For the industry, is this the end (my friend)?

U

Unlicensed Dremel

Moderator
So the boom that been more or less sustained for about 6 years now seems to be slowing down a lot, doesn't it, in all things gun-related? Or just my imagination?

I really think what's gonna happen is a sea-change in political office-holders in November, to more pro-gun, and after that, the slowdown will accelerate even more, unfortunately.

Boom is great, until the bust and people get laid off. It just can't last forever with any boom, let alone for mostly durable goods. I dunno. I hope it's more of a steady taper off rather than a fast bust, to ease the transition.
 
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Slow down in market conditions is an understatement. My employer has had to lay off 2 thirds of the CNC operators due to the "slow down".
 
But when, Don? Is that just still the the hangover from the general recession from 08-10, or is that related to recent sales slowdown, or a combo?
 
But when, Don? Is that just still the the hangover from the general recession from 08-10, or is that related to recent sales slowdown, or a combo?
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All started to slow down mid year 2013.Lay offs started in Nov. 2013 and since then a total of 4 layoffs. Business is slow, retail sales are slow and many manufacturer's are sitting a health inventory of parts due to the snail paced retail sales. In my opinion I see things getting even slower in the gun business IF the mid term elections go republican and no mass shooting takes place. Plus with economy in its current state which in my opinion still sucks and still a recession the extra/disposable cash is just not there. just my opinion on my take on things.
 
Well, if my paycheck is any indication, gun sales are nearly nonexistent. That is except for all of the free transfers I have to call in.
 
Sales are down, yes. But after last year, who could have realistically expected any different?

That said, enrollment in classes is up, and ammunition sales are keeping pace with replenishing supply. This is hardly the death-knell the media has proclaimed it to be.
 
Well, maybe someone can start a company, hire any downsized industry workers, and put them all to work catching up on the .22 LR supply.
 
Things fluctuate, one month an employer can hire a bunch to keep up with demand just to lay him off 4 months later, just to hire 2 more guys a year later. Just because things are slowing down doesn't mean they won't pick up again.

I can only speak for myself, but I honestly can say I won't be buying any guns for a long time. I don't have the spare time to shoot what I have, or the money to waste. It's not just the gun industry slowing down trust me. I got laid off 5 days before my son was born. And I can't seem to land another mechanic job. I now work at a parts store and am doing construction on the side. If I had extra money, I'd be buying ammo constantly and I could always use more guns. But food on the table and gas in the tank to get to my job is more important, plus my family's needs far out weigh piddly objects. I'm sure I'm not the only person in this boat. I like guns and I intend to own more one day, and be able to go out and shoot more, none of that will happen until money picks up. If any of you have a family you'll understand. There's much more important things in life than hobbies.
 
I would be amazed after these last several years that anyone who wanted a gun for self defense didn't get one by now

The market will be there for those coming of age or for enthusiasts who always want one more but for the general public I would save the boom is over
 
While gun sales have slowed companies are still doing well.
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L.W. Snyder in Princeton Illinois, a manufacturer of AR15 receivers for many gun companies as well as M16/M4 receivers for the government has laid off many people recently. I think the boom is rapidly slowing down, now if I could get some .22LR ammo.....
 
This was a natural result, spikes like that can't last. Especially since a quality gun can last multiple lifetimes with proper care and maintenance.

If they try to take them again, the spike will return. As for now, just enjoy some sweet low prices! It has been a crazy experience watching an LE6920 go for $3,000+ down to going for $900-ish.
 
I remember before all of this a new Century AK was under $500, a few months ago a very used one was worth atleast $800 and new can't be found. It's crazy to think I bought a box of .22LR for less than $17 just a few months before all of this. And just a year ago a box was worth $100. Now prices are normal but the supply is scarce. I really need to hand load
 
IF that happens, maybe they can all go to work making powder - no slowdown in demand there!
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+1 ..... Powders faster than IMR 7828 must require Unobtainium as a prime ingredient :( ....

Or they can become coopers- New manufacture white oak whiskey barrels are bringing $150 ....... and I noted that several brands now re-use barrels ......
 
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