Proposals to significantly increase firearms licensing fees in Northern Ireland have been brought forward by the Department of Justice, with changes discussed during a recent Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Justice meeting.The system, administered by the Police Service of Northern Ireland Firearms and Explosives Branch (PSNI/FEB), could move to a full cost recovery model if the…
Edgar Brothers has announced a £12 million investment in a new purpose-built headquarters and National Defence Manufacturing & Innovation Centre (NDMC), marking a significant expansion of its UK operations.The 70,000 sq ft facility will be located eight miles from the company’s current site and is expected to be completed by October 2026. The move…
Drawing on decades of frontline policing experience, Chris Downs, Creator & Principle Advisor at https://firearmslicensing.net/ examines the Home Office’s proposed knife sales licensing regime, questioning its evidence base, enforceability and likely impact on both policing capacity and legitimate trade.Knife crime remains one of the most significant threats to public safety in the UK. After…
The Great British Shooting Show, which is being held 13-15 February at the NEC Birmingham, has become such a fixture in the shooting calendar that it's easy to forget just how far this event has travelled. What began as a modest outdoor gathering has evolved into the UK's premier shooting exhibition, and behind the scenes…
Nestled within Britain’s tight-knit gun trade is a firm that exemplifies continuity, quality and craftsmanship: Bill Blacker & Sons. Specialising in high-end barrel making, rebarrelling and complex repair work, the company is a trusted name among makers and restorers of best guns, with a customer base that spans both UK shores and international markets. At…
The Great British Shooting Show (BSS) returns to the NEC Birmingham from 13–15 February 2026, reaffirming its status as the UK’s largest and most commercially important event for the shooting industry.Bringing together the full breadth of the trade – from leading manufacturers and distributors to retailers and end users – the show remains a…
Ballistician Paul Bradley explains how component shortages, rising material and logistics costs, and constrained propellant supplies are driving prices up for sporting shooters and why reloaders should consider buying ahead.We have seen some very concerning escalation in recent weeks regards global conflict. We have the ongoing war in Ukraine which shows no sign of…
Daystate has expanded its Alpha Wolf line with the launch of the Shadow, a new compact variant created for the UK hunting and pest control market. The rifle combines Daystate’s proven electronic platform with a shorter, highly manoeuvrable format that promises strong appeal for both shooters and retailers.Available immediately in 12 ft/lbs .177 and…
3 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, under the leadership of founder Danny Lenihan, the brand is entering new territory: the hunting and shooting…
Simon Lee, the recently appointed Secretary General of the National Rifle Association (NRA), addressed members of the gun trade at the Gun Trade Association’s Annual General Meeting, held at Bisley, where he set out the challenges facing the shooting community and the NRA’s response to them.Lee, who has been in post for just three…


