Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. Where Are You? I read with great interest the letter from Leah Madachik (“Out Of Control,” Letters, Jan. 2008). I called Mr. Joe Bowen after his letter was published in response to mine last year (“Not A Dirty Word,” Letters, Nov. 2007). He was very vocal about and agrees fully with the total lack of concern and respect the firearm manufacturers and big ten distributors have for the real brick-and-mortar stores. This attitude, driven by a sales staff only looking at the current bottom line and without regard to the long-term effects, creates false expectations and allows someone to sell a firearm for $20 more than cost. That same firearm costs $30 to ship, so as Leah stated, UPS and FedEx make more than the seller. With this sales approach, we can only look forward to further decreases in brickand-mortar sales locations. Some may find that saying something bad about Internet sales is “old guard” or “backwards” thinking, but they couldn’t be further from the truth. We need the Internet now more than ever. I currently list and sell various consigned firearms (shotguns and rifles) that are great guns, but have limited exposure here in my retail store, since we are an indoor range. I fully support various sites selling guns as a way for all to see what is available, and, in many cases, set a value for used firearms. I, like Leah and Joe, charge extra for someone to use my FFL to purchase over the net. The firearm manufacturers and distributors need to set their pricing and payment terms so that established businesses get preferential treatment. We need to be recognized for what we are. We are here for the long haul, and in some cases have put up with all manner of “dumb” things from the “sales” organizations for years. I look at the amount of literature being produced to hand to the potential customer and find it seriously lacking. With one exception — Wilson Combat — I receive virtually nothing from the industry that I could hand out or show to my customer. Some could say that it is expensive — yes it is, but so is losing sales. At least put out something to give to the potential customer so they know where to go on the Internet. We are in the business to sell something that is a “sport,” to be treasured for many years. Firearms are not disposable in 18 months because technology has changed. We sell a firearm that is supposed to last for several generations. We, the true brick-and-mortar guys, are here for the long term, selling to the father, the son and grandson. How many of you have that shotgun, rifle or pistol that has been in your family 25-plus years? We are here to show the customer what they want and how it works. We are here for service and a long-term relationship. So I ask, “Firearm manufacturers and distributors, where are you?” Gregg Bouslog, Owner On-Target Indoor Shooting Range Laguna Niguel, Calif. 9 E-mail The Editor russ@shootingindustry.com Over the years, Fiocchi Ammunition has clearly earned its stripes throughout the top echelon of the competitive shooting sports community — by providing its retailing partners (and discriminating shooters around the globe) with the widest selection of premium-grade ammunition available. Fiocchi ammo can be easily identified by its distinctive red Fiocchi stripe on every box. So be sure to load up on Fiocchi's highly profitable, accurate and reliable pistol, rifle, rimfire and shotgun ammo today — they're all backed by one of the oldest family names in the business. FIOCCHI. For all the profit-making details, call FIOCCHI at (702) 227-9700 or visit www.fiocchiusa.com. 6 FEBRUARY 2008 CIRCLE NO. 212 ON INQUIRY CARD WWW.SHOOTINGINDUSTRY.COM