Month: October 2020

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Hottest Selling Guns in September

Hottest Selling Guns in September

Photo, Copyright Guy J. Sagi 2016

More guns have been purchased so far in 2020 than ever before, and last month alone—when compared to September of 2019—new gun sales were up 66 percent. What were the hottest selling guns in September?

GunBroker.com has issued its list for September and there are some surprises. The highest demand is for home- and self-defense firearms right now, so let’s start with those categories.

In semi-automatic handguns it’s the Glock G19 that led the way. The numbers make it obvious people know the 9 mm is a good choice for stopping a felonious attack. The Ruger57 took second place, followed by the SIG Sauer P365.

When it comes to staying safe at the house, knowledgeable gun owners recognize the versatility of the AR-15 platform and the Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 version took top honors in the semi-automatic rifle category. It was followed by the Smith & Wesson M&P Sport II, another AR-15, and that perennial favorite for plinking and outdoor fun, the Ruger 10/22 took third place in sales among those retailers using the services of GunBroker.com.

If you prefer greeting criminals breaking down your door with a shotgun, the IWI TS12 was the top-selling semi-automatic shotgun. Second place was claimed by the Benelli M4—a version of the one being used by some branches of the U.S. military—and the new Howa Boss-25 took third.

Pump-actions have an undeniably life-saving reliability about them, and CZ-USA’s CZ 612 was the hottest selling among those models in September. It was followed by a pair of Mossbergs, the shorty 590 Shockwave and longtime enthusiast favorite model 500.

Wheelgun fans took home more Colt Pythons than any other revolver. The Heritage Arms .22 LR-chambered Rough Rider and the Taurus 856 trailed slightly.

In the other categories, the Ruger American Rifle took first place among bolt-action rifles, Marlin 1895 won the lever-action category and the Connecticut Valley Arms Scout dominated single shots. The Rossi Tuffy, Mossberg Silver Reserve II and CZ-USA Hammer Coach took first place in single-shot, over-under and side-by-side shotguns.

Bear in mind, this list of hottest selling guns in September is based on the report from a single source and likely doesn’t accurately reflect demand in your area. With the holiday shopping rush set to begin next month, now’s a good time to visit and order from your favorite FFL if you’re looking for something specific. Waiting much longer increases the odds that the make and model you’re looking for as a gift is going to be hard to find—especially when firearms are selling at a record-setting pace.

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Beretta Celebrates Its 494th Anniversary

Beretta Celebrates Its 494th Anniversary

From Beretta

This past Saturday, October 3rd, Beretta celebrated its 494th anniversary as a firearms manufacturer, which makes Beretta the manufacturing company with the longest history of continuous operations in the world. Beretta products have accompanied sportsmen and women all around the globe on countless hunting excursions, performed flawlessly in five decades of the Olympic Games, and been combat tested as the official sidearm of the U.S. Armed Forces for over 35 years.

In 1526, Mastro Bartolomeo Beretta (1490-1565/68) of Gardone Val Trompia, Brescia, Italy, received 296 ducats as payment for 185 arquebus barrels sold to the Arsenal of Venice. Although there is a history of Beretta products’ production in the 1500s, this particular moment in our history is the first documented sale of Beretta products in the known world, and it is the foundational point from which our company began its commanding presence in the firearms manufacturing industry.

Over the years, the Beretta family and name has become synonymous with uncompromising quality, design, materials, construction, and performance for their myriad of firearm products. With the fourteenth and fifteenth generations of the Beretta family now in charge of the various Beretta companies, their leadership benefits from centuries of experience passed down from father to son as they constantly innovate to meet the demands of a global market in the 21st century. With continuous investments in technology, people, and growing product lines, the Beretta family remains committed to the core value of quality without compromise established almost five centuries ago. It is this premise that continues to be the unchanging key to Beretta’s success in serving customers worldwide.

“Beretta has been continuously reinventing itself for nearly 500 years, and that is how, generation after generation, we create the market-changing products,” Francesco Valente, General Manager and COO of Beretta USA, said. “We are a stable company, focusing on the long-term and we think in terms of decades, not quarters – that is why we can invest so much in research and development and invest in environmental conservation to preserve the future of our planet. From our founding through today, we have kept a relentless commitment to innovation. The company’s birthday is an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves and our customers that we will always strive to innovate what’s next.”

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Vortex Apparel Line

Vortex Apparel Line

From Vortex

Hunting, shooting, or just enjoying nature, you live for the outdoors. But try as you might, you’ve never found clothes that offer the combination of performance and style that fits your life.

Vortex Wear is made for you.

Designed for everyday wear, but built for adventure, these are clothes that work as hard as you do. And with the release of our Fall/Winter lineup, you have the perfect way to hit the chilly season in total comfort, with fresh takes on a few classics, plus all-new apparel designed to look great and take on the elements.

American owned, veteran-owned, Wisconsin-based Vortex Optics designs, engineers, produces, and distributes a complete line of premium sport optics, accessories, and apparel. Dedicated to providing unrivaled customer service and exceptional quality, Vortex® backs its products with the unconditional, transferrable, lifetime VIP Warranty. Built on over 30 years of experience in the optics industry, Vortex® has emerged as a leader in the optics market.

Don’t forget to take a look at the company’s new Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes.

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Primary Arms SLx 1×20 Prism Scope with Green Illuminated Reticle

Primary Arms SLx 1x20 Prism Scope with Green Illuminated Reticle

From Primary Arms

Primary Arms Optics has just released the latest iteration of its popular SLx 1x Prism, now featuring a green-illuminated reticle. This scope is part of Primary Arms’ SLx product line. SLx optics built Primary Arms’ reputation for innovation, reliability and value. All SLx optics undergo rigorous field-testing during development to best serve you in any environment. The SLx 1×20 Prism Scope with ACSS Cyclops reticle is one of the most popular low-magnification prism scopes on the market, mirroring the performance of a red dot or reflex sight with an etched reticle that eliminates astigmatic distortion.

The SLx 1×20 Prism Scope with ACSS Cyclops reticle is currently one of Primary Arms’ best-selling optics. With a massive eyebox, compact body, and 9.7oz weight, this prism optic is able to recreate the speed and agility of red dot and holographic optics with an etched ACSS reticle. The benefit of the etched reticle is two-fold, as it usable without batteries and does not blur with an astigmatism.

With the all-new green illumination option, customers can now choose between either a red or green reticle depending on their preferences. Many professional users and hobbyists favor green reticles due to their speed of acquisition. The green illumination stands out against warm-colored environments, for example, a desert. Red reticles remain a prominent choice in heavily-vegetated areas where red offers greater contrast. Both color options come with 11 brightness settings and up to 3,000 hours of battery life on medium settings with a standard CR2032 battery.

“We’re happy to bring a green-illuminated ACSS Cyclops reticle for fans of our SLx 1x prism,” says Terry Mears, Primary Arms’ Director of Product Marketing. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for optics with green illumination, and our SLx 1x Prism was the perfect platform for the technology.”

This new optic is now available for $239.99 from Primary Arms’ retail site and other authorized Primary Arms Optics dealers.

And don’t forget to take a look at the company’s new 1-6×24 mm Rifle Scope.

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2020 Sets Gun Sales Record

2020 Sets Gun Sales Record

Story and Chart From Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting

Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) estimates September 2020 U.S. firearms unit sales at 1.8 million units, a year-over-year increase of 66% from September 2019. Likely single handgun sales (0.98 million) increased year-over-year by 81% whereas single long-gun sales (0.66 million) increased year-over-year by 51%. All other likely background check-related sales (0.13 million) increased year-over-year by 50%. This includes so-called “multiple” sales where the exact split between handguns and long-guns cannot be determined from the data record.

SAAF’s firearms unit sales estimates are based on raw data taken from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), adjusted for checks unlikely to be related to end-user firearms sales. For example, the FBI’s raw numbers (for September, some 2,857,953) cannot be taken at face value as large numbers of background checks are unrelated to end-user sales. As a case in point, in September the state of Illinois conducted about 378,000 so-called permit checks and rechecks alone whereas end-user unit sales at firearms retailers likely amounted to about 49,000. SAAF makes certain other adjustments to the data based on retailer reports and other information; nonetheless, the estimates still likely understate the true number of sales.

SAAF Chief Economist Jurgen Brauer comments that “the 2020 year-to-date sales (January to September) now stand at 16.7 million and thereby exceed the previous annual high (January to December) set in 2016 with 16.6 million units sold. That said, the August and September in 2020 increases are the lowest since March 2020. Handgun sales continue to comfortably outpace long-gun sales.”

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GSM Outdoors Acquires GPS Bags

GSM Outdoors Acquires GPS Bags

From GSM Outdoors

GSM Outdoors is excited to announce their newest company acquisition, GPS Bags! GPS Bags manufactures specialized range and gear bags for shooters under two distinct product lines and has quickly become a pioneer in the modern range back category.

GPS bags, cases, and totes are designed around the concept of intelligently organized storage combined with easy access and identification of needful gear. The latter derives from the patented Visual I.D. Storage System, which makes all content easily identifiable and easily accessible. This system is a leap forward in practical function and deployment when compared to conventional range bags, eliminating the large “common compartment” approach that makes gear difficult to find or to keep organized.

In addition to the Visual I.D. Storage System, GPS bags incorporate numerous features that are purpose-driven in their design and construction. This includes rugged, over-sized zippers, metal-reinforced hardware, lift ports for improved leverage and grip, integrated rain covers and durable bar-and-tack stitching to withstand hard use.

The GPS series bags are comprised of two distinguished product lines. The Wild About Shooting series includes multiple range backpacks, range bags and totes that are tailored for rifle, handgun and shotgun shooters. The Tactical line of range backpacks are built to meet the needs of military and law enforcement defense professionals.

“The GSM Outdoors family of products significantly expands its supporting role in the shooting industry with the acquisition of GPS Bags,” said Ben Smith, GSM Outdoors Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing. “Our varied brands deliver innovative solutions for all aspects of the shooting and hunting enthusiast segments, and now with GPS Bags integrated into our portfolio, we are able to further that support on the range and in the field.”

GSM Outdoors looks forward to growing the GPS Bags line of products and creatively aligning the brand to deliver more functional solutions for shooters and hunters alike!

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Leupold Makes Significant Contribution to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE

Leupold Makes Significant Contribution to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is pleased to announce that Leupold & Stevens, Inc., a leading firearm scopes and sport optics manufacturer, has made a significant contribution to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE® voter registration, education and mobilization campaign.

“The Second Amendment and entire firearm industry could face an unprecedented threat following Election Day if the historic number of new gun owners, as well as existing gun rights supporters, don’t show up to the polls,” said Leupold & Stevens, Inc. President and CEO Bruce Pettet. “NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign has already proven to be an effective industry initiative to register, educate and engage millions of voters with less than five weeks before the elections. Leupold is proud to contribute to continued success ahead.”

“The firearm and ammunition industry is fortunate to have a leader like Bruce Pettet, whose dedication to protecting the Second Amendment and ensuring the growth and success of our industry is unquestioned,” stated Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “With their generous contribution to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign, Leupold is going above and beyond to assist NSSF in registering, educating and activating voters ahead of November’s election. Leupold’s substantial contribution is vital now more than ever and is to be commended.”

Election Day is less than five weeks away when tens of millions of voters, including more than 5 million first-time gun buyers, will head to the polls to cast their ballot in the most consequential election for the Second Amendment.

#GUNVOTE is a campaign by the NSSF to encourage America’s gun owners, target shooters and hunters to register to vote, to become educated on where the candidates stand on the Second Amendment and, on election day, not to risk their rights and #GUNVOTE. The campaign’s website provides links to help voters register and find their polling place. NSSF strongly encourages all industry members to download the #GUNVOTE button to use on their websites and social media.

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Winchester Assumes Management and Operations of Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

Winchester Assumes Management and Operations of Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

From Olin

Olin Corporation announced that effective today, its ammunition division, Olin Winchester LLC (“Winchester”), assumed full management and operational control of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri. The U.S. Army selected Winchester to operate and manage the Lake City plant in September 2019. The contract has an initial term of seven years and may be extended by the U.S. Army for up to three additional years. Winchester is now the world’s largest small arms ammunition manufacturer.

“Winchester employees have built a reputation with the U.S. Army that is unrivaled, and for the past year, we have been preparing for this significant transition,” said Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester. “We were selected to manage the Lake City plant because of our industry-leading capabilities and track record. For decades, we have successfully demonstrated those capabilities in quality, innovation and on-time delivery as well as through our partnership with the U.S. Army in developing solutions that service the U.S. Warfighter. Our team is fully prepared and 100% committed to the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Lake City plant.”

Winchester is one of the world’s most recognized and respected brands. Currently in its 154th year of operation and 90th year as part of Olin, Winchester is a premier developer and manufacturer of small caliber ammunition for sale to domestic and international militaries, law enforcement agencies, and commercial distributors and retailers. Winchester has been providing ammunition to the U.S. military since World War I and is currently the U.S. Army’s largest supplier of small caliber ammunition outside of the Lake City plant.

About Lake City

The Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, which began production in 1941, provides small caliber military ammunition for both training and combat purposes. Winchester previously operated the Lake City plant from 1985-2000. The plant, encompassing nearly 4,000 acres, also serves as a national test center for ammunition performance and weapons firing.

For information regarding Winchester’s Lake City operations, visit https://winchestermilitary.com/. The company recently landed a big contract with the Department of Defense for 9 mm frangible ammo, too.

About Olin Corporation Olin Corporation is a leading vertically integrated global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and a leading U.S. manufacturer of ammunition. The chemical products produced include chlorine and caustic soda, vinyls, epoxies, chlorinated organics, bleach, and hydrochloric acid. Winchester’s principal manufacturing facilities produce and distribute sporting ammunition, law enforcement ammunition, reloading components, small caliber military ammunition and components, and industrial cartridges.

Visit www.olin.com for more information on Olin.
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SIG AIR and Evike Manufacturing Group Announce Collaboration

SIG AIR and Evike Manufacturing Group Announce Collaboration

From SIG SAUER

SIG SAUER is pleased to announce that its SIG AIR Division has officially joined forces with Evike Manufacturing Group (EMG) for future product development, and continued product distribution of SIG AIR airgun and airsoft products in the U.S. through Evike.com.

“This exciting collaboration between SIG AIR and EMG is a result of the increasing popularity and demand we are seeing in the marketplace for SIG AIR airguns and airsoft products,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “This new partnership with EMG will allow us to increase our product development capabilities allowing us to bring more SIG AIR products to consumers worldwide.”

The SIG AIR product line includes a series of traditional CO2 pellet and BB rifles and pistols, that are designed to imitate the look, weight, balance, and handling characteristics of their traditional firearms counterparts. Additionally, SIG AIR offers a line of training products with the PROFORCE line of airsoft pistols, rifles, and accessories. Designed and developed from the ground up to deliver a realistic training experience that allows the user access to achieve a new level of performance potential.

“The team at Evike.com and EMG are excited for the opportunity to join forces with SIG AIR to create new products, expand the SIG AIR product line, and provide a new dealer experience for SIG AIR products,” added Evike Chang, CEO of Evike.com and President of EMG, Inc. “We are completely aligned with the SIG SAUER brand to bring the best-in-class airgun and airsoft experience to the SIG AIR product line.”

For a glimpse of the quality in this line of SIG SAUER products, take a look at its M18 Air Soft pistol.