SGC TRADE

GOVERNMENT STALLS ON LEAD SHOT DECISION AS SHOOTING SECTOR’S VOLUNTARY PLEDGE FAILS

A voluntary pledge made by UK shooting organisations in 2020 to phase out lead shot in favour of non-toxic alternatives by 2025 has failed, according to research funded by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

GEOFF NORMAN JOINS PERAZZI UK UNDER SGC GROUP

With the general licence deadline having already passed,

RANGE RIGHT TAKES ON TAIPAN AIRGUNS AND VALIANT OPTICS DISTRIBUTION

FULL STORY: PAGE 4 Range Right has

GUN TRADE MOURNS THE LOSS OF RUSSELL WILKIN

FULL STORY: PAGE 6 The gun trade

DEALING WITH PROHIBITED PERSONS

Laura Saunsbury examines firearms prohibition rules and

BRASS AND SHOOTING PERFORMANCE

Paul Bradley explores brass quality, performance, and cost-saving

SELLING TO FIRST-TIME BUYERS

We delve into the best practices for

RANGE & COUNTRY SUCCESS STORY

Dave Barham interviews Peter Rose on building a

LONDON PROOF HOUSE LEGACY

David Miles explains the essential role of proofing

NEW YEAR, NEW KIT FROM SGC

Now that the busy show season is coming

THE SUCCESS OF THE BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW

After speaking with exhibitors at this year’s British

THE NEWS IN NUMBERS

The year Russell Wilkin, who sadly passed away

INSIDER INFORMATION

The 2025 general licences for the release of

RANGE RIGHT APPOINTED AS EXCLUSIVE UK DISTRIBUTOR FOR TAIPAN AIRGUNS AND VALIANT OPTICS

Range Right has secured exclusive UK distribution rights

GEOFF NORMAN JOINS PERAZZI UK UNDER SGC GROUP

The SGC Group has announced the appointment of

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INSIDER INFORMATION

RETAILERS LEFT WITH UNSELLABLE STOCK The continued

GUN TRADE MOURNS THE LOSS OF INDUSTRY FIGURE RUSSELL WILKIN

The gun trade has lost one of its

HIGHLANDER GROUP EXPANDS EXPORT TEAM WITH NEW GLOBAL KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER

Highlander Group has announced the expansion of its

SPORTING GUN MAGAZINE UNVEILS FRESH NEW LOOK FOLLOWING REDESIGN

Sporting Gun , one of the UK’s leading

MARK GARNIER ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF BRITISH SHOOTING SPORTS COUNCIL

Mark Garnier OBE MP has been unanimously elected

UK DEFENCE CHIEFS LOOK TO AIRSOFT INDUSTRY FOR RECRUITMENT BOOST

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK - ALEX SEGRE The Ministry of

CRIEFF HYDRO SECURES APPROVAL FOR CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING RANGE WITH NOISE RESTRICTIONS

Crieff Hydro, located in Perthshire, Scotland, is set

UK RETAILERS FACE UNCERTAINTY AS GOVERNMENT REVIEWS CROSSBOW LAWS

Following the tragic murders of Carol, Louise, and

OUTLAWED GUNS SURRENDERED TO LANCASHIRE POLICE DURING NATIONAL FIREARMS AMNESTY

Lancashire Police has removed four blank-firing guns from

IWA OUTDOORCLASSICS 2025 REPORT

This year’s IWA OutdoorClassics saw a shift towards a more business-driven format, with organisers limiting non-trade visitors to enhance the quality of exhibitor interactions. While the broader industry grapples with an increasingly demanding trade show calendar, IWA reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone event, with strong exhibitor confidence and early bookings for 2026 reflecting its enduring relevance in the global firearms and outdoor sectors.

GUN TRADE JOBS

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

EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR GUN SHOPS: A RETAILER’S GUIDE TO KEY EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATES FOR 2025

In recent years, the debate surrounding the regulation of blank firing firearms Turkish-manufactured top-venting blank firers (TVBF) in the United Kingdom has intensified. Cheap to import, they are said to be readily (and cheaply) convertible to fire live ammunition making them desirable to acquire for on the black market

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CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT THE GTA

After seven years at the helm of the Gun Trade Association, Simon West signs off with a reflection on the GTA’s enduring role in defending and supporting the industry. In this final column, he passes the baton to incoming Executive Director Stephen Jolly – and shares his thanks, optimism, and encouragement for the Trade’s future.

AM I DEALING WITH A ‘PROHIBITED PERSON’?

Most in the trade will be familiar with this term, but could you actually explain to your customers exactly what it means, and satisf y yourself it does not apply to them? Specialist firearms licensing solicitor Laura Saunsbur y digs into the detail of the firearms prohibition rules.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF BRASS IN SHOOTING PERFORMANCE

There is a lot of discussion among shooters regarding what makes good brass. With so many options on the marketplace we are spoilt for choice. Here, Paul Bradley will discuss what he has found to be beneficial and where we may be able to save some money.

STEPHEN JOLLY TAKES AIM AT A STRONGER FUTURE FOR THE GUN TRADE

Gun Trade Insider sat down with newly appointed Gun Trade Association executive director Stephen Jolly to discuss his priorities for the role, how he plans to support the trade through challenging times, and why he believes the future of the industry depends on a strong, focused voice.

SELLING TO FIRST-TIME GUN BUYERS – WHAT RETAILERS NEED TO KNOW

Best practices for engaging and educating new customers to create long-term relationships

HALF AN HOUR FOR A BETTER BUSINESS

In an industry where digital advertising is restricted, a well-optimised Google Business Profile is one of the simplest and most effective tools you can use to increase footfall, improve credibility, and get found by new customers, says Philip Montague

RANGE & COUNTRY SHOOTING SUPPLIES

Dave Barham asks the owner of his local airgun shop, Peter Rose of Range & Country Shooting Supplies, how it all began and how he has become so successful.

INSIDE THE LONDON PROOF HOUSE

In the first of a new series, Gun Trade Insider explores the history, role, and process of the London Proof House. Proof Master David Miles explains how this centuries-old institution continues to safeguard firearm standards and uphold British gunmaking traditions.

LEUPOLD’S LATEST OPTICS ARRIVE IN THE UK – EXCLUSIVE TO VIKING ARMS

Viking Arms is bringing Leupold’s latest generation of precision optics to UK retailers from late summer 2025, offering stockists a high-demand lineup of riflescopes, red dot sights, binoculars, and spotting scopes. With growing consumer interest in premium optics, these new releases provide an excellent opportunity for UK gun shops to expand their Leupold offering and meet the needs of hunters, competition shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts.

NEW YEAR, NEW KIT – SGC UNVEILS 2025’S MOST EXCITING FIREARMS & AIRGUNS

The start of the year is always a crucial time for the gun trade, with three of the industry’s biggest shows - SHOT Show, the British Shooting Show, and IWA - taking place before the end of March. These events give UK retailers a first look at the latest releases, and for Sportsman Gun Centre (SGC), this year has been no exception. With a strong line up of innovative new products, SGC continues to supply UK dealers with cutting-edge firearms and airguns that will drive demand in 2025.

FROM GBSS TO IWA, DAYSTATE’S HIGH-STAKES FEBRUARY

Daystate’s Tony Belas talks through the challenges of preparing for two of the industry’s biggest shows and launching the company’s most important new product, all within 11 days.

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

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

RANGE RIGHT LTD

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SCHULTZ & LARSEN

THE GUN TRADE ASSOCIATION

www.gtaltd.co.uk

3 BRANDS

sales@lyalvalexpress.com

FAB DEFENSE

info@fabdefense.co.uk

GUNTRADEINSIDER

GUNTRADEINSIDER.COM

WEIHRAUCH

SHOOTINGSHOW

SHOOTINGSHOW.CO.UK

THE GUN TRADE ASSOCIATION

www.gtaltd.co.uk

SGC TRADE

WWW.SGCTRADE.CO.UK

SGC TRADE

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SGC TRADE

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ATN

atneu.uk

VKING

VIKINGSHOOT.COM

GMK

www.gmk.co.uk

EDGAR BROTHERS

EDGARBROTHERS.COM

BLACKWOLF

Daystase.com