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. Cash In On L.E./Tactical Trends — page 16 Industry Defies Economic Downturn During First Quarter Russ Thurman, Editor n contrast to the nation’s overall economic downturn, the firearm industry fared well during the first quarter of 2008. Manufacturers, distributors and gun dealers report that while there are “soft” areas in the market, overall sales of firearms were “great,” with some reporting “upsurges.” A strong indicator of firearm sales during January, February and March is reflected in the number of firearm background checks. According to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Checks System (NICS), there was a 7.9 percent increase in background checks over the first three months in 2007. NICS conducted 3,004,549 background checks during the first quarter of this year, an increase of 219,481 over the same quarter last year. There were increases in each month — January: +5.4%, February: +11.6% and March: +6.7%. These increases are notable since NICS data indicates records were set in the number of background checks during January, February and March 2007. The data also corresponds with the “robust buying” re- I ported at the SHOT Show in early 2008. “The first day was probably the best day Legacy has ever had at the SHOT Show,” said Gene Lumsden, Legacy International president and CEO. In addition, while not a desirable indicator, numerous manufacturers are reporting “backlogs” in firearm production, especially those in the personal defense category. Why is the industry doing well, while most other industries are reporting “sluggish sales”? “I don’t know,” said Bryan Tucker, CEO of Davidson’s. “In our sales, December was really good, January was a little soft. February was fantastic. March was really great. If you would have asked me that in November of last year, I would have said, ‘Oh, man, it’s terrible.’ But now, it’s back. I don’t know if the election talk and the Democrat’s cloud is starting to spur this thing, or not. I just know we’re up.” Gun dealers also report positive sales numbers. “We have not seen the big hit everyone is talking about,” said Gregg L. Bouslog, NICS Background Checks — Owner of On-Target Indoor Shooting Range in Laguna Niguel, Calif. “Since Christmas, we have seen a slowdown, but the past few weeks we witnessed an upsurge due to spring break. Most of the people buying guns are concerned about not being able to buy what they want this time next year.” How will the industry fare for the remainder of the year? At best, “very soft” sales; at worst, “very rough.” “I’ve seen over the years that we’ve been pretty recession-proof. We always seem to suffer during the start of a recession, with all the doom-and-gloom talk, but then pull out of it,” Tucker said. “The last two years, we have grown at a 40-percent rate. This January, we were up 40 percent over January 2007, so we’re on track to have another very strong year,” Lumsden said. Bouslog is not as optimistic. “My crystal ball is a bit foggy, but looking only at California, I feel we are in for a rough time. I think the money is going to dry up in a couple of months. For the most part, the discretionary income that I live by will be reduced by 50 percent or more during the next 12 to 18 months. If a Democrat is electJanuary 1999 — March 2008 ed, I expect an upsurge around Christmas for those who want a rifle with detachable magazines before a ban becomes law again,” Bouslog said. Sanetti New NSSF President, Painter Changes Role teve Sanetti, former Ruger president, became president and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) May 1. Doug Painter, who held the NSSF’s top position for six years, has assumed a new role as NSSF’s Senior Advisor and Trade Liaison. Sanetti, a well-known figure in the industry, spent 28 years with Sturm, Ruger and Co. as an executive and general counsel, and has been a member of the NSSF Board of Governors and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) Board of Directors. “Steve is one of the most well-respected individuals in our industry,” said Robert Scott, chairman of the NSSF Board of Governors. “His experience and good judgment have been valued at Sturm, Ruger for decades and by the industry at large for his role in helping defeat the municipal 8 MAY 2008 S Steve Sanetti Doug Painter www.shootingindustry.com