Gun Manufacturers Laying Off Employees

[Shynloco]

I couldn't help but reading an article that appears in the latest American Rifleman magazine. It appears some of the big names in Gun manufacturing are laying off "both white collar and blue collar" workers. And apparently, guns are starting to show up more and more on retailer shelves. But handguns still seem to sell more, though not as much as in the recent past. Gotta believe part of that involves the exit of the Great Black Hope (Obama) who IMHO, was the WORST President in American history, yet the best Gun salesman of all time. I'll leave that explanation up to each of you.

But I have noted, that at my local shooting range, I've seen more cars/trucks parked next to the Pistol Range as opposed to the Rifle Range. Now I'm not complaining because it simply means I have a better shot at getting my favorite Bench to shoot my rifles off of. And now that the nicer weather is starting to set in, I do expect to see many more shooters on both ranges, as even ammunition is showing up on shelves in much more plentiful supply. The downside of course, is more people being given pink slips as Gun and Ammunition sales have started dropping off. Guess people have started feeling more secure or not enough safes are being sold to house the gazillian Guns that BOZO helped sell.

BTW, I see even Handgun prices have dropped in recent months as well as incentives being offered by Gun Manufacturers to buy their products, i.e. rebates. It'll be interesting to see how long this drop off in employment at Gun and Ammo manufacturers last, before the next "shortage" of goodies hits. So happy shootin folks and if you've thought about buying a new handgun, now might be a good time to venture down that road. I'll stick to my "Long Guns" thank you as I'm having way too much fun STILL chasing those five shot - one holers and reloading my own ammo.

Alex

 

[hogpatrol]

My club's pistol range gets more hours usage than all the other ranges combined. With hunting season winding down, the rifle ranges are pretty deserted also. As far as prices and sales, it's Economics 101, supply and demand and from what I've noticed, demand is down significantly from the peak.

 

[rebel]

Just my observation, the shooting public feels less need to hoard. Any company that spent big money on black guns and parts is now dumping them on the internet at almost cost. A couple of distributors have told me they expect to see some big name suppliers tank, I don't know about all that but just repeating what's been said.
Remington actually canned some of upper management from what I understand. Interesting and challenging times to be on my end of the business.

 

[FatBoy]

Remington needed to can some upper management a long time ago. Maybe they can get back to making quality firearms now?

It was inevitable with the Hillary loss. The fever pitch in which people have been buying firearms and hoarding components over the last 9 years had prices at an all time high. Local retailers had 8# jugs of Varget for $240+tax. Ridiculous, but when they only trickle in and you need it what are you going to do? Remember the post New town panic buying? $2500 for a rack grade M4... I hope those days are gone forever.

As far as pistols go, people I NEVER thought would buy a firearm have been buying pistols and to a lesser extent, shotguns and entry level ARs. When I talked to them, it almost always rolls back to fear. The black lives matter BS riots was a big part of it, as well as these "knock out games" and increases in home invasions, etc. When they'll shoots cops indiscriminately, people take notice. Unfortunately, most of those same people don't train to get in the right mindset to be aware of their surroundings and avoid trouble. The may be armed, but many are still oblivious.

Glad to see law abiding citizens armed, and that firearms are becoming cost effective enough that people can afford quality but it's a sad day when good people lose their jobs for sure.

 

[dragman]

Yes it is an interesting trend, Gun businesses & manufacturers are going to be cutting back and trimming jobs. I believe it will be a lean next 5-10 years and lots of players will go away. Just proves in life that NOTHING is all good or all bad.

 

[mikecockcroft]

I don't see how all the AR15 makers and parts suppliers can stay in business. Just as the oilfield booms then goes bust the ar market will do the same. Bound to be some shutdown. Everyday brownells sends an email almost begging you to buy AR15 stuff.

 

[FatBoy]

Olympic Arms appeared to be the first big player to have shut the doors.

 

[savagedasher]

When the biggest gun sales man got voted out . Would you not expect it to happen .
Larry

 

[drover]

At the rate the Republicans are in-fighting and seemingly incapable of accomplishing anything except ticking people off I am afraid that we only have a 2 year reprieve. They have the Presidency, and the majority in both houses and yet they still are not getting anything done.

I am doubtful that in 2018 they will be the majority, and while the Dems may not be able to run more anti-gun laws through for the next few years they will be able to stop the Republicans from accomplishing very much.

drover

 

[DRNewcomb]

So, now they're not running 3 shifts just to keep up with demand. I'm still on a very long wait list to get a particular Beretta product.

 

[dragman]

So, now they're not running 3 shifts just to keep up with demand. I'm still on a very long wait list to get a particular Beretta product.

It isn't them not having the time to make it, it's more like they don't have enough orders for whatever it is to make them. They don't switch machines or do runs until they can make enough to justify it for them.

 

[dickn52]

Yes it is an interesting trend, Gun businesses & manufacturers are going to be cutting back and trimming jobs. I believe it will be a lean next 5-10 years and lots of players will go away. Just proves in life that NOTHING is all good or all bad.

Probably correct, but if I owned the inventory I'd sit on it. Politics is cyclable and in 4 or 8 years the nanny state may be back and here we go again.

 

[dragman]

Probably correct, but if I owned the inventory I'd sit on it. Politics is cyclable and in 4 or 8 years the nanny state may be back and here we go again.

No disrespect but your not in business then. Sitting on inventory for those lengths of times CAN'T happen. Tax's still need paid, overhead and general expenses still need paid, payroll and payroll tax's need paid. So it isn't an option. And unlike some people like to think new gun markup is usually in the 10% range. Not like they have 50K they are sitting on that is going to bring 250K later. When your 50K on a good day in guns nets you $5000 you can't sit on it from months let alone years.

 

[john 800]

No disrespect but your not in business then. Sitting on inventory for those lengths of times CAN'T happen. Tax's still need paid, overhead and general expenses still need paid, payroll and payroll tax's need paid. So it isn't an option. And unlike some people like to think new gun markup is usually in the 10% range. Not like they have 50K they are sitting on that is going to bring 250K later. When your 50K on a good day in guns nets you $5000 you can't sit on it from months let alone years.

X2
If a business owner had the cash capital to sit on inventory long enough to gamble on the next election creating a higher demand and prices, he would probably be a retired, former business owner

 

[K22]

The political climate is like the weather, constantly changing. The anti-gunners haven't given up, they are just laying in wait. Watch the mid term elections, they could be an accurate predictor of the future.

 

[Shynloco]

Folks,
I'm very pleased by the responses I've seen. Its is a great mix of Consumer and Retailer thoughts that many don't even give thought about. And I tend to agree the Republicans appear to have the hardest time getting on the same page. But that I believe is the "extreme fringe" making lifer tougher. But one thing that has been accomplished is that Conservatives, once again, have a majority on the US Supreme Court, which is no small feat! That should help us with our Gun Rights (except in darn ole California) for many years to come as even if the Republicans can't get their act together (and God forbid we see another liberal hold the office of the Presidency in the near future), 2nd Amendment Rights won't get trampled on with the mass liberal hysteria that "Guns kills people", as if Gun owners don't care about safety or the value of a human life. Yes all lives matter, but then some live to ruin other's lives and just maybe the world is better off without some of these worthless POS!

Alex

 

[JRS]

"Just say NO to political threads"

 

[Milo 2.0]

"Just say NO to political threads"

Haha, far from a political thread, I say more of an awareness of the atmosphere.
Historically as gun owners, we have not portrayed ourselves as the sharpest knives in the drawer. From standing united, to even down to our buying practices, we fight ourselves every step of the way.
So when someone offers up some common sense on topics, I respect their views.

 

[L.Sherm]

Milo just hit the nail on the head!!

 

[hogpatrol]

Haha, far from a political thread, I say more of an awareness of the atmosphere.
Historically as gun owners, we have not portrayed ourselves as the sharpest knives in the drawer. From standing united, to even down to our buying practices, we fight ourselves every step of the way.
So when someone offers up some common sense on topics, I respect their views.

"We have met the enemy and he is us". Pogo