New from the NEC:the best kit to covet

The 2025 British Shooting Show at the Birmingham NEC was another fantastic event, packed with incredible products and a great atmosphere. I had an amazing time exploring the latest gear, chatting with industry experts, and soaking up the passion that makes this show so special each year. With so much to see, it was impossible to take in everything, but I came across some standout products that really caught my eye. 

DAYSTATE BLACKWOLF

I had the opportunity to see Daystate’s latest mechanical PCP, the Blackwolf, firsthand at the BSS, and it was undoubtedly one of the most exciting products to be launched there. This is because it is essentially a platform that can be adapted by shooters themselves to meet their specific requirements and it has been designed from the ground up to achieve this. 

Several variations were on display, highlighting the Blackwolf’s adaptability, including the choice between an air cylinder or a carbon-wrapped buddy bottle, as well as stock options in walnut, carbon grey and laminate. Interestingly, there is even an upcoming tactical chassis. 

The 16 new and unique features include a 20-setting thumb-adjustable power wheel, a titanium firing-valve system, an AR-style safety catch, and an eight-point adjustable trigger that can be altered from 8oz to 3.5lb. You can even change the barrel length and calibre in minutes. 

Prices start at £1,795, and the sub-12ft/lb version comes in .177 and .22. Alternatively, at FAC power levels you can order it in .177, .22, .25 and .30. 

Contact daystate.com

MAUSER 25

The Blaser/Sauer/Mauser stand was positioned right in front of the entrance to the hall, as usual, which made it particularly easy for me to grab a handful of the new and very exciting Mauser 25. 

It takes quite a lot to get me excited about a rifle these days, but this new piece of kit has a lot going for it. First, it’s a Mauser, and that name carries a lot of weight in the world of firearms. Second, the rifle boasts a brand-new, super-slick, straight-pull action, which exudes quality. Third comes the price, because the thumbhole laminated version, called the Max (pictured) has an RRP of only £1,831. 

The Max has a laminated beechwood stock, an adjustable polymer cheekpiece, atwo-position safety catch, a thumbhole grip, a spacer-adjustable length of pull ranging from 13.7in (349mm) to 15.7in (399mm), an infinitely adjustable direct trigger for pull weights between 700g and 1,700g, a single-column polymer magazine with a 3+1 capacity, and an M15x1 screwcut muzzle. There is a left-handed version at no extra cost, and the rifle will be available in .308, .243, 6.5 CM, 6.5×55, 8×57, .30-06, 7mm Rem mag and .300 Win mag. 

Contact blaser-group.com

BLASER FBX 

Also on the popular Blaser/Sauer/Mauser stand was a smart new gun designed for competitive shooters. The eye-catching FBX has been developed with professional shooters to deliver peak performance in any contest. 

When I got my hands on this gun, the extraordinary balance and weight distribution was clear. The FBX is designed to offer a smooth swing and fatigue-free shooting. A new balancer system is integrated into the forend, which allows the weight distribution to be customised to the shooter’s needs. 

The Blaser FBX benefits from a sophisticated barrel design, which improves shot velocities, optimises patterns and reduces recoil. You can stick with fixed chokes or try the new extended thin-walled multichokes too. The stock also has a special design, complemented by a soft recoil pad, which, together with the optimised weight distribution, significantly reduces recoil, minimises muzzle flip, and allows for fast, intuitive shooting. Look out for our detailed review in the next few months. 

Contact blaser-group.com

CRISPI FUTURA PWR GTX 

Outwear is establishing a reputation as a distributor of quality brands and I’d argue that no brand better represents this ethos than Crispi. The Italian bootmaker never rests when it comes to innovation and the latest iteration, the Futura Power (PWR) GTX has been designed for stalking and hunting in the toughest terrain. 

The Futura’s desirable features include an anatomical and precise wrapping across the entire foot, with asymmetrical lacing that reaches all the way to the toe to ensure comfort and precision, even on steep scree. A new EFX midsole provides extra cushioning and stability, thanks to the raised design and increased rigidity. Crispi’s patented Full Control sole also offers grip and control in every phase of movement, from uphill traction to downhill braking. 

Weighing only 790g and fashioned from a water-repellent nubuck leather, the Power GTX boots are sure to be a hit with hill stalkers working in the most demanding environments. 

Contact outwear.co.uk

SVEMKO SOUND MODERATORS 

Some very flashy sound moderators from a Norwegian company called Svemko caught my eye. Svemko uses an aluminium outer and a grade five titanium core construction, which makes these moderators very durable and lightweight. The Hunter 1.0 Short over-barrel mod measures 183mm — adding 103mm to your rifle — and weighs 245g. 

If you want to use the moderator on multiple rifles, you can buy modules to change the calibre. Or you could purchase a .30 moderator and use it on any smaller calibre rifle via Svemko’s quick mount system (QMS). This is essentially an adapter that fits over your rifle’s existing muzzle thread. So with a quick 90-degree turn you can unscrew your moderator and attach it to any rifle fitted with the QMS. 

Contact edgarbrothers.com

LADIES’ PINEWOOD EXPERT TRAINER VEST 

This training vest for women is Pinewood’s most equipped option to date, making it the obvious choice for those who want to be well prepared for a day of activities. The vest is windproof and water-repellent, featuring a waxed surface that withstands light rain. Stretchable side panels add extra comfort and flexibility, ensuring ease of movement. 

The vest — available in black, moss green and new dark tomato (right) — includes reflective details for visibility in the dark. On the back, there’s a large expandable pocket with two compartments for water bottles. At the front, you’ll find two spacious hand pockets with magnetic snap closures; the one on the left has a pouch for storing treats. 

There are handwarmer pockets with fleece lining, two inner pockets with zippers, one for your mobile phone, and two chest pockets with zippers. The vest closes with a two-way zipper and can be adjusted at the back and the bottom. Order yours for £149.99. 

Contact muntjactrading.com

HAWKE ENDURANCE 30 FD 4.5-27X56 SF 

Hawke’s Endurance range has a new illumination system — instead of a rotating rheostat, there is a much sleeker push-button. You simply press it multiple times to adjust the brightness of the dot at the centre of the reticle. 

Looking at the 30 FD 4.5-27×56 SF specifically, not only were the magnification range and objective lens size impressive, but I was also pleased to see a push/pull locking elevation turret with a zero-stop mechanism up top. With a 30mm tube and side-focus system, the price of £749 is good value. 

Contact uk.hawkeoptics.com