Size of Collectors' Market in the UK

[andrewM]

As a matter of curiosity, I am wondering if there has been any research on the possible size of the collectors' market for airguns in the UK? Clearly, there are those with a single rifle and/or pistol, bought new, who would probably not fall into this bracket. There is then a smaller number, similar to those here, who have two or more airguns and who are active enthusiasts. Determining the various categories is clearly a task in itself (including those who collect pistols rather than rifles). There is then the question of the value of both the second hand market and the new sales' market. Perhaps no one knows the answers to many of these and allied questions.

Finally, is the market for both new sales and second hand sales stable or contracting? Within this question, is the number of collectors, such as those here, rising or falling?