B Y P E T E R B . M AT H I E S E N
East
& Howe, NJGriffin Bernardsville
Keeping 900 firearms on display, this retailer specializes in shotguns and rifles, with a custom facility producing Griffin & Howe rifles, side-by-sides and over/unders. Trap, skeet and clay guns are hot, with Beretta Silver Pigeon IIs leading the summer sales. Other active guns include Perazzis and Krieghoffs. Used gun sales are also strong. “Even with the slow economy, our pre-owned guns have been at an all-time high for the last two years. Although the prices have dropped, our volume both overseas and in the U.S. is on the rise,” says counter salesman Jim Kromka. Hunting rifles are just starting to move, with a number of Dakota Arms and Blasers making turns. The most popular calibers continue to be .30-06 and 7mm.
South
Nick’s Gun GA Range, Marietta
Located in suburban Atlanta, this retailer has 11 climatecontrolled shooting lanes that are rated for use up to .454 Casull for handguns and .300 Win. Mag. for rifles. Tactical sales have been strong and continue to grow. Smith M&Ps and Bushmasters are seeing the greatest turns. Uppers and lowers from Skipper are also starting to garner a larger share of rifle counter sales. “One of the ways we increase sales is by renting handguns and MSRs at our range. It’s extremely effective. When a shooter is having fun, he buys the gun. It’s just that simple,” says counter salesperson Ted Mortimer. Handgun turns are excellent; Ruger LCPs and LCRs are sitting in
& Sons, PA Ackley Westfield
Guns, NY Frank’s Marcy
Located in central Pennsylvania, this independent general hunting and fishing store utilizes more than 40,000 square feet of display area and keeps an average of 30 employees. Handguns lead the sales pack. Springfield XDs, Taurus Judges and S&W Governors are all moving well. “Our area was hit hard by the recession, but a recent discovery of natural gas in the state has put our sales back on track,” says owner Jeff Treadwell. At the rifle counter, MSRs are strong, and Bushmasters are turning every day. Ruger 10/22s are moving especially fast. Remington BDL 700s are expected to pick up. Turkey season has ended, but the store is still moving Remington 870s and Mossberg 500s. Ammo stocks are the best they’ve been in years.
Just a few miles outside of Utica, this small rural gun shop has nearly 2,000 guns packed into just over 1,000 square feet. The .380 caliber is king at this shop—concealed carry revolvers are turning in high numbers. Models include the Ruger LCP and the S&W Bodyguard. Glocks are continuing to post strong numbers, as are H&K pistols. “We keep our customers informed of special pricing via e-mail, and we have found that smartphones are helping us price and sell guns at the store,” says owner Frank Karas. Bushmasters and Colts are doing well, and the Remington Model 700 Target Tactical with 5-R hammerforged rifling in .308 is moving. Ammo stocks are good; pricing, however, is on the rise due to increased shipping costs.
the top spot, but S&W Bodyguards are also selling well.
Bushmasters—are picking up. Even though ammo stocks are good, this retailer expressed some concern about recent price increases due to higher fuel costs.
Philadelphia MS Gun & Pawn, Philadelphia
This eastern Mississippi shop specializes in handguns that appeal to a rural clientele. Glocks in .40 hold the ruling position here, though Ruger LCRs are also seeing good turns. Lately, the store has seen an increase in sales of .22 Ruger Blackhawks. “It’s amazing how many handgun owners don’t have a .22. When we find customers that are looking for something new, we can often move them to a .22 revolver or pistol. They’re low in cost and supercheap to shoot,” says manager Angie Conn. Sales of hunting rifles have been slow, but sales of MSRs—especially
Gun LA Pendleton & Pawn, Many
Located near the Texas border on U.S. 171, this small family-run store keeps three employees busy stocking an average of 200 guns. Handgun sales are brisk, with Ruger LCRs and LCPs holding on firmly to the first and second spots. “Our handgun sales are still growing, and our store continues to find new shooters that want to buy their first handgun, especially women,” says counter salesperson Debbie Merritt. Other strong sellers this summer include the Remington 870 Express and a few Bushmaster MSRs. JUNE/JULY 2011 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ 53
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