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. Russ Thurman Taking Care Of New Gun Buyers A mazingly, the industry continues report that “totally new customers” are the customer service. I then teach competence to set records in firearm sales. factor for continued record firearm sales. in the product.” The FBI reports that 1,225,980 The phenomenon presents a golden opporRohman also offers a number of background checks were conducted in tunity for the industry: The development of shooting leagues and programs to atApril, a 30.3-percent increase over tract new shooters of all ages. April 2008. From November 2008 He hosted a First Shots event through April 2009, the National Inin April. The result? Myths stant Criminal Background Check dispelled. Fears eased. Lots of System (NICS) conducted over 8 smiles. Targets to show off. And, million background investigations, new customers. a 29.4-percent increase for the same “The First Shots program absomonths of 2007 and 2008. lutely works,” Rohman said. “We While the November and Dehave participants already signed cember, perhaps even January, up for other training and to look at background checks can be attribguns to buy.” uted to “panic buying” following Randy Moldé, who heads November’s national election, the FMG’s promotion department, and continuation of the record-setting Shari LeGate, a SI senior contribsales go way beyond the “Obama uting editor, reported on the First Factor.” History shows that panic To view four videos of the First Shots event at Project 2000 Shots event at P2K. Four video buying normally lasts two, maybe Shooting Range, visit www.shootingindustry.com, or see one reports are available on www. three months. So what is driving of the videos in SI Digital. shootingindustry.com. One of the the unprecedented firearm sales? videos may be viewed on this page “New customers,” said Dennis Rohm- these new customers into return customers in SI Digital. an, general manager at Project 2000 (P2K) and devoted shooters. Dealers who can Dealers with ranges, or those who can Shooting Range in El Cajon, Calif. “These best do that are ones who understand how partner with range operators, should use are totally new people who are coming in to treat customers — new and old. the First Shots program as a key tool in to buy guns and use the range. Some may “Customer service is number one developing new customers during this have had a gun many years ago, but they here,” Rohman said. “If you don’t have unique upsurge in business. are really new customers, too.” that, you’re not going to be successful. I For more information on NSSF’s First Other dealers throughout the nation also hire salespeople who can provide great Shots program, visit www.firstshots.org. The Challenge Goes Out C ompanies that signed up early for this year’s Shooting Industry Masters are challenging you to step to the firing line in July — see pages 35 through 43. The three-gun competition, which now supports the First Shots program, will be held July 24 and 25 at the Hartford Gun Club in East Granby, Conn. We’ll also present the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence on July 24 at a joint Academy/Masters reception at the Marriott Hartford/Windsor in Windsor, Conn. Congratulations to those making the Final Ballot for this year’s awards — see page 8. For all the details on the two events, visit www.shootingindustry.com, or call Elizabeth O’Neill, Academy/Masters coordinator, at 1-800-537-3006, ext. 279; e-mail: elizabeth@shootingindustry.com. alutes to the SIG SAUER Academy for offering Shipboard Security Operations courses. Conducted in partnership with the Castle Shipboard Security Program, the courses are designed for crewmembers and security officers of private and commercial vessels. The courses were announced shortly after the successful rescue of Captain Shane Murphy of the Maersk Alabama — thanks to the marksmanship of Navy SEALs. An extra large salute and Semper Fi to the SEALs! For more information on the SIG SAUER Academy, visit www.sigsaueracademy.com. 9 S SIG Trains Ship Crews Subscribe to SI Digital: 46 JUNE 2009 www.shootingindustry.com. Read SI DIGITAL It’s Free! www.shootingindustry.com