Gun Trade Insider - September 2025

In this edition


TRADE HIT BY MULTITUDE OF MAJOR MEASURESThe UK gun trade is facing the impact
VIKING ARMS TO MARKET ASE UTRA SOUND MODERATORS IN THE UKViking Arms’ sporting division has been appointed as
SPIKA LANDS IN UKEastern Sporting has brought leading Australian brand Spika
WILLIAM EVANS ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTSWilliam Evans Ltd has confirmed two senior appointments
LOOKING FORWARDOne of the best parts of editing Gun
THE NEWS IN NUMBERS25 Years Karl Waktare served as managing director
WILLIAM EVANS ANNOUNCES TWO NEW LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTSWilliam Evans has confirmed two senior appointments as
SCOTT COUNTRY CELEBRATES DIAMOND DEALER STATUS AND NEW DUMFRIES HEADQUARTERSScott Country International is marking a double milestone,
HOLLAND & HOLLAND BIDS FAREWELL TO CHRIS BIRD AFTER 43 YEARSHolland & Holland has announced the retirement of
POLOWOOD SHOOTING GROUND SUFFERS £30,000 RAIDPolowood Shooting Ground in Brighton has been hit
NEW PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHED TO PROMOTE RURAL CAREERSA new partnership has been established to promote
WORLD GUNMAKERS’ EVENING CONFIRMED FOR MAY 2026The organisers of the World Gunmakers’ Evening have
THE GAME FAIR 2025 BREAKS RECORDS AND RAISES MAJOR FUNDS FOR GUNMAKERS TRUSTThis year’s Game Fair, held at Ragley Hall
BASC’S TOP HONOURS AWARDED AT THE GAME FAIRBASC has recognised the achievements of individuals and organisations from across the shooting community at its annual honours and awards ceremony, held on 26 July at The Game Fair, Ragley Hall.
MOBILE AIRSOFT EXPERIENCE RANGE LAUNCHED FOR UK FESTIVALSA North Wales entrepreneur has launched a new
VIKING ARMS TO MARKET ASE UTRA SOUND MODERATORS IN THE UKViking Arms’ sporting division has been appointed as
AUSTRALIAN GUN SAFE COMPANY LANDS IN UKEastern Sporting has brought leading Australian brand Spika to the UK, starting with a full range of gun safes. Tom Walker, manager of Eastern Sporting Trade, is representing Spika as the brand’s UK distributor and believes its modern branding, strong dealer margins and proven quality will resonate with the British trade.
NATIONAL FIREARMS LICENSING SYSTEM SET FOR REPLACEMENTPolice Digital Service (PDS), working in collaboration with
DEFRA’S BIRD FLU POLICY RAISES CONCERNS FOR SHOOTS AND UK RETAILERSWiltshire shoot warns of closure as bird flu
IN MEMORY OF PETER POWELL A TRIBUTE BY MARK OSBORNEIt is with great sadness that we note the passing of Peter Powell, whose contribution to the shooting trade has been felt for decades. In recognition of his life and career, we share this tribute from William Powell owner, Mark Osborne.
A LEADING SUPPLIER TO UK SHOOTING AND COUNTRYSIDE RETAILERSHampshire -based wholesaler John Rother y has seen a number of changes recently. Gun Trade Insider spoke with managing director Sean O’Driscoll to find out more about what the comapny can of fer UK dealers.
BETTWS HALL SPORTING CLUBCOMPANY INFORMATION: Bettws Hall is a family-run
THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF GUNMAKERSCOMPANY INFORMATION: Incorporated by Royal Charter in
JOHN DICKSON & SONCOMPANY INFORMATION: Founded in 1820, John Dickson
AVALON GUNS LTDCOMPANY INFORMATION: Avalon Guns is a well-established
THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF GOOD SHOOTING? EYESIGHT!Clear vision is often overlooked in shooting, yet it can make more difference than any accessory or upgrade. Paul Bradley shares how a visit to a specialist optician transformed his performance on the range.
INSIDE THE NEW FIREARMS LICENSING STATUTORY GUIDANCEPaul Green, technical director of the Gun Trade Association, explains the latest Statutory Guidance for firearms licensing and assesses what the new rules mean for certificate holders, RFDs and the wider trade.
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE A.I. CHALLENGE AT EATON HALL?Join Benelli and the SGC Group for an electrifying new trade-only event at Eaton Hall on the 1 October.
GROWTH VS BRAND MARKETING: PART ONE – UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCEEvery business in the gun trade has the same challenge: where should you put your marketing spend? Do you chase measurable results through growth marketing, or invest in the slower burn of brand? The truth is, both matter. But they’re very different beasts, and if you don’t understand the difference, you risk burning money on the wrong thing, writes Philip Montague.
IWA STRENGTHENS TIES WITH UK TRADEGun Trade Insider , together with a delegation from IWA OutdoorClassics including Georg Loichinger, manager of public relations, met with Antony Bill, operations director at Shooting Supplies, at the company’s Bromsgrove retail shop, to learn more about the goals behind the visit, what was discovered and how IWA plans to respond.
THE NEXT GENERATION RIGBY’S RISING STARS SHARE THEIR JOURNEYS INTO THE GUN TRADEAs one of the most prestigious names in British gunmaking, John Rigby & Co. is steeped in history. But behind the heritage is a team that’s just as focused on the future. Gun Trade Insider visited the company to talk to three of its youngest team members- Morgan Thomas, Tom Allen and Kai Burridge - to find out what inspired them to join the industry.
SHOOTING SUPPLIESFROM MODEST BEGINNINGS TO A LEADING UK RETAILER
PRECISION AND PASSIONGun Trade Insider talks to Doz Bree, owner and founder of DB Gunstocks UK, a Suffolk-based company that offers air rifle repairs, tuning and restorations
TIKKA T3X ACE TARGETTikka’s Ace series of rifles combine a smooth T3x action, precision trigger and a highly adaptable chassis system, making it an outstanding choice for competitive and practical shooters. Bruce Potts has the in-depth details.
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVEGun Trade Insider offers a detailed examination of the latest developments across various international markets.
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