Are gun sales going down

[dogtown tom]

I didn't say "bankroll"

Well I DID.
Your post cites the "industry's lack of commitment to the greater 2A cause".........which is laughable given the $$$$$$$$ they donate to Second Amendment advocacy.

and I explicitly said "manufacturers" which, as far as I can tell, you're not.

Yet I AM.
Small timer, for sure. Again, dealers, manufacturers, importers and distributors donate to the NRA and the NSSF, the firearm industry trade association. If you aren't aware of that, thats on you.

Are you not aware of the history of certain major firearms producers who not only failed to endorse the 2A, but sold gun owners down the river politically?

Old news dude.
Bill Ruger has been dead for over twenty years. Time to quit beating his corpse.
For every Bill Ruger, I can give you another hundred that put their $$$$ to Second Amendment advocacy.

If you think there are current manufacturers that don't endorse the Second Amendment......then name them.

That's what I'm talking about. Anybody can throw money at something. But that doesn't mean they're being proactive at promoting the 2A.

Literally the reason they are in business.

 

[dogtown tom]

That puts you turning 18 right around the time Space Invaders or maybe Asteroids were the cutting edge of arcade technology. Somehow I doubt those influenced your gun buying habits very much LOL.

Pong beats all of them.

Apropos of nothing, kudos for still being in the classroom at 67. I’m 61 and I retired a few years ago. You must have an iron constitution to still be able to keep up with a room full of kids.

I'm truly blessed to be payed to play.

 

[dogtown tom]

Way more than sixteen.

No, I've been in the firearms business for sixteen years. The cycle I mention above is my experience.

As for promotions, I use a throwaway email account for things like online orders and other stuff. I mostly just mass delete it, which is infrequent since it sits in a black hole I can ignore. Rarely I need to track something down with it. About a month ago, I had to do just that. Between Midway and Buds (both of which I haven't ordered from in years), I can surmise that everyday and sometimes even more than once per day, there's some special event. It's as bad as furniture stores having a "sale" for every conceivable Hallmark holiday on the calendar.

I don't know if that's a good litmus test for how healthy the firearms business is right now, but the spam has certainly picked up since the pandemic ended.

We are less than two years from the midterm elections. If the Democrats retake Congress, it will be interesting. I don't foresee any effective federal anti gun legislation, much of that has been effectively preempted by SCOTUS rulings. A conservative SCOTUS is a good thing.

 

[PapaG]

I have bought about one a year, usually a collectible or odd thing or other. The only new thing that might interest me is a 1911 type 10mm with adj sights for under $700.

 

[.308 Norma]

I'm 67, video games were around before I was old enough to buy a gun.

That puts you turning 18 right around the time Space Invaders or maybe Asteroids were the cutting edge of arcade technology. Somehow I doubt those influenced your gun buying habits very much LOL.

Shoot, when I was in college the first time (before I went in the Navy), "Pong" was the only video game I knew of, and there was a couple of "Pong" machines in the basement arcade in the Student Union Building.
I'd already bought a gun or two through my mom's and dad's country store/gas station by that time though. However, that was before GCA 1968. My folks had quit selling guns altogether through their country store by the time my wife and I got married in 1971. Although, they still sold ammo (mostly .22 rimfire and shotgun) clear up until they closed the store in the mid-80s.

 

[CoalTrain49]

I've been trying to sell a few used shotguns locally at my range. Even with a discount of about 20% from what I paid 2 years ago there aren't any takers. It's hard to sell anything used these days. My feeling is people see the economic conditions as unsettled at best. Raising inflation, a faltering economy and job insecurity are probably the driving factors.

I have no idea how this will go but the outlook is grim. I've had my eye on a new lever rifle for a few years and I might be a buyer if the prices drop a few hundred bucks. I expect they will sometime this year. I have the cash, just waiting for a better deal to come along.

 

[.308 Norma]

My feeling is people see the economic conditions as unsettled at best. Raising inflation, a faltering economy and job insecurity are probably the driving factors.

I have no idea how this will go but the outlook is grim.

I sure don't know how "most" people are feeling about economic conditions, inflation and the economy in general, but my own personal "outlook" on those things is indeed pretty darned "grim." And just because I don't even have a job (I'm retired) doesn't make me feel any less "insecure" about money matters - especially when it comes to buying guns that I really don't need.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

I was in my local ACE Hardware about an hour ago and they have a well stocked gun section. There were three people in there actively buying 2 long guns and one pistol. I was buying some .177 caliber wadcutter pellets for nuisance removal in my back yard. I didn't know they made wadcutter pellets but I bought a tin to try.

 

[Soonerpesek]

was in my local ACE Hardware about an hour ago and they have a well stocked gun section

We have a craptolla of ACE’s in the area I’m in, NONE have any firearms/reloading supplies…
I envy you, Sir…..

 

[Chuck R.]

I sure don't know how "most" people are feeling about economic conditions, inflation and the economy in general, but my own personal "outlook" on those things is indeed pretty darned "grim." And just because I don't even have a job (I'm retired) doesn't make me feel any less "insecure" about money matters - especially when it comes to buying guns that I really don't need.

We're in the same boat, I retired in 2024. My pensions cover everything, AND I'm about to start SS in April, for a pretty substantial "raise".

Everything is paid off except for the %^^$%#$ property taxes. While I don't need to use my retirement investments, it doesn't make me feel any better watching them tank. Every quarter I review investments and take a look at net worth . IF I needed money from the market, I'd be cringing right now. Rather than buy stuff, I'll end up taking the "raise" and investing/saving most of it in prep for the reductions in SS and Medicare that I foresee happening. IF nothing else I'll be doing the generational wealth thing.

I've basically run out of ideas for new toys, and I've got plenty to keep me busy. IF anything I've got to look at reducing. I've got another Bartlein barrel inbound in a couple months, once that .223AI build is done I'll probably sit out the rest of 2025 as far as new stuff goes.

 

[.308 Norma]

We're in the same boat, I retired in 2024. My pensions cover everything, AND I'm about to start SS in April, for a pretty substantial "raise".

Everything is paid off except for the %^^$%#$ property taxes. While I don't need to use my retirement investments, it doesn't make me feel any better watching them tank. Every quarter I review investments and take a look at net worth . IF I needed money from the market, I'd be cringing right now. Rather than buy stuff, I'll end up taking the "raise" and investing/saving most of it in prep for the reductions in SS and Medicare that I foresee happening. IF nothing else I'll be doing the generational wealth thing.

I've basically run out of ideas for new toys, and I've got plenty to keep me busy. IF anything I've got to look at reducing. I've got another Bartlein barrel inbound in a couple months, once that .223AI build is done I'll probably sit out the rest of 2025 as far as new stuff goes.

Yes sir, we are indeed in the "same boat" - except that I've been drawing SS for a while (since 2013) now. I know that everything (SS, Medicare, investments and savings) could all be gone tomorrow though.
Shoot, a little over a month ago I had to have a pacemaker installed. It's one of those new, micra-leadless jobs that's implanted directly inside one chamber of my heart, and I could hardly believe the cost. If I hadn't have had Medicare and supplemental insurance, everything, and I mean everything my wife and I have worked, scrimped and saved for our whole lives would have been gone.
The "golden" years??? Ha! It's more like the "rusty" years!
Oh well. I think I'll go downstairs and work on some loads for my new 44 Special this afternoon.

 

[Chuck R.]

Yes sir, we are indeed in the "same boat" - except that I've been drawing SS for a while (since 2013) now. I know that everything (SS, Medicare, investments and savings) could all be gone tomorrow though.
Shoot, a little over a month ago I had to have a pacemaker installed. It's one of those new, micra-leadless jobs that's implanted directly inside one chamber of my heart, and I could hardly believe the cost. If I hadn't have had Medicare and supplemental insurance, everything, and I mean everything my wife and I have worked, scrimped and saved for our whole lives would have been gone.
The "golden" years??? Ha! It's more like the "rusty" years!
Oh well. I think I'll go downstairs and work on some loads for my new 44 Special this afternoon.

I hit 65 next month, have an APPT for a new ID card next week on post since I'm leaving Tricare Prime, and headed to Medicare and Tricare for Life. Have to find a new primary care manager etc.

Right now I'm cleaning the gun room and prepping for a guy coming over tomorrow to watch how I reload precision stuff, then break-in and zero his new GAP rifle that arrived last month. Going to be a combination of fun and boring..

 

[Rockrivr1]

I have a friend that is an FFL and owns a small shop in Central MA. He’s a Trump supporter and voted for him in three straight elections. Problem being Trump is bad for business. Recently he’s stated there has been a significant decrease in sales. He said if it keeps up it might put him out of business. I’ll have to make sure to buy something every time I show up to chew the fat.

 

[Zendude]

Gun theft numbers are strong, which should, in theory, sustain demand with people replacing their stolen guns?

 

[Basura Blanca]

If you think there are current manufacturers that don't endorse the Second Amendment......then name them.

It's maybe a good topic for a different thread. But I sense you taking this personally too for some reason (bolded pronouns and such). We're on the same side.

 

[jdc1244]

Prices at the local gun shows still seem very high for Colts and S&W revolvers.

Unfortunately.

Gun shows, local gun shops, online resellers.

 

[PzGren]

From a short internet research of S&W but it does not specify if these are US sales only:

Net sales of Smith & Wesson Brands Corporation by product worldwide 2024 | Statista

In the fiscal year ended April 30, 2024, Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

www.statista.com

 

[James K2020]

Haven't bought since Cali started their 11% excise tax last summer but did purchase three High Standards just prior. Auction and transfer fees are getting too high as well. New gun prices keep rising for some reason. I guess all non-US guns will see a new tariff, too. Glad I'm stocked with guns and ammo.

 

[Varminterror]

Consider too, the gun buying public average age is increasing. Younger folks don't seem to be as interested in firearms.

NRA put out an article last year or so disproving this sentiment. More new gun buyers are - on average - younger than in generations passed, and include a broader mix of ethnicity.

 

[Varminterror]

I doubt younger folks don't have the interest, I'm sure many would love to actually get involved with firearms. Especially if they are specific guns from their video games.

Call of Duty, Fortnight, and YouTube channels have been the greatest marketers of firearms to the youngest generation of buyers.

 

[crestoncowboy]

The best way to increase demand for something is to threaten to ban it.

I'll "drink" to that...

A lot of people say that's why the gun industry thrives the way it does. The gun manufacturers stirring up fear. The paranoia and gullibility of us dumb Americans....we beat that there king once we got to be ready to do er again. Murica

I've argued it many times. Gun sales are dumb. We buy and buy and buy objects that simply never wear out and never get obsolete. Poor old John Browning is selling millions and millions of his designs every year even in 2025 despite being dead for 100 years. What exactly has the rest of the "gun designers" been doing. Adding finger grooves and putting an ugly lock on the frame. Adding AR furniture to an old outdated 30/30? The "NEW" stuff like kalishnakov and Stoners rifles and Gastons futuristic pistol arent "new". Any of the bunch could get free coffee at hardees in 2025. Lol.

The guns that were drug onto the shores of Normandy or in the spring offensive and used in the trenches and abused are still in our safes and being fired every weekend....yet we buy multiple Glock or sig or whatever because we "need" backup backups. The guns of the west are still selling at auctions and we are still using them.....other than some garbage like jennings or lorcin or Taurus (just playing) most made are still being used. I don't know anyone who has A GUN. everyone has MANY guns. Enough to necessitate ah gun rack (good movie) or a safe. Most of us have safe(S). Small international conflicts have been fought and won with less guns and ammo than most anyone on this forum has. Be honest...

If the entire gun industry was stopped today, it would be ten thousand years before all the guns wore out and people ran out.

The ammo industry makes sense. You use it up. The gun industry is 90% paranoia, 9% Nostalgia, and 1% innovation at most.

I have all the 70s shooting times and such. They were in an attic of a house I inherited. It was the same old scare tactics selling guns



That's the 60s.....change the names and add in 10mm and you could post both today and nobody would know it was a 60 year old article.

 

[crestoncowboy]

I doubt younger folks don't have the interest, I'm sure many would love to actually get involved with firearms. Especially if they are specific guns from their video games.
What they don't have, is the money.

They drive new cars and finance everything. I rode with a kid the other day in high-school who was on a 30k dollar motorcycle. They can afford guns. Taco bell pays 15 dollars an hour. Walmart near 20 and I'm in appalachia.... not new York city or California. 2 weeks pay can buy a new python much less a canik.

Seriously? Explain how that would happen.



No they don't.
For sure, any firearm that sits unused and is maintained might last another century or two. It's like saying a book last forever....sure if it sits on a shelf and isnt read, but ask any librarian or school teacher if thats true.
Guns are tools, with use tools break, become less reliable or just wear to the point they are unusable. Often a newer version is better constructed, more precisely machined and offers features that older models don't.

If guns last "practically forever" why do the heavy users replace them so often? Because they are worn out, parts unavailable or the intended use has changed.




Wow.

Even in this forum the amount of people who have worn out a gun, much less multiple is next to none. I have guns well over 100 year old. I have ww2 guns. I have ww1 guns. It's not easy to kill a gun. I have shot one sig until it was gone but a frame fixed it. I have another sig the slide is cracked so its pretty well gone. I'll buy a slide amd keep trucking. I have one smith and one colt that are pretty much gone but both could be fixed. Short of competition it's unusual. Even leo and professional hunters usually don't. They sell or trade. Maybe rebarrel. But rarely wear them out.

I agree with him for once. Lol

I'm 67, video games were around before I was old enough to buy a gun.

I have a whole floor of my home with a pool table and those arcades. They didn't sell many guns. The big dot that had little dots coming out of it didn't inspire many gun sales I don't think. The cabinet and the artwork was the only way to even display a gun. Lol. Movies like die hard or magnum force may have sold some. By the 90s you had rainbow six and COD which had real guns. People wanted a mk 23 USP because it had more power than a 1911 or 357 in the game. Lol. I still have mine. It's not accurate information in those games but it does sell. When young guys come shoot with me they want a video game gun 99% of the time. 5.7, MK 23, 1887 Winchester, 226 etc. Almost always. It's annoying. When mw2 came out and the 1887 could one shot kill from 300 yards away everyone wanted to shoot mine. The spas 12 too. Yet an 870 or 500 or model 12 was weak and a downgrade. In one of them you had to play an eternity to level 70 to get the AK. It was better and more powerful than the AR, FAL, Tavor, AUG, ACR etc etc. Lol. I do believe it sells guns. Bad info but it sells. Lol

Call of Duty, Fortnight, and YouTube channels have been the greatest marketers of firearms to the youngest generation of buyers.

Fortnight and those are cartoony and not specific usually. Those kids come to the range and want to shoot your "sniper rifle". Not your barret 50 cal or m24. Call of duty, rainbow six, modern warfare do sell guns though. No doubt. I see it a lot.

 

[Walkalong]

I was young and poor once, could only afford a handful of guns, and nothing fancy, but prices were better, even comparing todays/yesterdays prices on everything. That didn't change for a long time.

Young people are interested in guns, probably a smaller percentage that us post war tail end of the boomers babies, but a lot of them like guns, and purchase and shoot as they can afford. Yea, people waste money on financing things they can't really afford and then cry about the little stuff they "can't afford", been going on forever, won't change much.

Gun sales are very up and down, and the last 20 years has been crazy, hard to predict gun sales right now, but everything had slowed down, our country faces a financial problem, as do many of it's citizens, and for the same reason, poor discipline with money/spending, gonna be rough for awhile I suspect as everyone, including .gov, tries to recover.

 

[Varminterror]

Fortnight and those are cartoony and not specific usually. Those kids come to the range and want to shoot your "sniper rifle". Not your barret 50 cal or m24.

For how many build requests I get which are asking for paint jobs to match fortnite "skins," and looking for furniture components or fake suppressors to look like Fortnite gear, I'll be blunt in saying, this is a distinction without a difference.

Younger generation folks have the world in their hands Most of the Fortnite rifles have some real-world basis for their design, and it's a matter of seconds for someone to search - "what real rifle looks like the Holo Twister?" - and within seconds, they're pointed to the G36.





Or "What real rifle looks like the Heavy Sniper Rifle?", which refers them to the Barrett M82:



I'll even mention this - I helped teach an ELR class last fall to a mid-50's guy and his college aged son, they had a pair of M82's with the son's version painted like one of the skins. Cheap ball ammo, couldn't hit diddly piss, thankfully we had BIG steel at a mile and they had a lot of ammo. Dad bought them so they could shoot together, the son picked them out, based on his favorite "sniper" from Fortnite. $3000/day for training, $20k in rifles, $3/shot ammo (cheap junk), $600-800 paint job, $6000 in scopes... all because the son liked a video game...

 

[crestoncowboy]

I was young and poor once, could only afford a handful of guns, and nothing fancy, but prices were better, even comparing todays/yesterdays prices on everything. That didn't change for a long time.

Young people are interested in guns, probably a smaller percentage that us post war tail end of the boomers babies, but a lot of them like guns, and purchase and shoot as they can afford. Yea, people waste money on financing things they can't really afford and then cry about the little stuff they "can't afford", been going on forever, won't change much.

Gun sales are very up and down, and the last 20 years has been crazy, hard to predict gun sales right now, but everything had slowed down, our country faces a financial problem, as do many of it's citizens, and for the same reason, poor discipline with money/spending, gonna be rough for awhile I suspect as everyone, including .gov, tries to recover.

Not for me. When i was 18 (2000 ish) a new sig or Beretta was 600 ish and minimum wage was 5 bucks and that's what you made at any fast food or convenience store. 10 was big money. Nowdays a Beretta or sig is still 600 bucks and I doubt you can find a job that pays under 15 most places. At least for people my age (45 ish) things are cheaper now. At my factory we hired off the street for 18 an hour. Walmart pays 17 to anyone to pick out people's groceries. 20 years ago young people didn't drive new cars that i knew. Nowb they all can. 20 years ago my wife made 22 working as an RN in the hospital beside that plant.