So another SHOT Show has come and gone and we are all busy preparing for IWA, which is so close now.
It got me thinking about how much attention we pay to these big trade events.
For sure, they are the two largest shooting, hunting and outdoor trade events in the world, each attracting thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors.
SHOT may only take up two halls (and attendant rooms for law enforcement, new products and so on) but each hall is vast. Indeed, some whizz a couple of years back worked out that if you walked each and every aisle just once, you would have covered something like 12 miles!
IWA, meanwhile, has 10 big halls packed with the best products in our sector from around the world. Whether you are into shooting, hunting, cutlery, clothing, fishing or even giftware, there is something for you here too.
So making the most of your time at these events is crucial.
And finally…
And as I close down my computer and leave Gun Trade World after six great years, I am delighted to pass the baton on to Rob Smith, a talented and experienced young journalist who has worked on GTW before. I know I leave the magazine in safe hands and I am certain the industry will make him welcome.

John Hunter
Editor in chief