Originally Posted by
slug-gun
I think that airgun collecting as a hobby, and the number of participants within it, will shrink over time, due simply to the demographics involved. In the 1950's/60's every kid had an airgun, and shot it anywhere he fancied. He started with a cheap Diana and sometimes eventually managed to get a BSA or Webley.
When he grew up, he aspired to own the air guns he either couldn't afford or wasn't allowed when he was younger. and suddenly he found himself with a few old airguns and became a collector! And his collection grew, and he shared his passion with other blokes of his age, he joined clubs, and more fellas bought old airguns.
None of that happens any more. Far fewer youngsters buy airguns, a) because they have so many other interests, mainly computer based, b) shooting them is more restricted, and c) society disapproves more than ever. However some of these lads (or lasses) may well start collecting, but it will be those airguns they remember from their youth....