Gun Trade Insider — DNT Optics at IWA OutdoorClassics 2026

Source: Gun Trade Insider

According to the official exhibitor search function on the IWA website, 24 UK companies exhibited at this year's event. These included established names such as Daystate/Brocock, Eley Hawk, Gamebore, Hawke Optics, MTC Optics, Promatic and Teagle Optics, alongside airsoft distributor Nuprol and the UK operation of DNT Optics.

While the exhibitor presence remains important, the number of UK visitors travelling to Nürnberg continues to be equally significant. Distributors, retailers and industry professionals from across the UK attended to meet with existing brand partners, explore new distribution opportunities and gain insight into market direction for 2026 and beyond.

For many UK distributors in particular, IWA remains a critical point in the annual business cycle. With a large proportion of their brand partners exhibiting at the show, the event provides an efficient environment to review performance, discuss product development and confirm plans for the year ahead. At the same time, it offers the opportunity to identify new brands and technologies that may be suitable for the UK market.

DNT Optics, which has an established UK operation, underlined the importance of face-to-face engagement at the show. The company described IWA as "far more than a product showcase," highlighting its role as a platform for exchanging ideas, understanding regional market requirements and strengthening long-term partnerships across the global hunting and shooting industry.

The company reported strong interest in several of its core products, particularly its ThermNight series. The TNC335R model attracted a high level of attention, with visitors engaging closely with the concept of combining thermal and night vision capabilities in a single optic. According to DNT Optics, feedback focused on the clarity of the thermal sensors and the performance of the night vision system, with the technology prompting detailed discussions with both customers and industry peers.

Other products, including the NVMD-C200 and incoming HYDRA-Mini, also generated consistent interest, reflecting broader demand for compact, high-performance optical solutions. The response to these products highlights a continuing trend within the optics category, where integration, portability and performance remain key drivers of product development.

Across the wider show, feedback from UK attendees suggested a familiar pattern in terms of visitor flow and business activity. The first two days were widely regarded as the most productive, with many exhibitors working through full schedules of pre-arranged meetings. By contrast, activity eased slightly towards the latter part of the weekend, reinforcing the view that IWA is increasingly a working trade event rather than a browsing exhibition.

This shift places greater emphasis on preparation. Companies arriving with structured appointment schedules were generally able to maximise their time, conducting back-to-back meetings covering distribution agreements, product launches and strategic planning. For UK businesses operating across multiple territories, the ability to hold these discussions in person within a concentrated timeframe remains a significant advantage.

From a layout and organisational perspective, the 2026 edition was seen as well structured, with the halls offering a balanced mix of brands and sufficient space for both product display and private meetings. UK attendees noted that the show felt busy without being overcrowded, contributing to a more productive environment for commercial discussions.

Importantly, the overall sentiment among UK exhibitors and visitors remained positive. While the industry continues to face a range of challenges, including regulatory pressure and changing market dynamics, IWA continues to provide a stable platform for conducting business and maintaining international connections.

For the UK trade, this international dimension is particularly valuable. With many distributors reliant on overseas manufacturers, the ability to meet partners face-to-face, assess product developments and negotiate terms remains central to their operations. At the same time, the show offers insight into broader market trends, helping businesses position themselves for the year ahead.

IWA OutdoorClassics 2026 did not attempt to introduce major changes to its format. Instead, it reinforced the core strengths that have underpinned its long-standing position within the industry: global reach, structured business engagement and the opportunity for direct, in-person dialogue.

For UK exhibitors and visitors alike, the message remains consistent. In an increasingly digital world, the value of face-to-face interaction has not diminished. If anything, it has become more important, with IWA continuing to serve as a central hub for the European and global shooting trade.