5 Questions To The Experts #3: Rob Nioa
Rob Nioa; Owner of Nioa Trading Answers my 5 Questions to the Experts Also of Interest sake I was at Nioa’s 2010 Writers event in June this year. Read about it here with more things from there still to come:
1) Do you think hunters and shooters are in a better or worse position politically and public perception-wise now than 5 years ago? If yes or no to this question why?
Public perception has certainly improved since our post-Port Arthur low. Immediately after Port Arthur, everyone had a view on gun laws, everyone wanted things tightened up, and firearms and firearm-owners were continually attacked in the media by Government and even socially. All of that hysteria has dissipated and we have a much calmer environment.
The political position has improved but I am not so confident to say it is good. The anti-gun movement’s greatest political advocate was John Howard. Whilst he was the Prime Minister we had no chance of gaining any political leverage or affecting political change. Removing Howard removed that obstacle. The new issue facing us is finding any politician that actually wants to help us. When it comes to gun laws, politicians just don’t want to pro-actively do anything. The level of firearms knowledge amongst city-based politicians is extremely low and all Governments assess any new policy on the basis of how it will be reported in newspapers. It remains a very difficult challenge to make any positive political gains.
2) What have you found to be the fastest growing segment of the hunting & shooting sports?
A segment that has really taken off over the last couple of years is long range shooting. We’re seeing demand for very high-end accurate rifles chambered in 300Win and .338Lapua, high quality optics, custom bullet drop compensating dials, even kestrel whether stations and ballistics programs, etc. There is a lot of technology that is now allowing people to really test their skills out a long way. I shot some steel plates at a 1000 yards when I was in the United States a while back and completely understand the buzz. It’s good fun.
3) Where do you see the hunting and shooting sports in 10 years time?
Participation in shooting and hunting will grow over the next ten years. The licensing and regulatory regimes which provided a significant barrier to entry for shooters in the mid to late 90’s is no longer considered a barrier to the new generation of 18+ year olds. This generation is more than happy to comply with the legislative requirements and don’t find the licensing and purchasing systems to be difficult.
When you combine this with the fact that all shooting is inherently fun, we will continue to see an increase in new license applications and new shooters. The challenge will be to continue to improve shooting facilities and develop hunting opportunities for these new shooters to enjoy.
State forestry hunting in NSW is a great example of providing opportunities for new shooters. We need these sorts of gains in more States and we need to see more indoor clubs or clubs capable of weeknight shooting.
4) What has been your favorite hunting/shooting product you have used lately?
I recently used a Savage 114 American Classic chambered in .270WM to shoot some pigs, and take a Scimitar Oryx at Mary River Station in the Northern Territory. I was stunned by the accuracy of the rifle on the test range and just loved how it performed in the field. I get to see and use a lot of firearms but I just loved everything about that one.
5) What is your favorite hunting cartridge and favorite varminting cartridge?
My favorite hunting cartridge is the .460WM. I’ve shot several buffalo with it and just love the way it performs. It’s not what I reach for to go pig shooting, but it is definitely a favorite. A close second would be the .257Weatherby. Unbelievably flat shooting and a great cartridge.
For varminting I still like the .223 and am a big fan of the Nosler Ballistic Tip.
Also Please listen to our podcast we did with Rob Year Here:
http://media.blubrry.com/huntandshoot/ausvarmint.com/podcast/wp-content/uploads/avpcep15.mp3
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Related posts:
- 5 Questions to the Experts: #2 – Dr Charles Shawley – Science of The Hunt
- 5 Questions to the Experts. #1 Marcus O’Dean – Editor Sporting Shooter
- Nioa/ATK Journalist’s Event
Category: Hunting and Shooting News, Keith Drain's Column
