Shows, shows and more shows, which sounds like a dream, and often feels like one, but it's a nightmare for the publishing schedules, because they're set in stone and they bow to no one. So, this is my way of excusing my shameful lack of blog updates, which I'll immediately undermine by telling you that I've been getting out in the field with all sorts of hardware, and more regularly than at any time in the past five years. I'm calling it work, due to the testing, product development and information gathering involved, but the plain truth is, I'm loving my shooting more than ever these days, and I'd be out there doing what I do whether it was work-related or not. As far as work goes, though, doing more 'real' shooting, rather than clinical range testing, definitely benefits my job. I'm in charge of two airgun magazines and their readers are driven by a passion for their sport. As an editor of Airgun World, and editor-in-chief of Air Gunner, I need to make sure those magazines reflect and channel that passion, so staying in touch with what's driven me since I was old enough to walk can only be a good thing.

I'm pleased to report that, after nearly half a century as an airgunner, I'm still too excited to sleep properly the night before a shooting session. I've always been that way about anything that really matters to me, and when that level of intensity drops I'll know I'm in trouble. With so much new gear and so many fresh ideas to explore, there's absolutely no sign of anything becoming boring, so I'll carry on regardless. Meanwhile, let me give you a sneak preview of the hardware we saw at those shows we've attended, and specifically the tests we've got lined up. The full show reports will appear in the magazines and as I write there's a video of the IWA show being edited, so that will soon be on this site and ready to reveal all.

First up for a test is the Metisse from Milbro, via the incredibly fertile mind of Ben Taylor. I'll be testing this pre-charged pneumatic supergun, and Ben has promised to bring along some of the trick internal components, so we can see what makes this rifle so special. I've fired it a few times, and it's the most 'clinical' air rifle I've ever used, so it's going to be interesting for me to see the mechanics that combine to produce such precision performance. Once the Metisse test is completed, I'm hoping to have Daystate's brand new Wolverine in my hands for at least a month, while our editors, Matt Clark and Phill Price, fight over more new rifles from Highland Outdoors, Diana, BSA, Brocock, Hatsan, Theoben and Walther. Again, you'll get to see what all the fuss and excitement is about once the IWA video goes live on here, followed by full tests in Air Gunner and Airgun World.

Finally, I'm obliged to close on an extremely sad note. Bill Sanders, Sales Director of Air Arms and a friend to so many of us in the airgun sports, has passed away. Quite simply, we've lost a champion and, just as we were the richer for his enthusiasm, passion and drive, we are the poorer for his passing. Bill remained committed to the sport he loved and everyone at our magazines will maintain that commitment in his honour and as a mark of our respect for him. There will never be another Bill Sanders, but the company, the industry, and the sport he served so well will stand as a monument to him. Farewell, Bill - we'll never forget you, or what you did for us.