Sporting Gun

SHOOTING INDUSTRY FUND TO SUPPORT FIREARMS LICENSING PROJECT

The Shooting Industry Fund has agreed to finance a £35,000 firearms licensing project aimed at addressing challenges within the UK’s firearms licensing system. This initiative, described as a surge operation, seeks to identify underperforming police forces and engage with them to develop constructive solutions.

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ROYAL VISITS VIKING ARMS

FULL STORY: PAGE 04 On Tuesday, 1 October,

SIMON WEST STEPPING DOWN FROM GTA

FULL STORY: PAGE 06 Simon West OBE, executive

HOLLAND & HOLLAND ANNOUNCES GENERAL MANAGER

FULL STORY: PAGE 04 London-based Holland & Holland

FIREARM APPLICATION MEDICAL DECLARATIONS

PAGE 18 Why full transparency is crucial when

MUZZLE DEVICES AND THEIR IMPACT

PAGE 24 Paul Bradley reveals how muzzle devices

POLICE REVOCATION PROTOCOL PROCEDURE

PAGE 26 Nick Doherty discusses problems with unannounced

CRAFTING EXCELLENCE: FORM RIFLE STOCKS

PAGE 28 We interview Peter McGregor, founder and

INSIGHTS FROM BEHIND THE COUNTER

PAGE 34 The challenges of running a gun

PEAK SEASON PREP FOR RETAILERS

PAGE 32 Essential strategies to maximise sales and

COULD IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES LIKE CLAYS BE THE KEY TO ATTRACTING NEW SHOOTERS?

As an industry we are constantly looking for

THE NEWS IN NUMBERS

48 Number of years of service at Viking

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ROYAL VISITS VIKING ARMS IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

On Tuesday, 1 October, Her Royal Highness The

HOLLAND & HOLLAND ANNOUNCES NEW GENERAL MANAGER

London-based gunmaker Holland & Holland has appointed John

MAN ADMITS TO CREATING GUN PARTS USING 3D PRINTER

A man has admitted to using a 3D

BRITISH SHOOTING SPORTS COUNCIL DELIVERS PILOT COURSE FOR POLICE FIREARMS ENQUIRY OFFICERS

The British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC) recently conducted

SIMON WEST STEPPING DOWN FROM GUN TRADE ASSOCIATION

Simon West OBE, executive director of the Gun

DAYSTATE PERFORMANCE CENTER AND BRK PATHFINDER: EXPANDED OFFERINGS FOR AIRGUN RETAILERS AND ENTHUSIASTS

Staffordshire -based airgun manufacturers Daystate and BRK have

BSSC APPOINTS NEW SECRETARY DESIGNATE

Jeremy Hinde has been appointed secretary designate of

ELEY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SERVICE FOR DAVE ALLEN AND JOHN TIMMONS

ELEY has announced the recognition of Dave Allen

DUPREE INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES DUPREE DEFENCE

Dupree International has announced the launch of its

MCAVOY GUNS ANNOUNCES CLOSING DOWN AFTER NEARLY 40 YEARS

McAvoy Guns, a well-respected firearms retailer with deep

REXIMEX LYRA PCP AIRGUN RECEIVES CARBINE UPDATE WITH NEW ‘K’ MODEL

The Reximex Lyra PCP airgun, distributed by Range

WARWICKSHIRE POLICE ISSUES STATEMENT ON TRAIL HUNTING CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

Warwickshire Police has issued a statement regarding its

GUN TRADE JOBS

MEA OPUS -SECURE YOUR PERFECT FUTURE POSITION -REGISTER AT MEAOPUS.CO.UK

GET A GRIP

The quality of firearms licensing across the countr y should be a major concern to the Home Secretary. We have been running for years on appallingly bad service. Some police forces are doing well but many still have major issues, reports Simon West.

FIREARM AND SHOTGUN APPLICATIONS: THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL DECLARATIONS

One of the key considerations for Chief Officers of Police in deciding whether to grant or renew a firearm or shotgun certificate is whether the applicant has any relevant medical condition that could affect their ability to safely possess a firearm without danger to the public safety or the peace. Lachlan Nisbet explains why full transparency is not just advised but essential for anyone applying for or renewing a certificate.

HIKMICRO’S RAPID GROWTH AND KEY STRATEGIES

Since its inception, HIKMICRO has seen significant and rapid growth in the thermal and night-vision markets. As Stuart Grant, managing director of Elite Optical Distribution – the UK distributor for HIKMICRO – explains, this growth can be attributed to a clear commitment to technological innovation and adaptability.

MUZZLE DEVICES – EFFECT ON ACCURACY, PRECISION AND VELOCITY

I spent a decade designing and testing small-arms ammunition in the defence sector, writes Hexagon Ammunition’s Paul Bradley. During that time we faced many confounding variables. With no apparent change to build standard or materials we would find performance parameters shifting. We discovered many variables after hours of head scratching that we had not previously accounted for. One of those was the humble muzzle device – and surprisingly it had little to do with barrel harmonics.

WHEN SHOULD POLICE SERVE A REVOCATION LETTER?

When concerns are raised about the suitability of a certificate holder or RFD to retain their certificates, it is becoming increasingly common for officers to make an unannounced visit to seize firearms and ammunition, writes Nick Doherty, a barrister specialising in firearms licensing law.

TRUE TO FORM

Mat Manning talks to Peter McGregor, founder and CEO of Exeter-based Form Rifle Stocks, to find out more about this acclaimed maker of rifle stocks.

EDGAR BROTHERS AND TACTACAM COLLABORATION OPENS DOORS FOR UK RETAILERS

Edgar Brothers, one of the UK’s most respected wholesalers in the shooting and outdoor industr y, has recently partnered with Tactacam, the innovative American brand known for its cutting-edge camera systems. This partnership is poised to bring exciting opportunities for UK retailers, providing access to Tactacam’s widely successful products such as the Reveal 2.0 cellular trail camera, which has already seen massive success in the USA.

PREPARING FOR PEAK: ESSENTIAL STRATEGIES FOR HUNTING AND SHOOTING RETAILERS

Maximising sales during peak seasons, such as hunting season and the Christmas holidays, requires thoughtful planning. This guide provides UK firearms retailers with actionable strategies in stock, staffing, promotions and the customer experience to optimise operations and boost customer satisfaction.

THE COUNTRY SPORTS SHOP

We sit down for a chat with Chris Lamb, co-owner of The Countr y Sports Shop in Devon, about the complexities of running his business in the wake of the tragic Plymouth shootings.

IN-STORE EXPERIENCES

An inviting, well-curated in-store experience can turn a first-time visitor into a loyal customer. From a welcoming storefront and thoughtfully arranged stock to attentive customer service, every detail counts, says Jonny Carter.

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION PART 2

(OR, HOW TO MAKE YOUR WEBSITE THE NEXT MISS UNIVERSE OF GOOGLE)

FIVE OF THE BEST STALKING RIFLES FOR RETAILERS TO STOCK

“ The Sako S20 Hunter has proved itself

FESTIVE FAVOURITES: A 2024 GIFT GUIDE FOR RETAILERS

As winter draws in, retailers find themselves in the prime season to assess stock in preparation for the year’s busiest shopping periods – Black Friday and Christmas. With these dates fast approaching, it’s an excellent opportunity to review and refresh product lines, particularly for gun retailers looking to meet the seasonal demand for innovative and popular items.

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

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

BROCOCK

brocock.co.uk

FAB DEFENSE

Great Dane Rifles

GreatDaneRifles.com

GMK

www.gmk.co.uk

3 BRANDS

VKING

VIKINGSHOOT.COM

SGC TRADE

WWW.SGCTRADE.CO.UK

SHOOTING SHOW

SHOOTINGSHOW.CO.UK

SGC TRADE

WWW.SGCTRADE.CO.UK

SGC TRADE

WWW.SGCTRADE.CO.UK

SHOT SHOW

SHOTShow.org/gti

SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRY MAGAZINE

shop.fieldsportslife.com/shooting-times

FIOCCHI

www.fiocchi.com/en

IWA

WWW.IWA.INFO/READY

SGC TRADE

WWW.SGCTRADE.CO.UK

SGC TRADE

WWW.SGCTRADE.CO.UK

SHOOTING STAR

RANGE RIGHT LTD

www.range-right.co.uk

EDGAR BROTHERS

EDGARBROTHERS.COM

SGC TRADE

WWW.SGCTRADE.CO.UK