W H AT ’ S S E L L I N G W H E R E
West
County CALake Gun, Lakeport
About 100 miles north of San Francisco, this small-town California shop stays busy with 220 firearms stocked into less than 900 square feet of floor space. Modern sporting rifles are especially hot this winter; sales have tripled in little more than a year. “We have always had the demand for MSRs, but there were few models that were California-compliant. Since that’s changed, sales are way, way up,” said owner Cliff Rakic. Most MSR sales are split between Smith M&Ps, DPMSs, and Franklin Armory’s V series. All things .22 are moving briskly. Ruger 10-22s, Savage Model 64 BTVs, and Marlin XT-22ROs are all posting excellent numbers. At the
handgun counter, Glock 19s, M&P P9s, and Smith Bodyguard .380s are seeing the most attention.
Nevada NV Western Firearms, Stateline
Specializing in original Colt firearms, this Lake Tahoe–area dealer keeps an average of 250 guns in stock. “We inventory both new and vintage Colt single-action revolvers. When the economy hit the skids three years ago, we moved to stocking more home-defense guns, and it’s been a good move. Our average invoice is still above $1,000,” said owner Scott Myer. In addition to single-action handguns, Colt 1911 Anniversary Models are doing better than expected. Kimber 1911s are just behind, and Smith M&P 45s are also seeing turns.
Midwest Gun & MIBob’s Tackle, Hastings
Bob’s sports 15,000 square feet of floor space, with an average of 30 employees and more than 2,000 firearms in stock. Predator hunting is nearing its peak; as a result, Marlin X7s in .22/250, Smith M&Ps in .223, and Remington R-15 VTRs in .30 Rem. AR are selling well. Handguns continue to have steady sales. “We’re starting to plan for election season. Our reps are predicting shortages and high demand for MSRs and pistols by fall,” said buyer-manager Steve Hayes. At the handgun counter, Ruger LCPs and LCRs are topping the list, with strong numbers on Smith Bodyguards and Model 642 revolvers. On the accessories side, Redfield Rebel Series binoculars have been selling well.
& Feather, IAFin Iowa City
This general hunting and fishing shop keeps 300 guns in stock with three employees working the hunting department. After Christmas, the hottest seller has been anything in .22 caliber. “Rimfire gear has just gone crazy this year, with exceptional demand on .22 pistols and rifles. Our customers see it as a new, fun, and cheap way to play,” said manager Clint Hartsock. As for .22s, Sig Mosquitos and tactical .22s from M&P are moving well. Due to the mild January weather, predator hunting is down. Customers have been very pricesensitive about MSR purchases; the Smith M&P Sporter has garnered the most attention. Handgun sales are steady, with the best turns coming from Sig 9238s and Smith M&P 9s.
Several Uberti 1860 Henry Rifles also are selling this month. On the used side, Myer is seeing high demand for 12- and 20-gauge Winchester 101 over/unders.
Smallest IDWorld’s Pawn, Fruitland
Selling a mix of saddles, jewelry, and musical instruments, this pawn shop manages more than 400 guns in stock and boasts to be “the friendliest pawn shop in Idaho.” Handguns continue to move quickly, with Ruger SR9s and LC9s at the top of the list. Taurus Judges and Model 257s in .40 bring up the rear. Sales of MSRs have slowed to about one a month, with Stag Arms seeing the majority of traffic. Savage Model 12FV in .22/250 have sold well since January, even with the mild winter weather.
Hawks, INLittle Warsaw
Located between Fort Wayne and South Bend, this retailer is a general shooting supply store, with 350 guns in inventory and two full-time employees. Handguns continue to swell in sales, with strong numbers on Ruger LCRs and LCPs. Smith Bodyguards are a strong second. “Our handgun business is still growing even in a difficult economy, and we haven’t even started with election season,” said manager Dave Shirley. A few Remington Model 700 Varmint series are still selling from predator season, and the store is doing steady numbers on Rock Rivers and DPMS in .223. Due to a recent change in the deer regulations, the store did large numbers of H&R single-shot .44 Magnums, and they continue to move.
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