17/02/2026
Another British Shooting Show finished for another year, and after a full-on weekend, it’s straight back to work.
I spent the majority of the show on the DNT stand, answering questions and helping visitors navigate what optic was right for their needs. Interestingly, more often than not, the right answer wasn’t the most expensive scope in the range. It was about understanding the individual — what they shoot, how they shoot, and what they actually need from their equipment. That’s something I take pride in: honest conversations, practical advice, and solutions that genuinely fit the user rather than chasing price tags.
One of the biggest highlights for me this year was the sheer volume of positive feedback about DNT products. It’s always reassuring to hear directly from customers who are using kit in real-world conditions and getting results. There’s no better endorsement than that.
I also got my first proper hands-on look at the new NVMD unit from DNT. On first impressions, it’s compact, user-friendly, and I can see it being particularly attractive to the airgun market. I’m not an airgunner myself, so I won’t pretend to be the authority there, but from what I saw, it has real potential for that sector. It’s always encouraging to see brands innovating and refining their product lines to meet different user groups.
That said, I came away with mixed feelings about the show overall.
The cost of attendance was a significant talking point. At £31 per adult and £19 per child, it’s not a cheap day out — especially for families. While this is fundamentally an adult-oriented industry event, we have to ask ourselves what message we send when we make entry difficult for younger people. If we want the field sports and shooting industry to thrive long-term, we need to be opening doors for the next generation, not putting financial barriers in front of them.
For many kids, the day can feel long and repetitive — walking stall to stall while parents compare equipment. A few exhibitors made real efforts to engage younger visitors, which was great to see, but overall, there’s still room for improvement. Accessibility matters. Inclusion matters. Future participation matters.
From a product perspective, I was particularly interested to see what Hik and Pard would bring to the table this year. Conversations with Hikvision around the new Alpex Pro suggest that while it’s now available for pre-order, there’s still development work ongoing. Fundamentally, it’s not a leap forward from the Alpex 4K in terms of core specification. That’s not necessarily a criticism — refinement is important — but in a competitive market, expectations for meaningful upgrades are high.
Pard’s latest offering also raised some eyebrows. In some respects, it feels like a step back from their more recent releases. In a fast-moving optics market, clarity of product direction is key.
Customers are savvy, and they’re comparing not only across brands but within product families.
On a more positive note, it was great to see RIX at the show showcasing their range, particularly the RIX Leap, which I thoroughly enjoyed using. It’s good to see emerging players pushing innovation and bringing fresh energy into the space. Likewise, Manbilly had some solid kit on display — though they were somewhat difficult to locate as they were trading under their Chinese parent company name.
One of the standout elements this year was the team at MDT. They were a genuinely good crew to spend time with — open, honest, and enthusiastic about their products. What particularly stood out was their attention to all customers. There were complaints last year from female shooters who felt ignored by certain retailers showcasing MDT products. That kind of behaviour has no place in this industry. Credit where it’s due — MDT clearly listened, adapted, and made a visible effort to ensure inclusivity and engagement across the board. That’s leadership in action.
However, it’s impossible to ignore the wider issue of cost. I spoke to several retailers and brands who declined to attend due to pitch fees, describing them as excessive. Equally, many visitors chose not to attend because the entry price didn’t represent value for them. When both exhibitors and attendees question the return on investment, it’s worth reflecting on the long-term sustainability of that model.
Despite those concerns, the DNT stand was exceptionally busy. It was relentless — in a good way. I can walk and stalk all day and night, including dragging deer, and not feel as exhausted as I did after a couple of days on that stand. That’s the reality of engaging properly with people: listening, advising, demonstrating, and building trust takes energy.
But it’s worthwhile energy.
It was also great to catch up with familiar faces — colleagues, industry contacts, subscribers, syndicate members, and past clients. These events are as much about relationships as they are about products. Conversations, shared experiences, and honest feedback are what move the industry forward.
For me personally, it was a productive and rewarding weekend — albeit a tiring one. Back to work last night and again tonight, with plenty to do. That’s the nature of the job, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Next stop: The Stalking Show in April.
Events like these always provide an opportunity to reflect — on where we are as an industry, how we treat our customers, how we support newcomers, and how we balance commercial realities with long-term growth. There’s a lot to be positive about, but also areas where we can — and should — do better.
Onwards.
Dnt Andy
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