The Newest Shooting Products Launched at IWA 2017

Without doubt, the biggest trade fair in Europe for the shooting industry is IWA Outdoor Classics in Nuremberg – but unless you are part of the trade, you are unlikely to have attended. Held in early March, this year’s show welcomed nearly 1,500 exhibitors and, with more than 45,000 visitors from 114 countries, it was the place to launch new products – 654 of them, to be precise. Here are four of the most exciting new releases from IWA. 

Swarovski dS

Swarovski’s latest rifle scope, the dS, combines all the benefits of digital targeting technology with the expected standard of optics you’d expect from this market leader. The scope will automatically display the correct aiming point. At the press of a button, the dS also does a rangefinder’s job – measuring the distance of the target, while factoring in magnification settings, air pressure, temperature and angle, as well as ballistic data which is determined while zeroing the rifle. Windage can be calculated based on the distance measured, and wind speeds can be set. This scope ensures that the shooter does not need to make any adjustments before taking a shot, saving valuable time in the field. Working with Bluetooth technology, all the data can be inputted via a smartphone app. 
RRP: £3,230
www.swarovskioptik.com

Härkila Hunting Knives

Accessories for hunters is not a new concept for the immensely popular clothing brand Härkila, but at this year’s IWA the company has launched, for the first time, a knife collection. With four fixed-blade knives varying in size from 9cm to 15cm, the Härkila line not only looks fantastic, but are incredibly practical. The Umi Limited Edition knife has a gut hook and a Pakkawood handle with golden details, and is engraved with a unique number from one to 500. Presented in a moulded leather sheath, the blade is 10cm with the gut hook. The Ussuri is the largest of the knives, with a 15cm blade, and the moulded leather sheath has several mounting options. The Dee is a tough, smaller knife with a 9cm blade, while the Glomma has a 10cm blade. 
RRP starts at £129.99
www.harkila.com

Rigby Highlander

Attracting a huge crowd, the latest creation from London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. was piped in and toasted with a dram of whisky. This traditionally crafted rifle has taken three years to develop, and is available in both men’s and ladies’ versions and pays homage to the smaller calibre rifles made by Rigby at the turn of the 20th century. The rifle is made with grade 5 stocks as standard that has hand-finished chequering, while also featuring Rigby’s renowned iron sights, an ambidextrous stock and original-style engraving. Weighing in at 7.8lb, the magazine holds 4+1 in every calibre. Available in .275, .308, .30-06, 8x57 and 9.3x62. 
RRP: £6,495
www.johnrigbyandco.com

MyOutdoorTV

While the US has long enjoyed professionally produced and filmed hunting programmes, Europe has, over the past few years, started to follow suit. US company Outdoor Sportsman Group launched MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) in 2016, and is making its content available throughout Europe later this year. This subscription app will give viewers access to thousands of hours of hunting, shooting, fishing and adventure shows, made to the highest standards with well-known figures such as Jim Shockey and Craig Boddington. 
Price: $9.99 a month
www.MOTV.com