Airgunners unite to defend their sport’s future

A new industry body has been established to monitor and challenge potential regulation affecting airgunners. Its founders say the time to act is before policy direction is set, not after.
The Airgun Focus Group brings together key figures from across the trade and wider shooting community, led by Air Arms managing director Claire West. A number of the group’s members, including renowned airgunner Terry Doe, are known to have engaged directly with the Home Office on airgun matters for decades, addressing issues such as anti-tamper regulations and the proposed lead ammunition ban, much of it conducted without public visibility. The formal launch as a group reflects growing awareness within the sector that regulatory pressure seen in other areas, such as knives, crossbows and proposals surrounding Section 1 and Section 2 firearms licensing, could, in time, extend to airguns.
Claire West said: “It is a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside our industry experts as part of this new initiative. The formation of the Airgun Focus Group represents a vital step forward for the airgun industry. By coordinating our efforts and speaking collectively, we are better placed to protect the sport, support responsible ownership and drive positive change.
“The group creates a formal space for collaboration across the sector, allowing us to identify challenges early, share expertise and engage with policymakers in a more constructive and informed way. It’s an opportunity to strengthen our industry’s voice at a time when clarity, unity and proactive engagement have never been more important.”
The group’s primary objective is to take a proactive approach, commissioning research and building an evidence base to inform future engagement with policymakers. By establishing a coordinated platform at an early stage, the Airgun Focus Group aims to ensure the sector is better prepared to respond to any future consultation or legislative proposals, rather than reacting after policy direction has already been set.
Stephen Jolly, the focus group’s secretary and chief executive of the Gun Trade Association, said: “With so much happening in the legislative and regulatory space, it seems prudent for the airgun industry to consider its future and how it manages itself.”