Do gun mfr's read message boards?

[RDCL]

Do you think the firearm manufactoring industry reads message boards like THR and others?

Makes sense to me. I mean...if I were working in marketing/research at XYZ guns I'd read just to have my finger on the pulse of the buying public.

Russ

 

[Hk91-762mm]

I know some of the guys from DPMS are always online at AR-15.com.[not afrcom]
I dont Immagine Ronnie Barrett Is on any of the boards --Hes probably too busy Going to dinners With the likes of Wayne Lapiere and Other big wig stuffed suit types .
I could think the DPMS staff would be Found checking out the FAL FILES Ocassionaly

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Sure they do. Although not manufacturers per se, the president of KBI (who imports "Charles Daly" brand firearms), Bud's Gun Shop, and others are members here. It would not be a stretch to assume that manufacturer's representatives at least read the boards.

 

[Diamondback6]

Some of the 1911 MFR's/importers have reps at 1911Forum.com--I know Gary Smith of Caspian Arms mods a board, not sure if he's over there or here.

 

[GodGuns&Guitars]

Couple of guys one here are. I know one is from Wilson Combat.

 

[wrs840]

There's probably not a lot of owners on here as a habit, but also no shortage of high-level key employees that hang out, and send links to the owners when pertinent to their company.

This is not a criticism or indictment of the owners. They're busy keeping the ship off the rocks. It's just how it is.

Les

 

[RDCL]

So, I wonder if someone from "the big three" visits here?

(Colt/S&W/Ruger)

Russ

 

[Avenger29]

Yep. Charles Daly's president reads the boards a lot. A lot of manufacturers and industry professionals read boards like M4Carbine.net and Lightfighter.

 

[shotgunjoel]

Why wouldn't they? Honestly I'd take someone's "personal opinion" on a gun better than I'd take the company's ad for said gun. If I owned a gun company, I'd have people out on the boards, I'd encourage it during their downtime or whatever. Keep em working when they don't have anything to do.

 

[Ethereal]

Ar15.com has a specific section of the site dedicated to what they call "Industry Partners" where manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, and wholesalers can ask and receive feedback from members on everything from reviews to upcoming products.
This site........ ehhh not so much as Borat would say.

 

[mcdonl]

I think it depends on the size of the company too. I know that Tom and Shirly from Hi-Point, and a couple of thier smith's go to one of the Hi-Point sites.

Just a quick story I like... My wife wanted to make some Hi-point t-shirts for one of the boards, but wanted to get permission first so I called them one day during a blizzard. Tom (The owner) answered the phone... He said that he did not want to make his employees come in on a day like today, but he said making guns is his life and he wouldnt miss a day of work for anything.

 

[crazy-mp]

If they are I would be willing to become an independent product tester.

Or an advisor for new designs

 

[bigfatdave]

Mr Imperato (owner of Henry) maintains a presence on rimfire central

 

[Wise Lite Arms]

Wise Lite Arms..

The High Road is one of several firearms forums I check/read just about every day. I may not always log on, but I do check what subjects are topics of discussion. If the talk is about one of the firearms/products that we manufacture, I will read thru the posts.

Regards,
Richard C. Hamer
Factory Representative
Wise Lite Arms
Class II Manufacturer
07 FFL SOT
FAX: (940) 433-8096
WEBSITE: http://www.wlarms.com/
INFORMATION: [email protected]
SALES: [email protected]

 

[withdrawn34]

Most do. Just about every company does... firearm manufacturers would be no different in this regard.

Any business that sells a product has to do some sort of market research, especially a company that engineers some type of product, whether it's software, cars, or in this case, firearms. There are several ways to gather market data; one of the cheapest ways is to come onto boards like this and read our comments.

 

[orionengnr]

Well, just my experience. When I logged onto a 1911 forum and posted my trouble with a used Para LDA (about four years ago), I was contacted by George Wedge, who is apparently a QC manager. He was very open and receptive and helped me get my Para fixed. I was quite impressed by this experience.

 

[LRaccuracy]

Only because I know first hand from a friend of a friend of a friend and so on, I promise you that "stuffed shirts" from gun manufacturers, and companies that make aftermarket items read and post on THR.

 

[CoRoMo]

If they have any sense at all they'll at least have someone in their company peruse the topics. Bad reviews/experiences, unfounded or not, are internet fodder that they should want to know about and investigate whenever possible. Companies like Kimber can get a bad rap because of current or former owners ranting about their products.

I know one is from Wilson Combat.

That'd be THE man himself, Bill Wilson.

 

[Ala Dan]

I know for a fact that Mr. Larry Seecamp not only reads, but responds
to threads on his message board (forum); as he has personally had an
answer for all of my questions regarding Seecamp products. I would
also think that Mr. Les Baer pays pretty close attention to the gun
forums~?