISTRIBUTIONSGC outlines its plans to grow Umarex sales

INSIDE BILL BLACKER’S BARREL WORKSHOPCraftsmanship, tradition and precision from one of Britain’s

RFD NORTHEN IRELAND WINDSOR RULESWhat Registered Firearms Dealers need to know about

LEAD BAN MOVES A STEP CLOSERAmmunition makers face pressure as timelines tighten for

TESTING GUNS IN COMPETITION?Our expert, Laura Saunsbury, examines RFD rules around

KEY MARKETING TRICK TO U.S. BUYERSPhillip Montague explains how to stand out in

LEARNING FROM THE PAST, PREPARING FOR THE FUTUREThis month has reminded me just how important

THE NEWS IN NUMBERSPercentage decrease in shotgun licence numbers Registered firearms

UK FIREARMS AND SHOTGUN CERTIFICATE NUMBERS CONTINUE TO DECLINENew Home Office statistics reveal a downward trend in shotgun and firearms certificate holders, representing the lowest figure since comparable records began in 2016, with the UK also losing 94 registered firearms dealers in 12 months.

OLYMPIA AUCTIONS REINFORCES ANTIQUE ARMS TEAM WITH DAVID WILLIAMS APPOINTMENTOlympia Auctions has announced the appointment of David

THIMBLEBY SHOOTING GROUND STRENGTHENS TEAM AHEAD OF BUSY SUMMER SCHEDULEThimbleby Shooting Ground in North Yorkshire has expanded its team with the appointment of two new staff members as it prepares for a busy season of competitions, events and hospitality.

RIFLE SHOOTER MARKS 10 YEARS WITH PREMIUM ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAYSpecialist shooting magazine Rifle Shooter is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a reader competition offering a prize package worth over £3,700.

THE GUN TRADE ASSOCIATION SIGNS ARMED FORCES COVENANTThe Gun Trade Association (GTA) has become an

PREMIER GUNS CEASES TRADING, AS STORAGE AND STOCK ENQUIRIES ARE REDIRECTEDPremier Guns, the well-known gunroom and former operator

WHY THE GTA RFD COURSE IS A MUST-ATTEND FOR ASPIRING AND ESTABLISHED FIREARMS DEALERSAs the UK gun trade faces ever-evolving legislation and increased scrutiny, entering the sector as a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) is a decision that demands careful preparation. The Gun Trade Association (GTA) has recognised this need by establishing its comprehensive two-day RFD training course, an essential foundation for anyone planning to operate legally and effectively in the firearms trade.

VIKING ARMS DEFENCE RECEIVES 2025 ERS GOLD AWARD FOR ARMED FORCES SUPPORTViking Arms Defence has been awarded the Gold

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

HOW SGC PLANS TO POWER UMAREX’S GROWTH IN THE UKWith exclusive UK distribution of Umarex airguns and accessories now officially under the stewardship of the SGC Group, Gun Trade Insider takes a closer look at how the transition is being managed and what dealers can expect from this next chapter in the brand’s UK journey.

THE GREAT BRITISH SHOOTING SHOWSHOOTINGSHOW.CO.UK

THE BARREL WORK OF BILL BLACKER & SONSNestled within Britain’s tight-knit gun trade is a firm that exemplifies continuity, quality and craftsmanship: Bill Blacker & Sons. Specialising in high-end barrel making, rebarrelling and complex repair work, the company is a trusted name among makers and restorers of best guns, with a customer base that spans both UK shores and international markets. At its helm is Bill Blacker, a veteran of the trade who began his journey in 1976 and now runs the business with his two sons.

B&P

WINDSOR FRAMEWORK: WHAT RFDS NEED TO KNOWFrom 1 May 2025, new Government regulations under the Windsor Framework came into effect, introducing additional data requirements for businesses sending goods from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI). While the wider framework affects all parcel movements, for the firearms trade, the changes primarily apply to Registered Firearms Dealers (RFDs) engaging in business-to-business (B2B) or RFD-to-RFD shipments. Editor Rob Smith sat down with Paul Green, technical director at the Gun Trade Association (GTA), to clarify what these changes mean for the trade and how dealers can stay compliant while minimising disruption.

HOW CAN YOU ENSURE YOUR PRODUCTS WILL OUTPERFORM THE COMPETITION?Specialist firearms licensing solicitor Laura Saunsbury delves into the thorny question of whether it is legitimate for firearms dealers and their servants to test firearms in competitions under the authority of their RFD certificate.

LEAD BAN – PROBLEMS AHEAD?The lead ban on certain categories of ammunition has been moved forward. The industry believed they had five years to make the change, now they have three. Pau Bradley looks at the implications from an industry and user perspective, with the focus on rifle ammunition.

PROOFING IMPORTED FIREARMS: WHAT UK DEALERS NEED TO KNOWWith the majority of sporting guns sold in the UK now sourced from overseas, the proofing of imported firearms is a crucial step in ensuring legal compliance and safety for dealers and the end user. To better understand the process and how it affects dealers and importers, Gun Trade Insider s poke with David Miles, proof master at the London Proof House.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR LOCAL MARKET: DATA-DRIVEN RETAIL FOR RFDSA deeper understanding of who your customers are, where they come from, and what they want can give any firearms retailer a sharper competitive edge. In this edition of Retailer Workshop, we explore how local data, combined with on-the-ground engagement, can shape a smarter retail strategy.

USING DIGITAL MARKETING TO CONNECT WITH AMERICAN CUSTOMERSSelling into the U.S. can feel like heading out on a big stalk without a map. You’ve got the right kit and you know how to shoot, but if you don’t know the lay of the land, a successful shot is blind luck, says Phillip Montague.

TEG PRESERVES TRADITION WHILE EMBRACING 21ST-CENTURY TOOLSTraditional English Guncases explains how 3D printing is bringing artisanal trade into the 21st century

SAM HAWKSWORTH ON THE UK AIRGUN TRADEGun Trade Insider talks to Sam Hawksworth, sales manager at Hull Cartridge, the exclusive UK importer of Weihrauch airguns since 1977, for his views on the trade

BEHIND STEEL ACTION’S UK ROLLOUTGerman engineering, UK ambition. That’s the formula driving the quiet but deliberate arrival of Steel Action rifles into the British market, spearheaded by sole UK importer Alistair Harkness.

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