Latest UK Shooting Industry News!

🔐 Proposed Shotgun Storage Laws Raise Concerns

In response to the 2021 Plymouth shooting, the UK government is considering stricter shotgun storage regulations. One proposal suggests requiring shotguns to be stored away from owners’ homes, possibly in gun shops. Rural communities and farming representatives, like the Scottish Countryside Alliance, argue that such measures could hinder farmers’ ability to protect livestock from predators, especially during weekends when access to offsite storage might be limited. Critics also point to the existing fragmented and under-resourced licensing system as a core issue, advocating for a centralized and digitized firearms licensing authority to enhance public safety without compromising rural needs .

🐦 Lead Ammunition Phase-Out Efforts Fall Short

A voluntary pledge made in 2020 by nine UK game shooting and rural organizations to phase out toxic lead shot by 2025 has not succeeded. Recent studies reveal that most pheasants and grouse during the 2024–25 shooting season were still killed with lead ammunition. Lead is harmful to both wildlife and humans, with birds often ingesting lead pellets, leading to poisoning. Despite the pledge, the continued use of lead shot has prompted wildlife charities to urge the UK government to implement a ban, emphasizing the urgent need to protect wildlife and public health .

📊 Shooting’s Economic and Environmental Impact

The 2024 “Value of Shooting” report highlights the significant contributions of shooting to the UK economy and environment:BASC+2countryside-alliance.org+2BASC+2

Shooting contributes £3.3 billion annually to the UK economy.
620,000 individuals are actively involved in shooting-related activities.
Shooting providers and volunteers carry out £500 million worth of conservation work each year, equivalent to 26,000 full-time jobs.
Habitat management and conservation efforts related to shooting cover 7.6 million hectares.
Participants report mental and physical health benefits from their involvement in shooting activities .

👩‍🦰 Rise in Ethical and Inclusive Shooting Practices

Simulated bird shoots, such as those at Glamis Castle, are gaining popularity, particularly among women. These events use clay targets to mimic the flight patterns of game birds, offering an ethical and inclusive alternative to live game hunting. Benefits include no harm to wildlife and a more affordable and accessible way to enjoy shooting. This trend is encouraging greater female participation in field sports and may represent a potential future for the sport amid increasing political pressures against live game hunting .

🏛️ Historic Gunmaker Celebrates 250 Years

John Rigby & Co., Britain’s oldest gunmaker, is celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2025. The company plans a series of special events, including exclusive celebrations aboard HMS Victory and HMS Warrior at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. These events will feature live demonstrations by master craftsmen and exclusive tours, highlighting Rigby’s storied past and contributions to British gunmaking heritage .