INDUSTRY NEWS

Around the UK and abroad, all the top stories digested

No change at the top of the sales charts for shotgun brands

The 2023 Game Shooting Census shows little change at the top of the shotgun sales charts, with Beretta, Browning and AYA keeping the first three spots. These three brands account for more than half of all shotguns found in the shooting field, with nearly one in three people opting for a Beretta. Four out of

25 Guns you meet will have a Browning, and another two will have an AYA. Among people who say they shoot 30 or more days per year, Beretta and Browning remain the top two brands, but Perazzi jumps four places to third in the charts.

That story changes when we look at side-by-sides, however. Here the top spot is held by AYA. If you see someone wielding a side-by-side this season there’s a slightly greater than one-in-five chance that they’re using an AYA.

While the market is still dominated by over-and-under shotguns, it is now undeniable that the side-by-side is making a comeback. Since 2018 we have seen the proportion of game shots who take to the peg toting a gun with barrels arranged horizontally grow from 24% to 33%.

The survey asked thousands of people who completed the 2023 Game Shooting Census, conducted by GunsOnPegs in association with Lycetts, what gun they use most often for game shooting.

Daystate introduces Alpha Wolf Blue

For a limited time, the Daystate Alpha Wolf will be offered in a spectacular blue finish. The Blue Special Edition will be available in both 12 ti/lbs and FAC/ export output. The 17-inch barrel model will come in .177 and .22, while the 23-inch barrel Alpha Wolf Blue Edition HP will add .25 and .30 options.

In addition to the blue and grey laminate stock and metal work, the Alpha Wolf Blue Edition has a specially designed cocking handle and comes with a blue 0db silencer, hard case with a special edition plaque, and a tin of the type of rangemaster pellets used to test and set up the rifle.

Also included is a Data Transfer Device (DTD) and cable, so the rifle’s software can be upgraded with free updates, and back-ups and custom programming can be made via a Windows PC or laptop. There is also a built-in chronograph, Huma-Air regulator, electronic trigger and firing action, and touchscreen accessible adjustments and functions.

In addition, Daystate is offering an optional package of extras. Priced at £300 when purchased with the Alpha Wolf Blue Edition, it represents a saving of around 50% against the items purchased separately.

In other Daystate news, the PCP airgun manufacturer’s 2023 Limited Edition rifle, of which only 250 will be made, is to use the Wolverine-R as its basis.

Featuring a blue laminate stock and matching finish, the Wolverine-R Sapphire incorporates the A.R.T. barrel and Huma Air regulator, for match-like accuracy out to the most extreme ranges. Standard versions have a 17in barrel in 177/4.5mm, .22/5.5mm, and .25/6.35mm calibres, while high-power models fit a 23in barrel and add .30/7.62mm calibre.

The UK version is being sold exclusively through the Airgun Centre in London.

Got

John Rigby & Co welcomes Tim Hill as Head of Sales

John Rigby & Co has appointed Tim Hill as head of UK sales. With an impressive career spanning more than 18 years in the shooting industry, Tim will bring invaluable expertise and a deep passion for the field to this key role.

Tim’s journey began in 2005 at Sportarm, a renowned high-end shotgun retailer. After an enriching three-year tenure, he ventured into wholesale territory management with Highland Outdoors in 2008. Tim’s career then led him to Edgar Brothers, where he excelled in field sales before serving as UK sales manager over an eight-year period. Following a brief stint as the commercial director at Sportarm, Tim took the helm at Per-

Rigby welcomes Austrian artist Robert Weldy

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co has introduced the Austrian sculptor Robert Weldy as the newest member of its art department, saying that Robert’s exceptional talent in creating lifelike artworks will make him an invaluable addition to the Rigby team.

Already a renowned and accomplished sculptor, Robert’s artistic journey began at the age of just 15, when he apprenticed in taxidermy, driven by a passion for modelling and lifelong love of hunting. After joining the Austrian army at the age of 20 and serving in Kosovo, he spent 15 years as a weapons technician.

Ollie can manage

Fieldsports Press have announced Ollie Harvey as the new managing editor of Shooting Times and Country magazine. Ollie becomes the 19th editor in ST’s 141-year history.

Having started his career in fieldsports journalism on Gun Trade News in 2017, Ollie also worked as deputy editor on Sporting Rifle before moving on to Shooting Times

In his new role Ollie will oversee the day-today production of the magazine and represent the brand at events such as The Game Fair and World Gunmakers Evening. He will also continue to produce episodes for The Shooting Show YouTube channel.

Through his work on previous titles, Ollie has established a good knowledge of the shooting industry, ranging from deer stalking and pest control to driven shooting and wildfowling.

Speaking on his appointment, Ollie comment- azzi UK, where he managed all aspects of the business, including product advertising and client relationship building.

Tim said: “We have exciting projects on the horizon, and I am eager to showcase our exceptional offerings to customers, dealers and enthusiasts.” ed: “It’s a great honour to take on a title with so much heritage. I am looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and taking a hands-on approach when it comes to producing the magazine. And I look forward to meeting many of you in the next few months.” ollie.harvey@fieldsportspress.com

In 2015, he started sculpting alongside his military career, crafting wildlife sculptures that reflect his deep connection to nature, infusing his works with authentic, intricate details that capture each animal’s true essence.

Firearms Act 2023 given Royal Assent

The new 2023 Firearms Act has finally been given Royal Assent. This Act covers the requirement for a person operating a miniature rifle range to have a firearms certificate and for the rifles to be limited to .22 rimfire cartridges. It continues to allow people to shoot on the range without themselves having a firearms certificate.

Viking Arms honoured

Viking Arms has been formally recognised by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for its outstanding support to the Armed Forces. Viking Arms was one of 17 companies and organisations in the Yorkshire and Humber Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) area to be awarded the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver award for 2023.

3D printed firearms

An Amber Alert for 3D printed firearms has been issued by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). This is based on assessed intelligence and warns of dangers and threats from serious organised criminality. It is devised with the aim of bringing about preventative or remedial action. They recommend you use this Alert to complement existing knowledge and support ongoing improvements to your business processes and procedures. Report your concerns to interknow@nca.gov.uk

Pheasant plucker paucity

A shortage of pluckers means pheasant and other wild game could disappear from Britain’s supermarket shelves. Game dealers, butchers and chefs say the birds are becoming more expensive to process because of a lack of skilled labour to pluck them. There has been a dramatic drop in the number of seasonal workers from Europe coming to the UK to fill game processing jobs since Brexit.