IWA is Europe’s largest shooting and outdoors sporting trade event – and 2013 represented its 40th anniversary. From 8 to 11 March, all the largest names in the trade – and hundreds of smaller companies from all manner of far-flung locations – converged on Nuremburg, Germany to launch new products, exhibit their existing ranges and broker new distribution deals across the world.
Airgun Shooter was given an all-access pass to report on the event – and we spent several days meeting with exhibitors from the airgun industry, witnessing their new product launches, and discussing their significance on the international stage. Here are some of our favourite stories from the show…
Air Arms’ Chris Kemp – pictured here with the latest, 10m version of the MPR rifle – was keeping coy about new releases from the Sussex-based airgun brand… though you can expect to see three new rifles this year, starting with the PTR900, an update of the EV2…
Bushnell launched its new Elite Tactical range of riflescopes. Shown here by Lee Ellison, it includes a number of airgun-spec models, like the 3-12×44 that features the illuminated Firefly reticle.
Walther LGV designer, Uwe Schlösser, with Alan Phelps from its UK importer, Armex. Note the LGV’s green stock – one of several new synthetic stocks available on the German spring powerhouse…
… and Alan also showed us the new range of UK-bound Browning Phoenix Elite air rifles from Umarex.
BSA will be adding the Delta Fox GT (demonstrated here by MD, Simon Moore) to the range of Gamo imports – while the other big news from the Birmingham company is the launch of its Buccaneer SE PCP, primarily for the international market.
Daystate’s computerised air rifle demonstration range – which uses laser technology and a screen to simulate a real-life shooting experience – brought a lot of traffic onto the UK airgunmaker’s stand. The Huntsman, MK4 and Air Ranger rifles were set up on the range – and, of course, many stayed to examine the .303 calibre Wolverine.
Diana’s MD was proud to launch the new Eleven – a futuristic-looking lightweight break-barrel for juniors. He also spilled the beans on appointing a new Diana distributor in the UK for 2013 – Sportsmarketing.
Fenix was keen to show off several of the company’s brand-new lamping innovations – including the HP25 dual-LED head torch, which can throw out 340 lumens on AA batteries, and the compact RC15.
Swedish gunmaker, FX Airguns, had a number of superb new innovations, including the Bobcat carbine PCP, and an incredible new rifle design for FT shooters.
The Bear Grylls Survival range from Gerber has been a runaway success in the outdoors accessory market – and the new Grandfather Knife features packaging that acts as a tribute to Bear’s grandfather, on whose own knife this new product was partly based.
Gunpower’s Geoff Darvill impressed the crowds with the new HellCat PCP air ‘pistol’, which, with an overall length of 24 inches, is technically considered a rifle for legal purposes – meaning it isn’t subject to a 6ft/lb limit in the UK.
H&N Sport had a host of new pellets on display, including the copper-plated Rabbit Magnum Power, the sharp-tipped Hornet and the .177 Excite Plinking pellets.
Jack Pyke’s range of outdoors gear is well-loved by UK airgunners – who will be pleased to see this new Shires wellington boot, which has a sub-£30 price ticket. Also new to the range is a swinging, rabbit-outline airgun target.
We’re big fans of Finnish clothing brand Jahti-Jakt – and sales director Matti Tossavainen showed us the entire 2013 range of its products, including this Neva kids’ suit.
Napier unveiled its new Apex AutoClick device and Aqua- Sac – and the latter looks like a great all-round hunting accessory for washing your hands after prepping quarry, or washing your boots after a muddy foray.
The Tracer range of gun lamps has been bolstered by several new additions, including the lightweight, compact LEDRay 300 flashlight, and lightweight Sport Gun Light 140 – both perfect complements to the Tracer range’s array of lightweight battery units.
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