Rick

Eigenaar Hop.nl, actief schutter

Rick is the driving force behind hop.nl and writes most of the content on the site himself.

About Rick

My name is Rick, entrepreneur and founder of Hop.nl. As an active shooter and reloader, I write most of the content on this site myself. What you read here does not come from product brochures, but from hands-on experience with the gear, the technique and the sport.

From attic storage to specialist shop

It all started in 2009, when I set up a webshop in the evenings and weekends alongside my day job. We had converted our attic into a warehouse. My wife packed the parcels during the day and brought them to the post office by bike, and on busy days I took care of the rest after work by car.

In 2015, an opportunity came along to take over another webshop. I handed in my notice, rented a commercial space and hired the first employees. That gamble paid off: a year later we had already moved into a larger building, and the growth kept going.

A few years later I launched Hop.nl, originally as an extension of my own interests. Outdoor, beer brewing, BBQ, gadgets, defense, archery and air rifle shooting. It felt good to be able to give advice on products I had read stacks of books about myself.

In 2020, I first got involved with firearms shooting sports. Before that I had been shooting air rifles for years, but things changed quickly once I started. What began as a new hobby grew into a real obsession. That passion eventually shaped the direction of Hop.nl as well. The course completely changed, and today we focus on precision shooting, long range and reloading. Disciplines where knowledge, patience and the right equipment come together, and that combination has kept me fascinated ever since.

The journey in years

2009

The first webshop

Started alongside my day job. Warehouse in the attic, deliveries by bicycle.

2015

Into full-time business

Takeover of another webshop. Handed in my notice, rented a commercial space and hired the first employees.

2016

Move to a larger building

The business grew so fast that the first location became too small. Moved to a bigger space within a year.

2018

Hop.nl launched

Started as an extension of my own interests: outdoor, BBQ, gadgets, archery and air rifle shooting.

2020

From air rifle to firearms

First involvement in firearms shooting sports. What started as a new hobby quickly grew into a lasting passion.

Now

Full focus on precision shooting

The course has fully changed and Hop.nl now focuses on precision shooting, long range and reloading.

Articles by Rick

3 Apr 2026

Setting up and maintaining your caliper: getting the most out of every measurement

Two jaws, a display, a zero button. A caliper looks almost too simple to think about. Yet for many r...

23 Feb 2026

SuperTrickler ST101 Gen 3: What's New and Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The SuperTrickler ST101 has quickly established itself as the benchmark for precision powder dispens...

26 Jan 2026

Bolt-Action Rifle Maintenance: Cleaning and Lubrication

A bolt-action rifle represents an investment of thousands of euros for many shooters. Whether you hu...

6 Jan 2026

The History of AIM Field Sports: Born from Frustration on the Shooting Range

AIM Rifle Cases: Everything You Need to Know From Carbine to ELR, From Sport Shooter to Special Forc...

24 Dec 2025

Why seating depth is so important

Bullet seating depth is one of the most influential variables in precision reloading. A difference o...

24 Dec 2025

Why a turret press makes the difference

Correctly setting up your dies is crucial for accurate ammunition. In this article, you'll learn how ...

23 Dec 2025

Bullet Seating Depth For Precision Reloading

Determining Bullet Seating Depth: The Complete Guide for Precision Reloading In precision reloading,...

15 Oct 2025

Fortmeier Bipods and Mounting Adapters.

Why German precision engineering makes all the difference in long range shooting Introduction: Stabi...

7 Oct 2025

Which Vortex Razor Riflescope Suits Your Shooting Distance?

Why the Vortex Razor series is popular among shooters The Vortex Razor series has evolved into a sol...

18 Sep 2025

Vortex Optics: Quality and innovation for the shooter

Vortex Optics is one of the leading brands in shooting sports optics. The brand has built a rock-sol...

22 Apr 2025

Case Preparation: From Decapping to Trimming

If you're just starting out with reloading your own ammunition, case preparation can seem a bit intim...

6 Apr 2025

Common Shooting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

You're at the range, you've got your firearm, your ammunition, and you're ready to shoot that perfect g...

3 Apr 2025

Shooting Targets: From Paper to Steel and Everything In Between

Whether you're a novice shooter, have been gaining experience at the range for years, or simply enjoy...

11 Mar 2025

Riflescopes and Red Dots: How to Choose the Right Optic

Precision in shooting starts with your optic. Whether you're a beginning sports shooter or an experie...

7 Mar 2025

Essential Gunsmithing Tools for Firearm Maintenance

As a serious shooting sports enthusiast, you know that good tools are just as important as the firea...

6 Mar 2025

Why Annealing is Essential for Reloaders

As a reloader, you know that quality brass is worth its weight in gold. Especially with current pric...

14 Feb 2025

Reloading presses: the ultimate tool for precision shooters

If you're serious about shooting sports, you know that standard ammunition isn't always the best choic...

29 Jan 2025

The Correct Sequence for Reloading Precision Ammunition

Opinions differ on the correct sequence from cleaning to seating the bullet. In this blog article, w...

27 Jan 2025

Reloading ammunition like a pro: All about priming and depriming tools

For sport shooters and hunters who make their own ammunition, priming and depriming tools are indisp...

22 Jan 2025

Basic supplies for reloading - What do you need for reloading ammunition?

It takes some figuring out what all you need if you want to start reloading ammo. In this article we...