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. Succeeding In Tough Times — page 18 SHOT Show Signals Positive Start For 2009 Bill Brassard, NSSF uyers, exhibitors and media from around the globe converged on Orlando for the shooting, hunting and outdoor industry’s largest trade show, the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) SHOT Show. Though many trade shows have seen a decline in attendance, SHOT Show attendance remained strong this year, rising 3 percent when compared to its last visit to Orlando in 2007. According to preliminary figures, this year’s show attracted 25,384 attendees, 22,098 exhibiting personnel and a record 1,425 members of the media for a total attendance of 48,907. “This has been a tremendously successful show from a number of standpoints,” said NSSF President Steve Sanetti. “Exhibitors and buyers were very upbeat, the products sold well, and I’d say the industry begins 2009 with a sense of cautious optimism in this challenging economy.” The show, held Jan. 15-18 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, comprised 715,000 square feet of exhibit space, with 1,800 exhibiting companies. Business was brisk on the floor throughout the show, according to exhibiting companies and retailers. B “It’s been a good show, and, in fact, it’s been above my expectations,” said Phil Murray of Houston-based clay target maker White Flyer. “It’s really exciting to see so many people being so positive about the industry. It is very encouraging for the rest of the year.” Not only was total attendance up from the last Orlando show, but also the number of buyers increased 5 percent. “Our meeting rooms were booked, and “I’d say the industry begins 2009 with a sense of cautious optimism in this challenging economy.” camo patterns and with some of the innovation in rifles that I have seen. I never was at a SHOT Show before, and I am awed by the size of the show and the number of people in attendance. The concentrated energy of the industry is exciting to witness.” High-tech rifles and handguns have seen a recent jump in sales heading into 2009. “It’s been a good show,” said Scott Grange of Browning. “With all of the interest in high-tech arms, it’s good to see that the interest in our overand-under shotguns was also up. The SHOT Show specials we laid out for retailers were very well received. The success here has helped position us for the expected upturn in the economy.” New products highlight the Steve Sanetti, NSSF President show’s offerings each year, which is one reason attendees say the show is always a can’tthe quality of the buyers at the show was miss event. very good. We saw good volume in our “The most important reason for anyone law enforcement booths, and we’re very to come to the SHOT Show is to see the pleased with the media turnout,” said Al latest and greatest,” said Ken Jorgensen of Russo of Remington Arms Co. Sturm, Ruger & Co. “They’re going to see First-time buyers were impressed with the new products that they may not hear or the new products and the size of the show. read about for weeks or months.” “I came to see what was new, and I absoRevenue raised at the SHOT Show lutely have,” said Bruno Leone, salesman at funds NSSF’s many programs and serAflaherty’s Outdoor Store in Toronto, Can- vices that promote, protect and preserve ada. “I have been impressed with the new hunting and the shooting sports. Smith & Wesson Announces Second Quarter Results S mith & Wesson Holding Corp. has released its financial results for its second fiscal quarter. Sales for the three months ending Oct. 31, 2008, were $72.7 million, a 2.8 percent increase over the quarter ending Oct. 31, 2007. A net loss for the second fiscal quarter of $76.2 million, compared with a net income of $2.9 million for the comparable 2007 quarter. Excluding the write down of $76.5 million for the purchase of Thompson/Center Arms, income would have been approximately $245,000, S&W reports. Total firearms sales were $67.5 million, an increase of 2.6 percent, over the second quarter of 2007. Pistol sales increased 40 percent. Sales of M&P pistols increased 45 percent and M&P tactical rifle sales increased 308 percent. Revolver sales declined slightly, while sales of non-firearms accessories increased 4.5 percent. Hunting rifle sales declined 41 percent. “The second quarter delivered mixed results, some very positive and others very disappointing. While the general environment remained challenging, we focused on removing costs from the hunting-related portion of our business while capitalizing on opportunities to grow the remaining majority of our company,” said Michael F. Golden, president and CEO. Visit www.smith-wesson.com for more information. WE’RE CALLING YOU OUT TO THE SHOOTING INDUSTRY MASTERS! Page 38 8 FEBRUARY 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com