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Panic
Redefined
I have just returned from my trip to hear
first hand the happenings of the wholesalers show. The price increases from
manufacturers are flat or up to only about 5% in a few cases. This is very
normal for the industry. The panic so widely reported in the media is
not nation wide yet. However, it has put a great load on the factories
to fill orders. Sales in some parts of the country are up only around 15%
while other are up in the triple digits. The epicenter seems to be in the
heartland area of the country, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, etc. This is
referred to as the fly over zone by some. We have surely experienced an
increase, but a large part of it has been due to new or relatively new
shooters coming in for their first or second gun. The demographics are
across the board and so are the purchases. AR rifles and the like have been
selling, but percentage wise it is the same, just the number over all is
up. We have had a number of interviews with the media, but one young black
couple phrased it best “We want to gun up before they gun out”. The
plans of the new administration, with regards to guns and all that entails
are not clear. The positions and potential plans that were listed on
www.Change.org have been removed. Everyday brings in stories on what
might happen as the pundits try to sort it all out. To be sure, the new
administration has a lot on its plate to deal with, but as of this date we
simply do not know what is in store for the shooting sports. I will keep
you informed of any news.
On a somewhat different note:
Hunting season is now in full swing. The
weather over the last couple of years has helped in habitat. The numbers
reported so far are showing that this should be a great year for deer and
turkey. Please be safe and enjoy the experience. Should you need anything
from us, we are here to serve.
Last, (because I like to end matters on an up note)
OETA has a wonderful show called
Stateline and they have done an entire segment on the shooting sports.
Dubbed “Shootin’ Iron” the segment covers a number of topics within the
shooting sports. The producer is Robert Burch and most of the filming was
done by Boots Kennedye. Below is the link to the website with more
information. It has already aired once but will re-air on Thursday Night
November 20th at 8:30 pm and again on Sunday the 23rd
at 11:30am. This is a very well done show and something that all shooters
could be proud of. I am recommending if possible that, you make time for
the show and tell your friends.
http://www.oeta.onenet.net/stateline/index.html
Respectfully,
Miles
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