British Shooting Show Week: What to Expect - Temporary Changes to Opening Hours & Order Processing

This time next week, things at Vector Air will look a little different. As many of you already know, we’ll be making our annual pilgrimage to the British Shooting Show, and while it’s one of the highlights of the year for us, it does come with a bit of unavoidable disruption.

Store Visits and Opening Hours

If you’re planning to visit the shop, visit before the 11th of Feb!

From next week, we’ll be deep into the organised chaos of loading vans, preparing stock, and heading off to the show. Because of that, we simply won’t have the staffing capacity to spend extended time in-store. We love a good chat as much as the next airgun nerd, but next week really isn’t the one.

If you do need to pop in, Click & Collect is strongly recommended for a quick, smooth transaction. It helps us help you, and gets everyone on their way without stress.

Online Orders During Show Week

While we’re at the British Shooting Show, orders will not be processed.

That means if you place an order on Wednesday night and email us on Thursday morning asking why it hasn’t shipped, the answer will be simple. We’re all at the NEC. We don’t have the staff capacity to be at the unit and the show at the same time, and unfortunately, cloning still isn’t an option.

Orders will resume processing once we’re back and have untangled the post-show chaos.

When Are We Actually Closed?

We’re closed to the public on the following days:

• Wednesday 11th – Half day

• Thursday 12th

• Friday 13th

• Saturday 14th

• Sunday 15th

• Monday 16th

We’ll be back on Tuesday, the 17th, but Click & Collect only, while we catch up on orders and restore some sense of order to the unit.

About the British Shooting Show

If you’re not already booked on, time is running out. Discounted pre-book tickets end on the 12th of February, so now is the time to grab them.

👉 https://shootingshow.co.uk/

In theory, we’re in our usual spot, but at the time of writing, the hall plan hasn’t been released yet. When it is, it should appear here:https://shootingshow.co.uk/the-show/showguide/

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I collect my order at the show?

No. We won’t be taking customer orders to the show. Previous years taught us some hard lessons, wrong items, damaged boxes, and uncollected orders.

Click & Collect is at Vector Air, Leen Court only, and we won’t be available from the 11th to the 18th to process them.

What stock are you taking?

Not the whole shop. Every year, someone asks for something obscure that we didn’t bring. We’re focusing on new, upcoming products and best sellers, not everything under the sun.

Will there be show deals?

Yes. First-come, first-served. If it’s gone by day 2, it’s gone.

Do loyalty discounts or coupon codes apply at the show?

No. The show operates separately from the website and shop. Prices are already heavily reduced, and margins are tight.

Cash or card?

Card readers will be there, but cash is strongly preferred. Card fees and unreliable show Wi-Fi don’t mix well.

Will you have plenty of stock?

We’re taking 2 vans. Last year we sold around 1.5 vans worth. So… maybe don’t wait until Sunday afternoon.

Will you have the range this year?

Yes. Please limit sessions to 2 magazines per go, £3 per magazine. Range staff won’t be answering product questions; come back to the stand for that.

Do show purchases earn loyalty points?

No. Loyalty points can’t be issued for show sales.

How do returns and warranty work?

Returns are at the customer's cost within 14 days, with proof of purchase. Faulty items must be returned to the shop after the show. We can’t inspect or repair items at the NEC.

Will you assemble or fit items?

No. No fitting, no assembly. Time simply doesn’t allow it.

Can I choose my mounts with a scope?

No. Scope sales are box-only. Prices have been reduced to allow you to purchase mounts online later.

Do illuminated optics include batteries?

No. Same as online sales, batteries are not included.

Are guns checked before sale?

Yes. All guns are checked and partially filled to confirm no leaks before the show. Any issues must be returned to Vector Air (Repairs) with proof of purchase after the event.

Thanks in advance for bearing with us during show week. It’s hectic, loud, exhausting, and brilliant all at once. Normal service will resume shortly after, and we promise to answer the phones again… eventually.

Buy Tickets!

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