Uutiset - News

News from the Industry - IWA 2022

I have had the pleasure of co-operating with a German University of Applied Sciences. We have been travelling back and forth for a Game Management Intensive Week or Workshop since 2015, when I first attended a red deer seminar in Fichtelberg, Bayern. Covid 19 has messed up our plans the last couple of years, but perhaps this autumn - finally - we get to do this. In preparation for that - it was IWA-time!

After a hectic semester, I felt like I had truly deserved my break - and I had a blast. Super exciting stuff at the fair; Germany has really woken up to suppressors - and I was happy to find Finns offering their knowledge in that field, too. Interesting detail is that they seem to be cheaper here than they are in Germany! My favourite Frankonia has had a lot of Jaki suppressors available, but here in Finland you could get the model I have for just € 209 - and I´m not even sure, if that´s the best price out there. Frankonia wants € 349!

The Turkish gun manufacturers were there, too and you could not miss their presence - must have been sponsored by their government - they had one hall to themselves! Now, if you are just getting started, cannot wait to get a gun... - I still would advise you to get a secondhand gun and look for a premium brand.. Having said that, there´s no denying that some of the models were very nice, and probably will do just fine. I have had my share of bad quality stuff, in fact the Benelli 828U Sport I have right now is the only gun I have ever had without any problems :) 

Benelli and the rest of the big names were not present. This event has been postponed three times, and I suppose many must have thought it was still too soon - and yes, there were a lot less visitors, too. Which was also a positive thing - the service we got from every booth was outstanding - whatever we wanted; yes, we can! 

I have watched a few videos by "The Forgotten Weapons" guy, Ian McCullum and was happy to meet him in person at Brownells. Must mention this: today his video had a "mini-mozambique", which is a target that pops back up, if you hit it in the right spot. I think the main message is: target shooting is FUN and has absolutely nothing to do with violence or worse. His videos are also very informative AND he has done a piece on "Suomi compensators" - a really interesting story. I have also had the opportunity to shoot one of them and yes, they are easy to handle even without the compensator! I wish I could have another go!!

Germany was himself; lots of cars - I saw 0 e-cars, by the way - lots of people and wonderful food and great beer! Corona passports were required everywhere - but I had no problems getting around. Looking forward to going back again, soon. I hope!