The Game Fair hitlist: The stands actually worth your time

The Game Fair is so much more than a casual day out (although it can be that too). For us it’s a tactical scouting mission. When the gates open in Warwickshire from 24 to 26 July, you’ll find a festival where the layout is vast and time is finite.

Here’s our top picks to check out when visiting the grounds – your precise shortlist identifying the exact stands where engineering excellence, ergonomic innovation and genuine utility intersect.

The first mandatory stop on the circuit is Longthorne (Stand G1054). For the shooter who appreciates how structural integrity dictates handling, these Northampton-engineered shotguns are a masterclass of modern manufacturing. By machining their barrels from a single billet of steel or titanium, Longthorne has effectively eliminated the need for traditional rib soldering. On the shoulder, this translates to remarkable muzzle stability and a significant reduction in felt recoil. Their guns are bespoke, British-made classics that fundamentally rethink gun dynamics.

Moving from the shoulder to the targets themselves, consistency is everything. An erratic presentation can ruin a training session, which is why a visit to Bowman Traps (Stand H1330) is highly recommended. This UK family business designs and manufactures machines that form the backbone of reliable clubs and simulated days. Shooters looking to elevate a private layout can speak directly with their design engineers and make the most of exclusive show discounts.

For those who revere London’s historic gun-making lineage, Holland & Holland (Stand G1050) brings the artistry of their London Gunroom to the Warwickshire countryside. Inspecting the hand-engraved actions and flawless wood-to-metal fit up close serves as a healthy reminder of where the sport’s aesthetic standards were set.

Performance-focused shooters will want to head directly to Evolution Sunglasses (Stand H1328). They’re officially launching their new Shadow model at the show, alongside the Falcon RX for those requiring prescription lenses. Finding a frame that sits comfortably beneath hearing protection without breaking the acoustic seal is crucial, and their high-performance polarised range is well worth a physical fitting.

When getting out to the ground is not an option, the mental mechanics of the sport still need maintenance. This is where MegaVR (Stand H1448) comes into play. The Simstock is a fully adjustable VR gunstock designed to replicate the exact weight, balance and drop of a shooter’s actual competition gun. Testing it inside Clay Hunt VR reveals just how far digital training has come; it’s a legitimate tool for practicing mount consistency and sustained lead in the off-season.

If an appreciation for fine engineering extends to smaller tools, Emberleaf Workshops (Stand G1027) is an essential destination. Their handmade British knives blend traditional blade-making with immaculate edge geometry. These are tools of distinction, built for those who value how a beautifully balanced blade feels in the hand.

Getting to the finest remote grounds often demands proper utility. General Tire (Stand X2150) is unveiling the Grabber AT3 Plus, an evolution of their legendary 4×4 tyre. Engineered with a compound that reduces rolling noise on the tarmac while improving wet-surface grip, it provides the exact durability needed when a country estate track turns into a clay-ground quagmire.

Sally Mitchell Fine Arts (Stand 256) balances the heavy focus on technical data. For over five decades, they’ve curated the definitive visual history of the countryside lifestyle. Visitors can view the new cocker spaniel print by John Trickett alongside works by Mick Cawston and Paul Doyle. It’s the perfect opportunity to find a piece that brings the spirit of the field into the study.

For the performance-driven shooter, the strategy for Ragley Hall is clear: focus on the innovation, plan the route carefully and leave the generic gimmicks to the crowds.