The Show today

[RussDouglasAGW]

Daughter and I went to the Shooting Show at the NEC for the first time in a few years today. It is well worth a visit for the definite 'fun factor'....
....Met Terry D, good to see he seems fully recovered from recent ailments and had a long chat with Russ Douglas; what a superbly friendly gentleman Russ is....
Cheers, Phil

Aw thanks Phil, it was a delight to meet you both for a good blether. Really glad you enjoyed the show too, it was my first BSS/Shooting Show and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've made some good contacts and perhaps also secured some decent kit to review for Airgun World (and other publications, watch this space).

Thanks again... and I might yet make it back to the NEC tomorrow morning for an hour or two, before heading back north. Maybe see a few more of you there.
Cheers. Russ

[Murphy]

Well I went for the first time yesterday and I didn't go for a bargain.

I went to look at numerous things I cant see in my local shops.

Which I managed to see and handle most of them.

[p.j.]

I had a great day on Friday. Managed to get a lovely boxed 1993 HW80K for a very reasonable price - which you will get to see in detail in one of AGW features soon.
Great to meet Dave Barham and Russ Douglas, Russ is it right you are still friends with the first fiver you earned Always a pleasure to see Terry D, although we seem to have a language barrier, as he claimed not to understand anything I said, trouble is I can't talk tidy like what he does.
Lots of bits at good prices Air Arms seal sets for £3, managed to get Ballistrol oil which has eluded me for ages, and some more targets and holders from the excellent Target air.
No question that i will be going again - can't wait.

[Big chopper]

Went on Friday to pick up my FX Dreamline Lite, agreed was not as good as last year.

Had a good chat with Giles, who is just as funny in real life.

A lot of traders not being there this year was due to inflated prices for stalls/tables compared to last year..

[Terry D]

Here's a statement about which I've thought long and hard; overall, this year's British Shooting Show turned out to be the best indoor show I've attended in my life.

For me, and this could well be a personal thing, the fact that the shooting sports are being showcased at this country's premier exhibition venue is a massive step forward for us. I was at the NEC the first time it was tried, and it was nowhere near as successful as this one. Seeing our sport strutting its stuff on the biggest stage in the country, where Crufts, caravans, gadgets, brides, holidays, homes, toys and just about everything that matters to millions of us - including shooting.

Then there was the hardware on show, including new UK releases from BSA, Gamo, Air Arms, Highland Outdoors, Weihrauch, Umarex, Scott Country, Air Force, Brocock, Daystate, Discovery Optics, Hawke, FX and others. Most were available to try and all had their associated experts on hand to talk about them.

Finally, and incredibly impressive in its own right, was the sheer positivity of the show visitors I met, and I met enough to cause me to lose my voice by the morning of the third day. Airgunners of all types and ages either came to the Airgun World / Air Gunner stand, or stopped me on my frequent walkabouts, and I honestly can't recall a truly negative exchange. I left the show on all three days absolutely nackered but smiling the smile of a satisfied man.

Sorry if I missed anyone, but with any luck we can all get together next year for another proper celebration of all that is great in our sport. Well done everyone involved - long may it continue!

[TonyL]

As ever, Terry, what an upbeat, positive slant on things.

And, yes, one of the biggest points certainly has to be the stature of the venue helping highlight our sport in the most positive light.

Unfortunately, I've been unable to attend any shows for a long time - money, time and spouse (she hates anything to do with guns, country sports etc) and this is a situation that I must address sometime soon.

And I'd love to meet you and the gang, having not had the pleasure for so long.

Thank you for flying the flag for our special little sport.

And you must be totally knackered after your exertions and efforts over the weekend, so time to put your feet up a little for a very well-earned rest.