State of U.S. Firearms Industry Inside July Issue of Shooting Industry Magazine
OutdoorHub 07.09.14
The industry is experiencing a bit of whiplash in business during the summer of 2014, with many still adjusting to a “normalized” market. The July issue of Shooting Industry features a comprehensive look at the industry’s future and an in-depth review of record-setting production citing “ATF’s 2012 Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report”.
In “U.S. Firearms Industry Today,” publisher Russ Thurman compares 2014 business expectations against 2012’s year of steady sales and 2013’s record-breaking year. With the release of ATF information on the 2012 production cycle, this report features engaging charts outlining leading manufacturers across a variety of categories — including the top rifle, shotgun and handgun producers as well as leading importers and exporters.
“Business in 2012 marked the second year in a row U.S. manufacturers set new high marks for total firearm production. In 2011, U.S. manufacturers reported making six million firearms (6,351,479) in a single year for the first time. In 2012, U.S. manufacturers set an even higher mark, producing 8,872,456 firearms. That’s an impressive increase of 2,520,977 firearms, a 40 percent jump over 2011,” explains Thurman. “Prevailing wisdom focused on 2012 as the best hoped-for level of business for 2014. And, according to a number of indicators, firearm sales for the first five months of 2014 have exceeded 2012 levels.”
In “Selling Gun Care,” Carolee Anita Boyles examines the successful tactics dealers have used to make additional sales with gun care products.
“A more effective way to display gun care products is to separate cleaning products by category — such as greases, lubricants and rust inhibitors,” explains Boyles. “Take the time to explain to the customer what he or she needs for a specific application.”
The July issue features a look at how buying trends compare between armed citizens and off-duty cops, how adding an archery range to your store can boost sales and predictions on the future of hunter and shooter spending as the fall hunting season approaches. This issue also includes the updated Universe’s Greatest Buyer’s Guide, an invaluable Industry Directory that serves as a business reference guide and connects dealers, sales, reps, distributors, industry executives and manufacturers.
The July Dealers Only Giveaway features a High Standard Rifle Giveaway Package. One lucky dealer will receive a package with the High Standard MOE Enforcer, the Pelican 20 QT Elite Cooler from PelicanDealer.com and the Steel Target K-800008-HG-Kit from Target Barn. Valued at over $1,440, dealers can enter to win this giveaway at www.shootingindustry.com/giveaway.
SI Digital offers additional content to the print editions and numerous “Hot Links” to provide more information to dealers. To read the July issue and to sign up for a free digital subscription, visit www.shootingindustry.com/digital-editions. For daily updates and rebate offers, check out Shooting Industry’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shootingindustry.
