THE COMPLETE AIRGUN EVENT RETURNS TO KELMARSH!

Following the incredibly successful launch of both Airgun Expo and the inaugural World Hunter Field Target Championship at the Kelmarsh Country Fair in 2009, organisers Countryman Fairs are pleased to announce that this years Airgun Expo will be even bigger and better than before!

Airgun Expo will form the centrepiece of an expanded Gunmakers Row, and once again bring with it the country’s finest manufacturers of airguns. Every leading brand of airguns and related products will be represented at the event for you to try before you buy.

Brocock, BSA Guns,Daystate, Deben,Gamo, Gun Power, FX, Idleback Chairs, MTC Optics, Prestige Airguns and Theobenhave already confirmed they will be in attendance, each displaying a wide range of products on their stands. Products from these and other manufacturers will be available to buy at specialist airgun retailer C&H Weston.

“ We are very excited to be working with Countryman Fairs at Kelmarsh. The airgun industry has enjoyed a long and successful relationship at the Midland Game Fair, and I feel that Kelmarsh has all of the ingredients needed to make it an outstanding platform for airgun sport” said  BSA Guns’ Peter Martineau, who are attending for the first time. Other new exhibitors include FX Airgun Importers and  shooting accessory giants Deben, Prestige Airguns, Idleback Chairs and Theoben, making airgun Expo at Kelmarsh the most complete airgun event outside the Midland Game Fair.

Airgunning legend Terry Doe and his team of experts from Airgunner and Airgun World will be in attendance giving their insight into the world of airgunning, and how to get involved.

Daystate has undergone somewhat of a transformation recently, introducing new production techniques and even higher quality components than ever before. Managing Director Tony Belas will be on hand to show offrifles from their ground breaking electronic series including the Mk4, Airwolf and the exquisite Grand Prix, as well as their class leading Huntsman, Merlyn and Air Ranger. Rumour has it there will be a new Daystate model launched at the event.

Gun Power will be bringing their distinctive range of rifles and accessories including The Stealth, The Storm, The Shadow, The SSS and their exciting new indoor target rifle – The Edge!Industry innovators Brocock will be displaying their Aim X and Enigma range of rifles and pistols, the Umarex and Rohm ranges.

MTC Optics will also be on hand to demonstrate their range of optics, and provide invaluable advice on how to get into the sport. New to the range this year is the low profile Mamba Lite. It is not only much lighter than the Mamba, but it’s 25mm body allows medium mounts to be used on airguns with multi shot magazines, such at the Daystate Huntsman and Mk4, moving the crosshairs closer to the centre of the barrel, thus requiring less aim off at longer distances. We are hoping to get a glimpse of the long awaitedTaipan, a high spec super scope at a realistic price. The most exciting addition to the range must be the Rapier 5-700. This incredible rangefinder offers laser a rangefinding capability of +/- 1m up to a staggering 700m for £134!

Airgun specialists C&H Weston are planning their largest ever retail presence at an event, with products from every major airgunning brand available for purchase. Ivan and his team will also be showcasing the phenomenal Lightstream scope range, which is gaining a cult following in both HFT and deer stalking circles, such is the build and lens quality of these high spec Japanese optics.

The ATEO Sporting Airgun Ranges offer an opportunity to “try before you buy” and will also be providing “have-a-go” stands and tuition facilities for both adults and children. David Mills and his highly trained team of instructors pride themselves in offering a complete introduction to responsible airgunning, and don’t give up until you are consistently hitting targets, and you know how you did it!

Kelmarsh also hosts the first round of the ATEO Junior Airgun Championships. Aimed at novice young shots, the Junior Airgun Championship will consist of 10 silhouette targets set at various distances up to 45 yards. Young shots from across the UK will have a chance to qualify for the Grand Final to be held at Airgun Expo at the Midland Game Fair in September.

The Junior Airgun Championship will be open to all shooters aged 14 and under, at a cost of £4.00 per entry. The entry fee includes a 10 target practice on the tuition range and one entry into the competition range. All guns and equipment will be supplied by the ATEO. Full details of the prize package and the format for the final will be announced before the Midland Game Fair.

Once you’ve had a go on the Sporting Airgun Ranges, and stocked up on all the essential kit in Airgun Expo, why not head across to the World Hunter Field Target Championships and see how the experts do it. Countryman Fairs are proud to once again host the World Championships. Following it’s phenomenally successful launch in 2009 a record field is expected from across the globe. All of the top HFT shots will be in attendance, and will be delighted to give you help and advice on your way to joining them at the pinnacle of airgun sport.

Countryman Fairs Chief Executive Ian Harford expressed his excitement “It’s still early days, but I am overwhelmed by the level of support we have received for Airgun Expo at Kelmarsh in 2010. Not just from the trade, but from clubs, volunteers and enthusiasts. As most readers will know, I am a regular airgunner myself, both target and in the field. I wanted to create a complete event for airgun enthusiasts that offered something for everyone, whether complete novice, or world-class shot. Airgun Expo is an event by airgunners, for airgunners, and I can’t wait!”

Our official charity for 2010 is Disability Target Shooting of Great Britain. Limited Edition Airgun Expo 2010 enamel souvenir badges will be available to buy from the World Hunter Field Target Association and the ATEO entry tents.  The badges cost £3.00 and all proceeds will go to funding the shooting facilities for our elite level disabled shooters.

Don’t miss the biggest airgunning event outside the Midland Game Fair!