Uutiset - News

At the IWA

I had a chance to go and visit IWA Outdoor Classics for the first time. It´s an exhibition for professionals interested in target sports, nature activities and protecting people (IWA slogan 2019). As a part of my upcoming game management course I felt and was even recommended to go and see this for myself. And I´m glad I did – it was impressive!

First of all, the city of Nuremberg is a picturesque medieval town, restored old buildings and walls around the downtown. I totally loved the small alleys, the market square, excellent authentic restaurants with great local cuisine. Not forgetting the beer – "notwendiges Lebensmittel", as the locals may say. And why shouldn´t they, lovely Weissbier, very fresh lager, even the Nürnberger Rotbier is worth mentioning. And they even have an organic distillery! A meat lover will have nothing but praise for the food, there is a lot of pork available – and it´s delicious. Especially the sausages – go and eat at the Bratwursthäusle bei St.Sebald or the Bratwurst Röslein. Absolutely great German food! How can one not love sausages, sauerkraut and Weissbier?!

Then IWA. 9 halls full of tools, accessories, clothing and guns and everything for them. I saw lots of manufacturers I had not heard of before, a lot of the well-known brands and some pretty kinky stuff at the IPSC halls. Lovely woodwork, amazing finishes and beautiful engravery, riflescopes, knives, clothing (did not pay too much attention, tho! The guns were more attractive!!). There seems to be absolutely no limit to the craftsmanship in this field - and in the world of disposable goods, this is a very comforting thought!

Some Finnish manufacturers were also there, naturally the Tikka and Sako rifles, SAK silencers, Savotta gear, to mention a couple of brands. And even a water resistant paper, which was already a NATO listed item – well done to a company whose name I already forgot! In a professional fair such as the IWA it´s vital that the people working at the stands like it and it shows! That was not always the case – something for the marketing people to take a serious note of!!

My favorites? Pros who knew what they were talking about, were honest about their products, availability and the deliveries. People, who were pleased to see and meet other people – it really does show! The IWA 2019 gave me a lot of new things to dream about – and the British gunmakers were not even there! Thanks to Benelli, Sako Beretta, Swarovski Optik…. and especially the people behind those brands – in good mood willing to help and to interact. After all – no matter what the branch is, it´s the people who make the deal – and deal making must be enjoyable!

Can I have them both?

Engraving tool

The trunk. To be seen around Finland during the spring weeks.