Fady Kiwan owns the Benchrest World Championships with a BRK Ghost

Fady Kiwan dominated the Benchrest Rimfire and Air Rifle World Championships held in Plzen, Czech Republic, winning two world titles and setting a record score with his BRK Ghost Air Rifle.

The competition, which is sanctioned by the World Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Federation (WRABF) and the European Rimfire & Air Rifle Benchrest Shooting Federation (ERABS), saw 237 competitors from 23 countries take part in a range of events between July 26 and August 4.

Kiwan competed in the Light Varmint 25m, Heavy Varmint 25m and Unlimited at 50m categories. Unlike most of the other shooters, who used highly specialised custom rifles, Kiwan remarkably used a standard BRK Ghost, only swapping between 17in and 28in barrels and .177 and .22 calibres, a process that takes just a few minutes.

His score of 725.21 points was not only good enough to win the 50m Unlimited world title but set a new record of 247/250 in the process. He also went on to be crowned World Champion in the ThreeGun category from his total scores in Light Varmint, Heavy Varmint and 50m unlimited, all using the same BRK Ghost.

“Fady’s achievement is the stuff of dreams,” com-

John Rothery Wholesale releases new Trade Catalogue and Price List

John Rothery Wholesale has announced the launch of its 2023/2024 Trade Catalogue and Price List, which it believes will stand as a testament to its commitment to exceptional service for its valued customers.

Designed to cater to the diverse needs of retailers, the 2023/2024 Trade Catalogue is a comprehensive resource featuring an extensive range of more than 5,000 products from renowned brands. Retailers can easily explore the latest products, stay updated with the newest offerings and make well-informed purchasing decisions.

One of the standout features of the updated catalogue is its user-friendly layout. John Rothery Wholesale has gone the extra mile to ensure that retailers can effortlessly navigate through the various sections. The catalogue has been thoughtfully organised, making it easier than ever to find specific items and product categories. With its clear and concise descriptions, along with vibrant images, retailers can confidently present the products to their customers, boosting sales and customer satisfaction.

Rigby unveils its first ever Objet d’Art collection

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. has unveiled its new Objet d’Art collection, a series of meticulously hand-crafted items perfect for collectors or those searching for the ultimate gift.

mented BRK’s Tony Belas. “To win two world titles and set a record score is one thing, but to be first among all the air rifle shooters in a world championship with a standard BRK Ghost—a rifle that is used by hunters and casual shooters around the world—is simply amazing.”

Dave Barham, editor of Airgun World, said: “Fady has achieved the impossible using an ‘off the shelf’ BRK Brocock Ghost. Massive congratulations from the team here at Airgun World magazine.”

The Objet d’Art collection includes handmade enamelled sterling silver cufflinks featuring the iconic Rigby ‘double R’ logo or the brand’s unique seven-grooved rifle spiral design, as influenced by the iconic .500 Rigby Rising Bite double rifle. There are also fine silver tumblers, sold individually or as a pair, which also carry the famous Rigby ‘double R’ logo and feature a striking enamel finish over a timeless, engine-turned pattern. The collection is rounded off with two hand-crafted pens, one inspired by the .500 Rigby Rising Bite double rifle and the other by the much-loved .275 rifle, as owned by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

All the items in the Objet d’Art collection carry the newly registered Rigby ‘maker’s mark’, and those made during 2022 and 2023 will also carry Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee hallmark, adding to the provenance of the pieces.

Rigby goldsmith and engraver James Kulczyk, who has led the creation of the collection, commented: “Although it is in its infancy, I have been staggered by the interest shown in Rigby Objet d’Art, not only from our established supporters but also from new customers.”

Prices start from £1,080.

GWCT Summer Dinner raises £6,000

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) says it raised £6,000 at its inaugural Summer Dinner at the Cavalry & Guards Club, through ticket sales, donations, a live auction and raffle lots. Special guests at the gala event included adventurists Hugo and Ross Turner, ITV racing presenter Flora Gibbs, photographer Alistair Guy, professional hunter Ollie Williams, and TV personalities Julius Cowdrey and Freddie Brown.

Furthermore, the improved price list is set to simplify the ordering process for retailers. The well structured format ensures that retailers can quickly locate prices for different products and manage their inventory more efficiently. This enhancement comes as a result of valuable feedback received from customers over the years, reflecting John Rothery Wholesale’s dedication to listening and responding to the needs of its clients.

“We are elated to introduce our latest trade catalogue and price list, which represent a significant step forward in terms of design and functionality,” said Sean O’Driscoll, Managing Director of John Rothery Wholesale. “Our team has worked diligently to curate a resource that empowers our retail partners to easily access crucial product information and pricing. We believe that this enhancement will strengthen our relationship with retailers and further support their success in the market.”

For more information about John Rothery Wholesale and its extensive range of products and services, please visit bisley-uk.com

Guns walking away from driven shooting days?

Against a backdrop of economically difficult times for many of us, reports are coming in of a decrease in demand for driven shooting days.

Digby Taylor of GunsOnPegs told Shooting Times that they are seeing more discounted days, and that they have even had prestigious estates such as Floors Castle approaching them to advertise. In previous years, booking such days has been all but impos- sible for the ordinary Gun. However, Digby does not believe this is about money per se. “We are talking about people who are really very wealthy, but they are starting to question whether shooting represents good value given the price hike.”

Sam Higgins of EJ Churchill noted that an American team who paid £48,000 for two days last year are paying £62,000 for the same two days this year.

Eat Wild in 2023

Eat Wild has been taking the campaign for wild and sustainable meat to events across the UK. So far this year, Eat Wild has been present at: Glendale Children’s Education Day, Northumberland; Open Farm Sunday, Cambridgeshire; La Cucina Caldesi, London; Highclere Show, Hampshire; The Northern Shooting Show, Yorkshire; Vale House Kitchen, Bath; and GWCT Clay Day, London.

BASC Wildlife Fund

Nick Mason of Davis & Bowring says they are still seeing days selling at the very top end of the market, and he reports a brisk trade in the smallest days too, but says the middle of the market is sticky. Nick believes people are wondering whether they should turn their 300-bird day into a 150-bird day. The clear problem with this is that such days would hardly cover costs for estates.

Species, habitats and communities are all set to benefit from a major new biodiversity fund targeted at shooting and conservation-related activities. The BASC Wildlife Fund will award grants and loans to support targeted activities that demonstrate the wider benefits of sustainable shooting in biodiversity and connecting people to the environment. For more, see bascwildlifefund.co.uk