Gun Trade Insider - October 2025

In this edition


GTA TO ADOPT FULLY VIRTUAL BUSINESS MODELThe Gun Trade Association (GTA) has confirmed it is moving to a completely virtual business model, as part of a wide-ranging modernisation programme designed to make the organisation more efficient and responsive to members.
NRA SECRETARY GENERAL OUTLINES PRIORITIES WITH SPEECH AT GTA AGMFULL STORY: PAGE 12 Simon Lee, the
AMNESTY ANNOUNCED FOR BRUNI TOP-VENTING BLANK FIRING PISTOLSFULL STORY: PAGE 6 The Home Office has
JOHN ROTHERY WHOLESALE APPOINTED EXCLUSIVE UK DISTRIBUTOR FOR A-TEC SILENCERSFULL STORY: PAGE 8 John Rothery Wholesale
VIRTUAL FUTURE AND VITAL SURVEY FOR THE GTAI attended the recent GTA AGM at Bisley,
THE NEWS IN NUMBERS1926 Year the Gun and Allied Trades Benevolent
GTA LAUNCHES TRADE SURVEYThe Gun Trade Association (GTA) has launched a
BASC AND CITY & GUILDS UNITE TO SAFEGUARD WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT EDUCATIONThe British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)
GTA WELCOMES NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS AT AGMThe Gun Trade Association confirmed two new appointments
AMNESTY ANNOUNCED FOR BRUNI TOP- VENTING BLANK FIRING PISTOLSThe Home Office has announced that several Bruni
GUN TRADE DINNER RETURNS TO VICTORY SERVICES CLUB TO SUPPORT INDUSTRY CHARITYThe annual Gun Trade Dinner will take place
GUNMAKERS TRUST WELCOMES FIRST APPRENTICE IN SCOTLANDThe Gunmakers Trust has announced that Rachel Moir
JOHN ROTHERY WHOLESALE APPOINTED DISTRIBUTOR FOR A-TEC SILENCERSJohn Rothery Wholesale has been appointed as the
NEW LOOK SCOTTISH VENISON LAUNCHES ON SCOTTISH VENISON DAYScottish Venison Day, held each year on 4
CLAYS SECURES £3M FUNDING TO OPEN FOURTH VENUE IN SOHOImmersive shooting operator Clays has secured a £3
GOVERNMENT EXTENDS PEATLAND BURNING BAN, RAISING CONCERNS FOR SHOOTING TRADEThe UK Government has confirmed that it will
NRA SECRETARY GENERAL OUTLINES PRIORITIES AT GTA ANNUAL MEETINGSimon Lee, the recently appointed Secretary General of
GAME DEALERS UNDER SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE AS PARTRIDGE DEMAND FALLSGame dealers and processors are warning of significant
SPORTSMARKETING® RELEASES THIS YEAR’S NEW AND LARGER TRADE CATALOGUESportsmarketing® have launched this year’s new 2025-2026 catalogue, which should be arriving with dealers the same time as this Edition of Gun Trade Insider .
GUN TRADE JOBSMEA OPUS -SECURE YOUR PERFECT FUTURE POSITION -REGISTER AT MEAOPUS.CO.UK
GTA LEADER SETS OUT A VISION OF RENEWAL AT BISLEY AGMThe Gun Trade Association’s Annual General Meeting at Bisley saw chief executive Stephen Jolly set out a clear vision for strengthening the organisation, supporting its members and meeting the challenges facing the trade.
INNOVATION TO SHOOTING BRINGING TRIPOD3 Legged Thing, the Bedfordshire-based tripod manufacturer, has long been a recognised name in the photography and videography world. Founded on a commitment to engineering excellence, the company has built a reputation for stability, durability and innovation. Now the brand is entering new territory: the hunting and shooting sector.
JOHN ROTHERY WHOLESALE
WHAT MAKES A BLANK FIRING WEAPON A READILY CONVERTIBLE IMITATION FIREARM?Specialist firearms solicitor Laura Saunsbury considers the recent ban on Italian manufactured blank firing weapons.
SUPPRESSORS – PROS AND CONSThe sound suppressor, known to the general public as a “silencer” or to operators as a “can” has rapidly gained popularity in the UK. This is in part thanks to health and safety legislation. Once viewed with suspicion by politicians and law enforcement, the suppressor is now an object which mitigates risk and liability. In this article Paul Bradley discusses the stigma, the reality and the practical pros and cons around the use of suppressors for sporting shooters.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWERAlastair Fernie, bird control specialist at Killgerm, shares his and his company’s approach to training pest controllers to strengthen the reputation of airgunners during their day-to-day work
HOW TO PUT ON A SUCCESSFUL TRADE-ONLY EVENTTrade-only events have become a vital part of the UK shooting industry calendar. They provide distributors with the chance to connect directly with retailers, showcase new products and build long-term relationships. This month’s Retail Workshop looks at how to plan, run and follow up on a professional dealer-focused event.
MILITARY PROOFThe London Proof House, with nearly four centuries of history, continues to contribute to the UK’s proofing system by ensuring the safety, reliability and integrity of firearms destined for military service. For Proof Master David Miles, adapting the House’s work to modern defence technology means balancing long-established principles with vigilance against new challenges.
GROWTH VS BRAND MARKETING: PART TWO THE POWER AND THE LIMITS OF BRANDPICKING UP FROM PART ONE In the
TACTICAL, TUNED, READYThe DRS Tactical’s barrel-through-cylinder design impresses Chris Parkin, offering rigidity, stability and superb accuracy.
DAYSTATE LAUNCHES ALPHA WOLF SHADOWDaystate has expanded its Alpha Wolf line with the launch of the Shadow, a new compact variant designed specifically with the UK hunting and pest control market in mind. Combining the proven performance of Daystate’s electronic platform with a shorter, highly manoeuvrable format, the Shadow promises to deliver strong appeal for both shooters and retailers.
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVEGun Trade Insider offers a detailed examination of the latest developments across various international markets.
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