Well, we’re more than half way through 2015, and sometimes it’s good to take a look back and get your bearings on what’s going on in the gun industry. Basically, what’s trending, what’s hot, what are people talking about, what are people dying to get their hands on.
Off the top of my head I came up with five trends that I think tell the story of this year thus far. But because this is more of a quick post than a in-depth report, I’m sure that I’m missing some. So, feel free to weigh in on what you see happening out there in your neck of the woods as it relates to firearms.
The G43. (Photo: Glock)
Glock 43…
Arguably the release of the year was the Glock 43, the long-awaited and highly anticipated single-stack nine that turned out to be what everyone expected it to be: another Glock.
Fanboys touted the reliability, ubiquity and compatibility that comes with owning a firearm made by the king of polymer pistol, while haters complained that the Glock 43 was long overdue and an underwhelming addition to an already crowded subcompact field.
As it is with beauty, one’s opinion about the G43 is in the eye of the beholder.
Bullpup Shotguns!
Bullpup shotguns are always in vogue, but finding one that functions reliably has been a documented issue for buyers.
One of the standouts at the 2015 SHOT Show was the DP-12, the double-barreled bully that holds 16 rounds of 2-3/4 twelve gauge shells.
We got to give her a run at Range Day and here’s a look at how she performed:
Other popular scatter guns in this genre include the Kel-tec KSG, SRM 1216, and UTAS UTS-15.
Suppressors Abound!
Silencers or suppressors, if you prefer, are just plain common sense, not in the distorted sense of the phrase that gun grabbers use to push restrictive gun laws (e.g. ‘common sense’ bans on black rifles), but truly they are common sense. Guns are ear-damaging loud. Silencers solve this problem. Nuff said.
What’s interesting is everyone is jumping into the can market, and rightfully so as it’s a great place to be right now considering that demand is increasing as more and more states pass permissive ‘shall-certify’ laws with respect to suppressors.
The National Firearms Act is a tough nut to crack, but hardworking organizations such as the American Suppressor Association, NRA, NSSF have made serious headway into making silencers mainstream.
Got Arm Brace?
Speaking of inanity (the NFA), the ATF’s official stance on stabilizing braces for handguns is equally irrational. But thankfully, the ATF’s ridiculous letter explicating its position on the issue hasn’t slowed demand for arm braces.
Everyone seems to be getting in on the action — IWI, Kriss Vector, CAA, SIG, Century Arms, HK parts — or making deals with arm brace manufacturers, i.e., SB Tactical and Shockwave Technologies.
CMMG Mk47 Mutant!
Yes, what it represents is the best of both worlds. The ruggedness and toughness of the AK-47 with the accuracy and modularity of the AR-15. Chambered in 7.62x39mm, the Mutant might not only be the platform that unites the AR-15 camp with the AK-47 camp, but it may also be the battle rifle of the future… or it could just be a fad.
Technically, it was debuted in late 2014, but really started to make headlines in 2015 as various Tubers had a chance to try it out. We’re still waiting our turn to play, but rest assured we’ll get our chance to check it out.
Of course, the emergence of the mutant speaks to a larger trend of other AK alternatives hitting the market, some of which predated the Mutant.
Examples of some other AK alternatives include the Sig 556xiRussian, PTR 32, IWI Galil Ace.
Conclusion
Short article with a short list of trends, but I just wanted to give you a quick idea of what seems to be the talk of the town in 2015. As I mentioned, I’m sure I’m missing some things. So, what are you seeing out there that you want to get your hands on?
Is a specific product from one manufacture a “industry trend”? More a popular item or unique design IMHO.
How about
1. Take down and interchangable caliber long guns. From 22LR to .338.
2. Rifle and pistol caliber high capacity subgun style pistols. 22LR to 45ACP to .308
3. Colors and patterns. From pretty in rasberry to skull or zombie prints to Spartan Bronze.
Honorable Mention: The 1911A1. This 100 year old design is still being made by (or for) just about every major U.S handgun manufacture. Dozens of imports are available. CZ just got on the 1911 train. There is one for every budget and personal tastes. Want to modify or make one from scratch? Yeah, plenty of choices here too. I don’t think 1911A1 are bought as persons first handgun in most cases. Which means more “seasoned” shooters or collectors are buying them. Consider the 1911A1 a Century + trend. Will the AR-15 manufacture and sales be as good in 100 years? I sure hope so.