Gun Trade Insider - May 2025

In this edition


TRUMP TARIFFS BRING UNCERTAINTY TO UK MARKETSweeping trade tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump during his second term in office have sent shockwaves through the firearms trade. The measures include duties of up to 145 percent on Chinese goods and a blanket 10 percent tariff on imports from most other countries, with a temporary 90-day suspension granted to selected nations.
SELLING AMMUNITION LEGALLY EXPLAINEDBrabners explain legal responsibilities for retail ammunition sales
DECODING AMMUNITION BOX LABELS IN DETAILPaul Bradley breaks down box labels for better
TWELVE MONTHS IN, AND THE TRADE KEEPS MOVINGWhen Gun Trade Insider launched one year ago,
THE NEWS IN NUMBERSCurrent percentage tariff on UK firearms-related imports into
GUN TRADE INSIDER CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF TRADE-FOCUSED JOURNALISMGun Trade Insider ( GTI ) has marked
LYALVALE EXPRESS LOOKS TO TAKE SHOOTING TO A NEW AUDIENCE AT NATIONAL OUTDOOR EXPOWith the number of active shotgun certificates currently
WILDFOWLERS “SINGLED OUT” AT LOUGH NEAGHThe wildfowling community in Northern Ireland has expressed
THE STALKING SHOW HIGHLIGHTS HUNTING HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABILITYSince its launch in 2019, The Stalking Show
BURNING RESTRICTIONS RAISE RURAL TRADE CONCERNSIMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK - JOE H TAYLOR The UK
TRAIL HUNTING BAN COULD COME LATER THIS YEARDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs minister
Avian flu licensing changes raise fears of rural disruptionNew government measures aimed at controlling avian influenza
HIGHLAND OUTDOORS APPOINTS CHRIS DALTON AS BRAND AMBASSADORHighland Outdoors has announced the appointment of Chris
POINT BLANK OPENS THIRD SITE AS INTEREST IN SHOOTING-BASED LEISURE GROWSPoint Blank Shooting has opened a new venue
VIKING ARMS ANNOUNCES KEY 2025 SHOOTING EVENTS FOR DEALERS AND CUSTOMERSViking Arms is backing two standout events for 2025 that promise to deliver opportunities for both competitive shooters and retail partners. With the return of the Castellani Cup at Barbury Shooting Ground and free batch testing at Bisley in partnership with Lapua, the Yorkshire-based distributor is once again investing in grassroots engagement and product excellence.
FORRES SMALLBORE RIFLE AND PISTOL CLUB LAUNCHES £100,000 CAMPAIGN FOR NEW RANGE AND CLUBHOUSEForres Smallbore Rifle and Pistol Club (FSRPC), a
GUN TRADE JOBSMEA OPUS -SECURE YOUR PERFECT FUTURE POSITION -REGISTER AT MEAOPUS.CO.UK
SELLING AMMUNITIONThe Brabners team take a detailed look at the legal aspects of ammunition sales, including storage and purchase requirements.
TRADE UNCERTAINTY, HOW US TARIFFS ARE AFFECTING PARTS OF THE UK GUN INDUSTRYNew US import tariffs are shaking confidence within sections of the UK gun trade. Stephen Jolly, executive director of the Gun Trade Association, outlines the growing impact on manufacturers, exporters and specialist suppliers - and why clarity in trade policy is needed urgently.
FURTHER PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE STATUTORY GUIDANCEBarrister and firearms licensing expert Nick Doherty examines the latest draft revisions to the Statutory Guidance on firearms licensing, highlighting proposed changes that signal a tightening of procedures around suitability assessments, home visits, referees and medical evidence.
WHAT THE WRITING ON YOUR AMMUNITION BOX REALLY MEANSBallistics expert Paul Bradley explains how to interpret the information on ammunition boxes – helping retailers guide customers more confidently and avoid common misunderstandings at the counter.
BUILDING STRONG DISTRIBUTOR RELATIONSHIPS TO SECURE BETTER DEALSIn a competitive retail market, the strength of your relationships with distributors can make or break your business. By fostering partnerships built on trust, clear communication, and mutual benefit, retailers can secure better pricing, exclusive products, and reliable stock. In this article, we explore how hunting and shooting retailers can create long-lasting, profitable distributor relationships to gain a competitive edge and ensure business success.
WHAT IS A CRM, AND DO YOU REALLY NEED ONE? (Spoiler: yes, you probably do)If your gun shop or shooting ground has ever lost track of a customer, missed a follow-up or forgotten a key booking, a CRM system could be the simplest way to raise your game. Philip Montague explains what a CRM really is, how it works and why even small businesses in the trade can benefit.
A MAJOR PLAYERDave Barham talks to David Player, owner of Bristol Airguns, to find out how it all began and what his future plans are
PARD UK OPENS TO STRENGTHEN DEALER SUPPORT AND PRODUCT ACCESSThermal and night vision specialist PARD has established a dedicated UK subsidiary to better serve the British market and ensure retailers have direct access to its full product range and support services. Gun Trade Insider (GTI) caught up with Mark Swift, who is heading up the operation, to find out more.
APRIL RELEASES SHOW STRONG MOMENTUM FOR SGC BRANDSApril has brought a wave of new product launches from SGC’s key brands, proving that innovation doesn’t stop after Q1. With fresh arrivals across optics, lever-action rifles, and advanced airguns, retailers have new opportunities to engage customers and drive sales this spring.
DYNAMIC PRECISIONMark Camoccio puts the FX Dynamic Compact Takedown through its paces, revealing a precision-driven air rifle built for both stealth and performance
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVEGun Trade Insider offers a detailed examination of the latest developments across various international markets.
Looking for back issues?
Browse the Archive >