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Winners of The Great British Shooting Awards 2026

The Great British Shooting Awards 2026 returned to celebrate the very best in the shooting industry, honouring standout brands and individuals at the British Shooting Show at the NEC in Birmingham. With winners presented directly on their stands and a record number of public votes, this year’s awards highlighted the passion, innovation and excellence shaping the future of the sport.

Winners of The Great British Shooting Awards 2026
Shooting Times
Shooting Times 17 February 2026

The Great British Shooting Awards returned this year to honour the very best in the industry, from pioneering manufacturers to the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of our rural heritage. Eschewing a formal sit-down ceremony, the 2026 awards took on a more dynamic format, with winners being presented with their accolades directly on their stands on Friday 13 February during the British Shooting Show at the NEC in Birmingham. This personal approach allowed the winners to celebrate their success in the heart of the action, surrounded by the very products and people that earned them the titles.

This year’s event, which was originally launched in 2018, was particularly historic, attracting more public votes than ever before. The sheer volume of participation serves as a powerful testament to the vitality of our sport and the high esteem in which these nominees are held. In an era where the shooting industry faces constant scrutiny, these awards provide a vital platform to showcase the gold standard of craftsmanship and conservation. From the latest advancements in lead-free ammunition to the tireless work of gamekeepers and gundog trainers, the winners represent the pinnacle of excellence. We are delighted to present the definitive list of this year’s victors – the brands and personalities chosen by you, the shooting public, as the very best in the business.

Airgun of the Year

FX DRS Classic

The FX DRS Classic masterfully combines traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge PCP technology. Its streamlined, wrap-around air cylinder design gives it the silhouette of a classic sporting rifle, a feature that has clearly resonated with shooters who appreciate heritage styling paired with world-class Swedish precision and adjustability.

“We’re incredibly grateful to have won this year’s award with the FX DRS Classic. The DRS is a really exciting rifle for the UK market and has been exceptionally well received. It offers an accessible, tactical look and feel while remaining a robust and dependable platform. We’re absolutely delighted to see it recognised as Airgun of the Year.”

Clay Shotgun of the Year

Perazzi High Tech Sporter

Perazzi’s High Tech Sporter remains the choice of champions on the competitive circuit. Engineered for perfect balance and exceptional durability, this shotgun offers the reliability and finesse required to compete at the highest levels, proving once again why the Perazzi name is synonymous with victory on the world stage.

“We are extremely happy to have won this award. The Perazzi Hi-Tech is an outstanding gun, and like all Perazzi models, it represents the very highest standards of craftsmanship and performance. We are incredibly proud of it. Thank you very much.”

Game Shotgun of the Year

Browning 825 Game Prestige

The Browning 825 Game Prestige is a masterclass in both elegance and mechanical functionality. Designed specifically for the discerning game shot, it offers superb handling and exquisite finishing, ensuring it performs as beautifully as it looks when tackling high birds or walking-up over dogs on a crisp winter morning.

“Thank you very much for this award – we are extremely proud to receive it and truly appreciate the support. We launched the Browning 825 Game Prestige last year, and it has been a tremendous success in the UK market. We’re delighted to see it recognised in this way.”

Clay Cartridge of the Year

Eley Hawk Superb

Eley Hawk Superb cartridges have lived up to their name by delivering incredibly consistent patterns and manageable recoil. Trusted by clay shooters across the country, these cartridges are engineered to provide the confidence needed to break targets reliably, whether shooting at a local club or a national championship.

“Thank you so much for this award – we’re absolutely delighted. The Eley Superb is a fantastic cartridge, perfectly suited to all clay disciplines and equally impressive in the field.”

Game Cartridge of the Year

Fiocchi Pigeon BIO

Fiocchi’s Pigeon BIO reflects the industry’s proactive shift toward sustainable performance. By combining effective knockdown power with environmentally conscious, biodegradable components, Fiocchi has provided game shooters with a reliable, high-performance alternative that respects the environment without compromising on the traditional standards expected in the field.

“We truly appreciate all the loyal Fiocchi shooters who voted for us as Game Cartridge of the Year. We’d also like to thank our UK production and sales team for the hard work and dedication that have made this product what it is today. We’re especially excited about the cartridge’s biodegradable wad, which delivers the same performance and consistency as a traditional plastic wad, while offering the added benefit of being environmentally responsible.”

Rifle of the Year

Tikka T3X Ace Target

The Tikka T3X Ace Target continues the brand’s legacy of exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy. Specifically tailored for the growing number of precision target shooters, its ergonomic design, modularity, and famously smooth action make it one of the most versatile and dependable rifles currently available on the UK market.

“We’d like to sincerely thank everyone who voted and supported us. The Tikka T3 Ace Target has firmly established Tikka in the target shooting arena, and we look forward to continuing to grow and innovate in this market.”

Rifle Ammunition of the Year

Hornady International ECX

Hornady’s International ECX line has redefined expectations for non-lead rifle ammunition. Designed for deep penetration and high weight retention on European game, it offers stalkers a reliable and ethical choice. It ensures that Hornady remains at the forefront of the global transition toward sustainable ammunition innovation.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have won Rifle Ammunition of the Year again. The Hornady International ECX is an outstanding product, and the continued expansion of Hornady’s industry-leading non-toxic ammunition range is truly setting the standard. This award is a real testament to that innovation and performance.”

Innovative Product of the Year

Beretta SL2 Stellium Pro X

Beretta’s latest advancements have earned them the title of most innovative. By consistently pushing the boundaries of firearm technology—integrating modern materials with centuries of gunmaking wisdom—they continue to introduce features that enhance the shooting experience, ensuring their place as a perennial leader in the global sporting arms industry.

“We’re incredibly honoured to have received this award. Winning the Innovative Product Award is especially meaningful, because that is exactly what we set out to achieve with the Beretta SL2 Stellium Pro X. Improving on a platform as respected as the DT11 was no easy task, but we’re proud to have created something that delivers exceptional performance as well as outstanding beauty. Thank you very much.”

Binocular of the Year

Swarovski NL Pure

The Swarovski NL Pure binoculars offer an immersive viewing experience that is simply unparalleled. With an incredibly wide field of view and revolutionary ergonomic design, they allow observers to spot movement with ease, making them the gold standard for UK deerstalkers and professional wildlife enthusiasts alike.

“Thank you very much for presenting us with the Binocular of the Year award. The Swarovski NL Pure has been an extremely popular model with our customers, thanks to its exceptionally wide field of view and outstanding optical quality, enhanced by Swarovski’s Swarovision technology. It’s a real pleasure to see this product recognised as Binocular of the Year for 2026.”

Riflescope of the Year

Swarovski Z8i+

The Swarovski Z8i+ sets a new benchmark for optical clarity. Its expansive field of view and intuitive illuminated reticle make it a premier choice for various hunting scenarios, from tight woodland stalking to open hill shooting, providing the ultimate confidence when every second and every shot counts.

“We’re absolutely delighted to receive the award for Riflescope of the Year 2026. The Z8i Plus, and the Z8i family as a whole,  has long been the benchmark for premium optical performance. With the Z8i Plus, the 5mm larger ocular lens has made a significant difference and truly feels like a game changer. Combined with the updated zoom ring and throw lever, it enhances what was already an outstanding model even further. We’re really pleased to receive this recognition – thank you very much.”

Thermal Scope of the Year

Hikmicro Stellar SQ50L

The Hikmicro Stellar SQ50L has revolutionized night shooting by housing advanced thermal capabilities within a traditional 30mm scope tube. It provides incredibly detailed heat signatures, allowing for precise identification in complete darkness while maintaining the familiar mounting height and feel of a standard daylight optic.

Thermal Handheld of the Year

Hikmicro Lynx LH25

The Hikmicro Lynx LH25 is a compact powerhouse for spotting and surveillance. Its portability and high-resolution thermal imaging make it an essential tool for gamekeepers and stalkers who need to scan large areas quickly and efficiently without the burden of carrying heavy or cumbersome equipment.

Night Vision Optic of the Year

Hikmicro Alpex 4K

The Hikmicro Alpex 4K delivers stunning clarity in low-light conditions. By bridging the gap between day and night optics with its ultra-high-definition 4K resolution, it offers shooters a seamless transition and a vivid digital image that significantly enhances both accuracy and safety after the sun goes down.

“As the official sponsor of the BSS Awards, HIKMICRO is truly honoured to have supported an event that celebrates innovation, craftsmanship and excellence within the UK shooting industry.

To be recognised as the winner of three awards this year is a moment of great pride for our entire team. It affirms the strength of our technology, the trust placed in our brand by professionals and enthusiasts alike, and our long-term commitment to advancing thermal and digital optics for hunters across the UK and Europe.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the organisers for delivering such a professional and influential platform, and also to express our heartfelt thanks to our users and partners for their continued support. Your trust, feedback and real-world experience are what inspire us to innovate and improve every year. We remain committed to standing alongside the shooting community and empowering every hunter to move forward with confidence — because at HIKMICRO, we truly believe: trust your journey.”

Thermal Attachment of the Year

Nocpix MATE Ultra S60R

Nocpix’s MATE Ultra S60R offers incredible versatility for shooters looking to convert their existing day optics into thermal systems. Its high-resolution sensor and easy integration make it a top choice for those who demand high-end thermal performance without the need to dedicate a specific rifle to night work.

“We’re here at the 2026 Shooting Show and incredibly proud to have received the award for Best Thermal Add-On Unit for the Mate S60R. We’re absolutely delighted to achieve this recognition, and it’s a real testament to the product and the team behind it. It’s been a very busy first day, and we’re looking forward to the rest of the show being just as exciting over the next two days.”

Footwear and Apparel of the Year

Härkila

In a rare double victory, Härkila has swept both the Footwear and Apparel categories. Renowned for their rugged durability and advanced weather-resistant technology, Härkila products remain the definitive choice for professionals and enthusiasts who require gear that can withstand the most punishing conditions the British Isles can offer.

“We’re delighted to take home two awards at the British Shooting Show — Best Footwear and Best Shooting Apparel. It’s a real testament to Härkila’s commitment to quality gear for hunters. Thank you very much.”

Media Contributor of the Year

Conor O’Gorman

Conor O’Gorman has been awarded for his exceptional work in communicating the values and challenges of the shooting community. Through his insightful contributions, he has helped represent the interests of shooters and conservationists to a wider audience with remarkable clarity, balance, and passion.

“The sporting press is inspiring a united fight for the future of shooting, and I am proud to be able to play a part in that movement. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.”

Gundog Trainer of the Year

Ben Randall

Ben Randall’s dedication to gundog excellence is legendary within the field. His refined training methods have helped countless handlers develop highly skilled and disciplined companions. He is a truly deserving winner, recognised for his outstanding contribution to the standard of working dogs across the country.

“Feeling incredibly grateful and humbled to be voted Gundog Trainer of the Year once again. This award means so much because it was supported organically by clients, the BG Community, friends, and people worldwide. The long days, late nights, phone calls, messages, and time spent helping people train their dogs, whether in person or online, can be exhausting at times, but moments like this remind me why I do it. Thank you to my family and everyone who voted and continues to support us- it genuinely means a great deal.”

Gamekeeper of the Year

Scott McKenzie

Scott McKenzie has been recognised for his tireless work and stewardship. His commitment to habitat management and the welfare of his quarry exemplifies the vital role that keepers play in the conservation and health of the British countryside, ensuring our landscapes remain rich in biodiversity.

“To be announced Gamekeeper of the Year for the fourth time was fantastic. A huge thank you to all that took the time to vote for me and a big shout out to the guys behind the British Shooting Show, it’s a great event that is a huge support to the industry, well done.”

Professional Deerstalker of the Year

Paul Childerley

Paul Childerley is a pre-eminent figure in the stalking world, respected for his immense expertise and commitment to deer management. His professional approach and educational efforts via various media platforms have made a significant impact on the community, earning him this year’s well-deserved top honours.

Outstanding Contribution to Conservation

Niall Rowantree

Niall Rowantree’s lifelong dedication to conservation has left an indelible legacy. His work in managing complex landscapes highlights the positive environmental impact of well-managed shooting estates, making him a true champion for the natural world and a guardian of our wild spaces.

“I would like to say that I’m humbled and delighted to receive the award for an outstanding contribution to conservation. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by wildlife from childhood and firmly believe that country people and the shooting community in particular have a huge role to play in reconnecting our nation with its countryside and demonstrating sustainable living through the wise use of natural resources.”

Clay Ground of the Year

Eaton Hall

Eaton Hall has been recognised as the UK’s premier clay shooting venue. With its diverse range of targets and world-class facilities, it offers an exceptional experience for both novice and experienced shots, setting a high standard for hospitality and target presentation nationwide.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team at Eaton Hall. We strive to offer an exceptional experience for every guest, and this award inspires us to continue raising the bar. Thank you to everyone who voted for us – it means the world.”

Lifetime Achievement

John and Annie Allison

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to John and Annie Allison in recognition of their remarkable leadership and enduring contribution as owners of the British Shooting Show, whose passion and commitment have left a lasting legacy in the shooting community.

“We’re truly honoured to receive this award. The British Shooting Show has been our passion, and seeing the shooting community thrive has been incredibly rewarding. As we step back this year, we’re grateful for the support and memories created together.”

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