Arnold Heal Ltd

Arnold Heal – the Islands Gunshop has been trading from its current location in Newport town centre since the early 1970s. According to census there was a gunsmith and gunmaker at 86B Upper St James Street in the later part of the 1800s. Arnold Heal Ltd was incorporated in 1955 by Charlie Heal – he set the business up after the second world war using his skills in engineering to specialise in gunsmithing, gunmaking, tool making and light engineering. The business has been a retailer since the 1970s when Gerry & Eileen Matthews served the game,clay, airgun and target shooters on the Isle of Wight.

Currently run by Jai & Lisa Nolan the gunshop has expanded its mail-order business and sells many guns to retail and trade customers on the UK mainland. Jai has been involved in the gun trade since his late teens and was a keen pistol shooter representing Island clubs and the Island in the inter Island Games competitions. He is a keen rifle shooter and enjoys his game shooting during the season.