The Gun Trade Association (GTA) has launched a new survey to gather crucial evidence on the state of the UK gun trade.The Home Office is planning a major overhaul of firearms legislation which could include the convergence of Sections 1 and 2 licensing. Such a move would represent a fundamental shift in the licensing…
The Gun Trade Association’s Annual General Meeting at Bisley saw chief executive Stephen Jolly set out a clear vision for strengthening the organisation, supporting its members and meeting the challenges facing the trade.Jolly, who took up the role earlier this year, told members that the GTA must be more than a representative body. It…
Eastern 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.When Tom first encountered…
Police Digital Service (PDS), working in collaboration with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the Home Office, has confirmed that a new national firearms licensing solution will be delivered. This solution will replace the current National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS).The NFLMS, which has been in use since the mid-2000s, is reaching the…
William Evans Ltd has confirmed two senior appointments as part of its ongoing development. Canadian businessman Bill Turnbull has taken over as chairman/director, with no operational changes foreseen as a result of this appointment.In addition, the company has named Karl Waktare as vice president. Waktare brings more than 30 years of experience in the…
John Rothery Wholesale has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for A-TEC silencers, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of sound moderators.Founded in Norway in 1999, A-TEC has developed a strong reputation for high-performance silencers built on precision engineering, advanced materials and modular design. The agreement will give UK retailers simplified access to the…
The Home Office has confirmed that several Bruni top-venting, blank firing pistols (TVBFPs) are now classed as prohibited weapons after being deemed readily convertible to fire bulleted ammunition.The following models are affected:8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank firing self-loading pistol8mm PAK…
Viking Arms has been appointed as the new UK distributor for ASE Utra sound moderators, with the company’s Sporting Division taking over responsibility from Jackson Rifles after 25 years.The move sees Viking Arms entrusted to market ASE Utra products across the UK shooting trade, strengthening availability and support for retailers.Sam Macarthur, managing director…
The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025 came into force today, 5 August 2025, introducing key changes to the shotgun certificate application process across England, Wales and Scotland.From today, applicants must now provide two referees when applying for a shotgun certificate, replacing the previous requirement for just one.The new rules also expand the scope of offence declarations. All applicants must…
Viking Arms Defence has been awarded the Gold Award in the UK’s 2025 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), the highest accolade given to organisations that demonstrate exceptional support for the Armed Forces community.Building on its Silver Award from 2023, Viking Arms has continued to champion initiatives that assist Reservists, veterans, service leavers, military spouses,…


