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Using the latest data available, Shooting Industry’s July issue breaks down the ATF’s comprehensive 2017 Annual Firearms Manufacturing & Export Report and provides extensive analysis of the 29% year-over-year drop in firearms production from 2016.
In “U.S. Firearms Industry Today,” Shooting Industry Editor Jade Moldae delves into the industry’s recovery efforts and highlights the merits of taking a long-term perspective when surveying the data.
“On the surface, several metrics paint a less-than-rosy picture of the current market facing the U.S. firearms industry. But, after years of unprecedented growth, the industry’s profile has likewise been enhanced significantly — attracting entirely new customer segments. Yes, the market correction of 2017 rocked the industry but there are certain hot spots in niche categories thriving today,” he lends.
This feature examines firearms manufacturing by category, examines import/export data, reveals the top manufacturers from 2017 and more. For access to the full report, as well as numerous charts, visit: www.shootingindustry.com/u-s-firearms-industry-2019.
Tim Barker’s “Keys To Handgun Accessory Profits” outlines ways dealers benefit by offering products designed to enhance their customers’ existing platforms. Holsters and red dot sights lead the list of handgun add-ons for stores like H&H Shooting Sports in Oklahoma City. General Manager Mike Rust notes holsters are almost an “automatic” purchase for the store’s handgun buyers: “It’s so easy to slide them over to the holster aisle to and see what they need.”
Additional features in the July issue point to another lucrative profit center: Gun-care products. Carolee Anita Boyles encourages dealers to demonstrate to customers both the “why” and “how” of caring for their investment in “Clean Up With Gun Gare.” In the crowded concealed-carry market, North American Arms is a giant. In “Big Little Gun,” Russ Thurman reveals how the company posts impressive sales in the smallest gun segment in the U.S. NASGW President Kenyon Gleason interviews three leading wholesalers for how they’re approaching sales today in “Measuring The Marketplace — A View From Distributors.”
The biannual appearance of “The Greatest Buyer’s Guide In The Universe” is also found in the July issue. Providing hundreds of business connections in an easy-to-follow directory, the guide is relied upon by dealers, manufacturers, distributors, sales rep groups, industry executive and investors throughout the year.
The entire July issue, including extended charts accompanying the “U.S. Firearms Industry Today” report, is available online atwww.shootingindustry.com/digital-version. Readers are invited to share their thoughts at comments@shootingindustry.com orfacebook.com/shootingindustry.
CONTACT: JADE MOLDAE