Y2K, California, media, what is fueling the demand for assault weapons, and in our case AR's in particular? In a word; Politics.
People who have a serious worry of the Y2K issue have long since purchased and buried everything they feel they will need. The rush caused by the Y2K issue began right before new years last year and ran through early summer. The real demand began around March, and came on fast.
Just when we started getting caught up with the Y2K rush, and SHOT Show orders, we really got nailed. Within 2 weeks we went from being a week or two backordered on things like lower receivers, to two months. Then, within the next 2 weeks we had taken so many orders from dealers, individuals and distributors that we have not been caught up since, and the back log just keeps getting worse.
The unfortunate reality is that every time that there is a shooting that makes the mainstream media news, we sell more guns. The reason for this is that lawful gun owners fear the repercussions of these tragedies. Every time Al Gore or some other campaigning politician makes a comment on gun control, we sell more guns. Every time an anti-gun law goes into effect anywhere in the country, we sell more guns. The current market is driven by politics only, and until that changes, we will continue to receiver more orders.
When will this change?
Many gun dealers as well as other manufactures are are predicting a drop off after the first of the year. Normally things will slow down in the spring based on the standard retail sales reduction that all retailers experience every year. However, the gun industry is different, and we all know it.
In my opinion, things will slow down some, but not much. Since politics are what is truly driving the industry right now, and the Presidential campaigns are just beginning to get started, things will only get worse. I predict that next summer will see a continuation of the current demand for product all the way to the November elections! And then, if the elections go poorly for the gun owners in this country, things will only get worse.
Brace yourself for the worst.
Get your orders in early.Thomas A. Spithaler
Sales & Marketing Dir.