The Top 10 UK Shooting Forums Every Firearms Dealer Should Know
As a registered firearms dealer in the UK, staying connected with the shooting community is essential for success. One of the best ways to do this is by knowing the top shooting forums where enthusiasts gather to discuss products, share experiences, and seek advice. These forums are more than just online communities – they are valuable resources for understanding customer needs, spotting market trends, and managing your brand’s reputation. By engaging with these platforms, you can also build relationships with potential customers and industry professionals, keeping your business informed and ahead of the competition.
1. Pigeon Watch
Pigeon Watch started as a forum for shooters to discuss everything related to the search of the woodpigeon. Over the years the site has grown to cover other aspects of country sports, including ferreting, airgunning, dog work, rifle shooting, clay pigeon shooting, angling, and gamekeeping. Pigeon Watch now hosts a national community of sportsmen and women who share the same passion of the country sports. Currently there are over 4 million posts, so plenty of discussion to be had!
2. The Stalking Directory
Penned as ‘The Home of UK Deer Stalking’, The Stalking Directory is the ultimate forum for deer stalking that hosts members discussions, photo galleries, articles, and even venison recipes. Find information on training and qualifications, legal issues, equipment and accessories, big game hunting opportunities and even jobs.
3. Reddit r/ukguns
4. AirgunBBS.com
AirgunBBS.com is one of the most popular and respected online forums in the UK dedicated to airgun enthusiasts. The forum serves as a key hub for airgun enthusiasts, providing insights into customer preferences, emerging trends, and popular products. We particularly like the discussion on competition shooting!
5. Airgun Forum
Airgun Forum is another prominent online community in the UK, dedicated to airgun enthusiasts of all levels. Known for its friendly and knowledgeable members, the forum covers a wide range of topics including airgun reviews, tuning tips, hunting stories, and discussions on the latest gear. It’s a vibrant platform where users can ask questions, share experiences, and stay updated on industry news. Airgun Forum also has yearly gatherings, serving as excellent networking opportunities.
6. ShootClay
With great reviews, news and views on the world of Clay Pigeon shooting, the online magazine ShootClay is the perfect resource for Clay Target Shooters and enthusiasts. The site also includes the ‘ShootClay Forum, where you can swap scorecards, arrange meet-ups and read about others’ shoots. ShootClay also has a directory including a comprehensive guide for Clay Grounds, allowing shooters to find and review their favourite venues. With almost 6,000 members and discussions including industry jobs, trap shooting, services and more – it’s a one-stop-shop for like-minded clay pigeon enthusiasts.
7. The UKPSA
The UK Practical Shooting Association (UKPSA) forum is an essential resource for members of the practical shooting community in the UK. By joining the UKPSA, members gain access to a dynamic platform where they can exchange tips, share news, and stay informed about upcoming matches, results, and training courses. The forum keeps members updated with timely notices and discussions, making it easier to stay engaged with the latest developments in practical shooting.
8. Full Bore UK
Full Bore UK is a leading forum dedicated to the world of full-bore shooting sports in the UK, offering a comprehensive platform for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It covers a wide range of topics related to rifle shooting, including equipment reviews, technical advice, match reports, and shooting techniques. The forum is a valuable resource for both newcomers and experienced shooters looking to deepen their knowledge and stay updated on the latest developments in the sport. For firearms dealers, Full Bore UK provides insights into market trends, popular products, and emerging technologies.
9. UKV
10. The Hunting Life
BONUS FORUM: Facebook Groups
Traditional social media is always a precocious topic within the UK firearms industry, as censorship and legislation plays a massive part in whether posts are allowed on these sites. That being said, some Facebook groups do pop up with success, we suggest typing your chosen discipline or gun type into the search bar on Facebook and browsing the groups available at the time.
Meta is notorious for shutting down any shooting-related content (including Gunstar’s own Facebook page, back in 2020!), give us a follow on our new page here to stay up to date on all things Gunstar and selling!
Final Thoughts
Keeping up to date with industry opinions, news and trends is an invaluable way to stay relevant in the UK guns industry. These online communities offer a direct line to your target audience, providing insights into their preferences, emerging trends, and the latest discussions in the shooting world. By engaging with forums like AirgunBBS.com, Airgun Forum, Full Bore UK, and The Hunting Life Forum, you can enhance your market knowledge, manage your brand’s reputation, and build lasting relationships with both customers and other professionals. Keeping an eye on these platforms will not only keep you informed but also give you a competitive edge in meeting the demands of the UK shooting community.
Subscribe to Gunstar My Business Newsletter
Stay updated with the latest in the industry.
Don’t miss out on selling tips, insights and UK firearms industry news.