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. HANDGUNS What’s Hot, What’s Not And Strategies For A Shaky Economy! FULL-CAPACITY By John Morrison I s there a full-capacity handgun market? If so, what’s happening with it? There are mixed signals. First, there was the huge wave of new compact handguns introduced at SHOT Show 2009. If it was small, it grabbed attention, with larger-capacity handguns overshadowed by palm-size pistols and revolvers. However, full-capacity handguns have been in high demand during the unprecedented buying frenzy since the November election. Nationwide, shelves emptied and demand multiplied. SIG SAUER recently announced that due to a magazine shortage, pistols for commercial sales would ship with only one magazine. One major firearms maker reports backorders of more than 35,000 guns, and manufacturers say they are ramping up production across the board. More than a dozen retailers report they were completely out of full-capacity handguns and full-cap magazines for all popular makes, and of course, ammunition is in short supply with scant deliveries trickling in. Yes, the full-capacity handgun market is still solid, but what’s really selling now? What should you be doing in the face of a continuing shaky economy? Chuck Pittman Dealers report Springfield’s XDs are hot sellers. Travis Barrett, of Greentop Sporting Goods, says, “Springfield’s 19-plus-one XDM 9mm is a huge favorite.” www.shootingindustry.com MAY 2009 39