An old boss of mine once told me that SHOT Show is a bad show to talk to executives because they are all tied up in meetings and busy selling. The NRA Show, on the other hand, is a great place to talk to them because the show is far more relaxed. Besides, he joked, many would rather talk to you than answer questions about why they don’t make their gun in some obscure caliber.
The NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits is indeed a good time to talk about business, especially since it takes place after the first quarter of the year, giving people a better sense of where the market might be heading. One executive I spoke to said the company had a stellar Q1, but admitted that with the tariffs hanging over the economy, where we’re headed is mostly toward uncertainty.
Tariffs remain a primary concern. One gun company that relies on imports admitted that with product in containers about to hit U.S. shores and subject to a tariff that has yet to be lifted, a price increase is immanent. That same executive admitted they may turn right around and roll back that price increase should the tariff get lifted.
No one likes price volatility, but chances are that’s a near certainty if tariffs are here today and gone tomorrow. If those tariffs are here today and here tomorrow, consumers could also hold onto their dollars and try to wait it out.
Another interesting development is companies walking away from China as a main supplier of manufactured goods and components. Two leaders from different companies revealed that they each had begun reducing their dependence on China. Both had started the process well ahead of the current tariff battle, but are at different points in their transitions.
This diversification of suppliers is likely going to be a key focus for many in the industry this year. How that impacts product availability and pricing depends on where they move their manufacturing and how smoothly that transition takes place. Suffice to say, we’re probably in for a bit of a bumpy ride over the next couple quarters.
Out on the show floor it was clear that if you didn’t come to Atlanta with a new gun or product to showcase, well, you missed a great opportunity to grab the attention of consumers eager for something new. Major gun makers Mossberg, Ruger and Springfield Armory each had brand new stand-out products that caught the attention of attendees.
Springfield Armory introduced their new Kuna pistol, a 9mm PDW that is available in two versions, a pistol and a version with a Strike Industries FSA folding brace that’s quick to deploy. The Kuna comes with two 30-round magazines, and according to those who have shot it, it’s a great little shooter.
There are a number of words one could use to describe the new pistol but the one that struck me was when a Springfield Armory executive referred to it as, “back-ordered.” Already? Yes. That’s a nice problem to have when the overall market is slowing and we’re headed into the summer doldrums.
In the Ruger booth, it was all about the new RXD suppressors. The same goes for the Dead Air booth. I spoke to Paul Pluff of Ruger as Christian Chatellier of Dead Air Silencers disassembled and explained the components of the RXD 30Ti and 22Ti suppressors. Pluff walked me through the development process and how Ruger works so effectively with its partners, something we’ve already witnessed with Magpul and the RXM pistol.
This collaborative approach to new product development has paid off well for Ruger, as well as its partners. The new RXD features a unique 3D baffle core design, is super lightweight, thanks to titanium, and, they tell us, very quiet – especially the 30Ti.
I asked Pluff if they have a third RX collaboration in the works. He wasn’t at liberty to discuss such things because Ruger is a publicly traded company, and the SEC frowns on such disclosures. But there are 24 more letters in the alphabet so there’s room to grow with several more new products.
Stopping in at the Mossberg booth they confirmed the obvious. Response to the 990 AfterShock is strong. And while introduction of the shotgun took longer than anybody wanted, the timing ultimately ended up being perfect for Mossberg as they spring into Q2 and Q3 with a product consumers are eager to get their hands on.
I don’t know about you, but I didn’t have a Hi-Point AR on my bingo card. Yet, there it was on display in their booth. Literally everyone seemed to have the same response when hearing this news. And that’s some version of, “Are you serious?” or “Am I being punked?”
Nope. It’s not a prank. Some time in June, Hi-Point will release an HP-15 modern sporting rifle in 5.56, as well as a pistol in either 5.56 or .300BLK. The MSRP, according to the Hi-Point representative, will be under $500. Editor Dan Zimmerman posted about it as part of his ‘Seen at NRAAM’ series over at Shooting News Weekly.
Swinging by Magpul, Dan and I spoke to them about their DAKA Grid system for cases. Their new Universal GRID allows you to get creative with your choice in firearms cases. But for those of you running a TruckVault storage unit in your vehicle, Magpul has you covered.
Magpul had two more new products on display that will be making their retail debut around June. The MOE QD Bipod for M-Lok is easy to put on and take off, and is definitely quick detach. The other item on display for June release is a P365 17-round AMAG that comes with additional base pad extensions so you can use it with P365 Micro, XL or XMacro grip frames.
Not new, but new to their marquee waterfowl shotgun, Benelli is offering the Super Black Eagle 3 with their Advanced Impact Technology barrel. In layman’s terms, this barrel design has a unique internal geometry that Benelli tells us translates into better, tighter shot strings that hit harder at greater distances. The result, according those hunters that have shot it, is more lethal shots with fewer crippled birds.
This next product had me stopped and hitting reverse in the show aisle. Gather Grills out of Ellaville, Georgia, has the ultimate in grilling/entertaining, The Tailgater Gather Grill retails for $2,824 (as shown)…and please feel free to get me one for Christmas. This 28” grill is loaded with features, stands on heavy duty casters for easy relocation, and can seat seven. The optional smoker, warming rack, and lazy susan center give you more options. And, you can also use it as a fire pit, too
Did I mention I want one?
If you are unfamiliar with ocufii, first, don’t worry, Dan and I weren’t either. Second, you’ll want to get to know them. If you’re familiar with Apple’s AirTags, then you will understand – and appreciate – ocuffi’s smart security products.
Their TagMe Alert tag detects movement and immediately notifies you through their free app (for iPhone and Android). Their firearm locks with integrated tech notifies you when your locked firearm is being handled or moved. And their TagMe Assist allows you, with the push of a button, to send a safety alert and location to your designated contacts or emergency services.
You can see how this might be useful for a child who thinks they are in danger, a college coed in the wrong place at a party, or a hunter who’s lost or injured. It’s kinda like having your own personal Bat Signal but instead of the Caped Crusader it’s your boys, or family, coming to the rescue.
When it comes to the NRA there’s one small exhibitor whose very busy booth I have to stop by and visit. And that’s apparel company Black On Ammo. I checked in with owner and graphic design genius, Shawn Menzie, to see how business was going and what new designs he came up with since last year.
The standout addition this year, in my opinion, is the new ‘When He Comes Back!’ flannel. It might not be your cup of tea, and I get that, but I absolutely know a bunch of people who would snatch one up…fast. It comes in a couple colors, but trust me the Olive/Black option looks the best. If a classic looking tee is more your jam, definitely give the Ocean Outlaw design a peak. All the Black On Ammo products are available to order online, so don’t be shy.
This is stupid.
“especially since it takes place after the first quarter of the year, giving people a better sense of where the market might be heading”
Every show takes place after some quarter of the year.
Especially when followed with “One executive I spoke to said the company had a stellar Q1, but admitted that with the tariffs hanging over the economy, where we’re headed is mostly toward uncertainty.”
So much for a better sense from Q1.