What Gun Shops Should Expect from Buyer Demand This Summer
Every day, thousands of people visit Gunstar looking for their next gun. By analysing what they’re searching for, which categories they’re browsing, and when enquiries begin to increase, we can build a clear picture of how buyer demand changes as the shooting season approaches.
For many buyers, this is when the research starts. They compare models, monitor prices, and wait for the right gun to appear on the market. By the time the season begins, many have already made their purchase.
Based on what we’re seeing across the Gunstar marketplace, here are the trends we expect gun shops to experience over the coming weeks, along with a few ways to make the most of them.
Buyers Are Already Preparing for the Season
One of the biggest misconceptions is that demand only begins once the season starts. Our marketplace data suggests otherwise.
Last year, Gunstar saw page views increase from just over 1.09 million in June to more than 1.4 million in both July and August. Buyer enquiries also rose by more than 20%.
This shows that buyers are not waiting until the last minute. They’re researching, comparing prices, and deciding where to buy well before opening day.
What this means for your shop
If you have guns waiting to be listed, now is the time to get them online. Waiting until late August or September could mean missing buyers who have already started their search.
Don't Forget About Air Rifles
As the game season gets closer, it’s natural to focus on shotguns.
The data suggests your customers are thinking differently.
Air rifles remain the busiest category on Gunstar throughout the summer. In June alone, they generated more than over 3,100 buyer enquiries.
Search data supports this. Some of the most searched models in recent weeks include:
- Air Arms Ultimate Sporter
- Weihrauch HW100
- BSA R12
- Air Arms S510
- Weihrauch HW97
- Daystate models
These are not casual searches. Buyers are actively looking for specific rifles.
What this means for your shop
Don’t shift all your marketing focus to game guns just yet. If you have quality PCPs or popular spring powered rifles in stock, keep them front and centre. Demand remains strong, and buyers are actively searching for them.
Quality Used Guns Are Likely to Stay in Demand
One trend that stands out in Gunstar’s search data is how specific buyers have become.
They’re not searching for “shotgun” or “air rifle”.
They’re searching for the exact gun they’ve already decided they want.
Whether it’s a Weihrauch HW100, an Air Arms Ultimate Sporter, or a BSA R12, many buyers already have a shortlist before they even visit the site.
We expect the same behaviour to continue with shotguns as the season gets closer. Popular models such as the Beretta Silver Pigeon, Browning 525, Browning B725, Browning B825, and Miroku MK38 are likely to remain in demand as shooters look to upgrade or replace existing guns.
What this means for your shop
If you’ve recently taken in a clean used Browning, Beretta, or Weihrauch, don’t leave it sitting in the workshop waiting for a quieter day. Well presented, fairly priced used guns rarely stay available for long.
Buyers Know Exactly What They're Looking For
Years ago, many customers came online simply to browse.
Today, things are very different.
The searches we see on Gunstar are dominated by exact makes and models rather than broad terms like “PCP rifle” or “over and under shotgun”.
This tells us buyers are much further along in their buying journey before they even start searching.
What this means for your shop
Make it as easy as possible for those buyers to find your stock.
Include:
- The full manufacturer name
- The exact model
- Calibre
- Barrel length where relevant
- Any key features or upgrades
The more accurately your listing matches what buyers are searching for, the more likely it is to appear in front of the right customer.
Buyers Know Exactly What They're Looking For
Years ago, many customers came online simply to browse.
Today, things are very different.
The searches we see on Gunstar are dominated by exact makes and models rather than broad terms like “PCP rifle” or “over and under shotgun”.
This tells us buyers are much further along in their buying journey before they even start searching.
What this means for your shop
Make it as easy as possible for those buyers to find your stock.
Include:
- The full manufacturer name
- The exact model
- Calibre
- Barrel length where relevant
- Any key features or upgrades
The more accurately your listing matches what buyers are searching for, the more likely it is to appear in front of the right customer.
Premium Stock Is Still Attracting Attention
It’s easy to assume buyers become more price conscious over the summer.
While value is always important, our marketplace data shows there is still strong interest in premium brands.
The most searched models are rarely entry level purchases. Many are established, high quality rifles that buyers have already decided they want.
The same is true for quality shotguns. Buyers searching for a Browning or Beretta usually know the model they’re interested in because they’ve already done their research.
What this means for your shop
Don’t be afraid to showcase your premium stock.
Take the time to photograph it properly, write detailed descriptions, and highlight anything that makes it stand out. Buyers spending more money often spend longer researching, so good information can make a real difference.
Small Improvements Can Make a Big Difference
With nearly 70% of Gunstar traffic now coming from mobile devices, buyers are often comparing multiple listings on their phones.
That means first impressions matter.
Before publishing a listing, ask yourself:
- Is the first photo clear and well lit?
- Does the title include the full make and model?
- Is the calibre obvious?
- Can a buyer quickly understand the condition?
- Is there enough information to encourage an enquiry?
These may seem like small details, but they’re often what separates one listing from the next.
Small Improvements Can Make a Big Difference
If we were preparing a gun shop for the months ahead, these would be our priorities:
- Get quality used stock online as soon as possible.
- Keep air rifles prominently advertised rather than assuming demand has shifted elsewhere.
- Build your shotgun selection before the seasonal rush.
- Refresh older listings with better photography and more detailed descriptions.
- Make sure every advert includes the full make and model so buyers can find it more easily.
Final Thoughts
Every year is slightly different, but one trend remains consistent. Buyers begin preparing for the shooting season much earlier than many people expect.
As a marketplace, we can see those changes happening as buyers search, browse, and enquire across thousands of listings.
Right now, we’re seeing strong demand for air rifles, continued interest in quality used guns, and buyers searching for specific models well before the season is in full swing.
For gun shops, the message is simple. Preparation starts now. Businesses that already have their best stock online, well presented, and easy to find will be in the strongest position as buyer demand continues to build over the coming months.
If you want to maximise your visibility this season, make sure your stock is listed on Gunstar. With thousands of buyers actively searching every day, it’s the best place to put your guns in front of serious buyers.