Record-breaking British Shooting Show

Visitors flocked in their thousands to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 9-10 February to make the 2013 British Shooting Show the busiest yet.

The show moved from Newark to Stoneleigh, around 70 miles south, to expand in 2013, across four exhibition halls totalling 200,000sq ft. An estimated 8,000 new and used shotguns, rifles, airguns and airsoft guns were on offer at the show, many of which were at special show-only prices.

Shotgun-wise, Beretta had its first public airing of the new 692 Competition shotgun (pictured above), while fellow Italian manufacturer Perazzi showed off its its new MX12/3 on the RUAG Ammotec stand.

An unfortunate hitch for the show was ironically its huge popularity: organisers had predicted a modest increase in visitor numbers but unprecedented demand for Saturday tickets saw unexpected traffic congestion and parking problems.

Founder and organiser John Bertrand said: “The show is run by shooters for shooters, and therefore any problems visitors may have experienced hurts us deeply. The show has grown not just through our efforts but most importantly through the repeat and loyal support of the thousands of like-minded enthusiasts.

“We are confident that we have resolved the problems which were encountered on the first day of this year’s show. Bearing in mind our track record of always listening and reacting positively, we hope that those visitors that were in any way inconvenienced will ‘take a leap of faith’ and continue to support the show.”

Mr Bertrand added that a frequent minibus service through the car park and 40 per cent more parking have already been planned for next year’s show, scheduled for 15-16 February 2014.

With a number of manufacturers previewing new products, the event was a great place to get something new for the new season. The show saw the re-launch of Marocchi shotguns, brought back to the UK by new distributor Idleback.

With three competition guns in the range, coving Trap and Sporting set-ups, there is bound to be something for everyone. The Marocchi line up will be available to buy shortly – just ask at your local gunshop.

Webley and Scott also had new offerings, thanks to new distributors Highland Outdoors. Again, be sure to ask at your local gunshop for more information and to order yours.

Caesar Guerini drew the crowds, when they presented Tanya and Richard Faulds with their new RF model Ascent shotguns. The limited edition models will be available in UK gunshops, call into yours for more details.

Available in mid-summer, the show saw the premier of the new Beretta 692, as reviewed in our February edition. Browning responded with the first showing of its new A5 semi auto. And finally, Perazzi debuted their MX2000/8, which is new this year – look out for a full review in our April issue.

Away from the gun launches, Dryfire also drew crowds in, with one available for people to try out. If you missed it and would like to know more about this innovative training aid, go to www.dryfire.com.