Firearms Steal the 2009 SHOT Show as the “Obama Factor” Ignites Sales

Exhibitor displays ranged from hand-made signs to full scale hunting lodges from industry heavyweights like Realtree and Nikon. The story, of course, lies not with the extravagance-or lack thereof-of the displays, but with the products that were showcased within them. “Innovative,” “ground-breaking,” and “first-of-its-kind” are terms thrown around at all trade shows, but the SEW editors used a fine toothed comb to separate the substance from the hype, and the selections that follow indicate which products the staff feels will have the largest impact on the industry this year.

 

As mentioned in last week’s edition of SEW, with the impending prospect of the “Obama Factor” sending consumers into a mild panic, gun manufacturers and retailers have reaped the benefits of a sales spike that is unmatched is recent history. Similar trends followed the appointment of the Clinton administration, for example, but as the most liberal president in United States history takes office, gun owners are stocking their supplies like never before in fear of four or more years of tightening gun regulations-most notably for handgun and “black gun” owners.

For handguns, Colt’s Manufacturing Company introduced the Colt Rail Gun, a .45 caliber semi-automatic based on the time-proven M1911 model style. New features for the Rail Gun include a Colt single side tactical thumb safety and a military standard rail that allows the shooter to adapt tactical lights and laser sights to the frame. The pistol also features rosewood double Diamond Grips and a skeletonized 3-hole trigger. The Rail gun MSRPs at $944 and will be available around late-March.

Glock, Inc., a perennial market share juggernaut in the handgun market, introduced three new handguns, including the G22 RTF2, the G20 SF, and the G29 SF. The G22 RTF2, (Rough Textured Frame version #2), originally introduced at the 1990 SHOT Show, has more than 4,000 tiny raised pyramids on the front, rear and sides of the polymer receiver for improved grip capabilities. In addition, the slide on the .40 caliber G22 has a new, modern look with crescent shaped serrations located at the rear of the slide. The G22, which holds 15-rounds, is consistently popular among law enforcement personnel. These guns have garnered rave reviews from law enforcement personnel since their inception.
The G20 SF and G29 SF, which update the popular Glock SF series introduced in 2007, will each be available in the high powered 10 mm. The G20, which is slightly larger than the G29 and holds five more rounds (15), features the option of a six-inch hunting barrel that can be quickly swapped using a “field strip” procedure.  The G20 and G29 retail at roughly $700 and $672, respectively.

Sig Sauer, which traditionally specializes in handguns but also produces tactical-style rifles, showcased its Blackwater 1911, a semi-automatic, single-action handgun that integrates an accessory rail for tactical lasers and Novak night sights. The recoil-operated .45 caliber is finished in a Nitron coating and has a magazine capacity of 8. The Blackwater 1911 retails at $1,290.

Also highlighted by Sig Sauer was the P238 .380 caliber (9mm short), which is specifically designed as a concealed carry or backup handgun. At just 5.5 inches long and 4 inches tall, the P238 is one of the smallest handguns available. The P238 is built on an anodized alloy beavertail style frame with fluted aluminum grips designed for comfort and a secure hold during rapid-fire usage. The P238, which features a 6-round magazine, retails at around $515.

For long guns, several major manufacturers exhibited promising releases, including Browning, which heavily promoted its Maxus line of auto-loading shotguns. Browning claims the Maxus line, new for 2009, is the softest shooting automatic shotgun ever. Browning’s Power Drive Gas System, Inflex Technology recoil pad, and back-bored barrel reportedly delivers 18% less recoil than any other autoloader on the market. The Maxus line also incorporates the New Lightning Trigger System, which the company claims is 24% faster than its nearest competitor. Initially, the Maxus line will be available only in a 12 gauge, available in Stalker black or Mossy Oak Duck Blind camouflage. Depending on specs, the MSRP will range from $1200 to $1500. The Maxus line will ship at the end of Q2 2009.

Likewise, Winchester Repeating Arms has bolstered its celebrated bolt-action Model 70 line by updating several models. The Model 70 Super Grade, designed for big-game hunting, focuses on aesthetics as well as functionality. The Super Grade features a high grade walnut stock and an engraved, blued steel stock crossbolt. Like all other guns in the Model 70 Series, the Super Grade employs the M.O.A Trigger system, which offers a wide, smooth trigger face and a lighter feel to minimize “creep” and overtravel. The Super Grade, which is made in a variety of calibers ranging from .270 through .300 Mag, retails between $1,139 and $1,169.

Winchester has also supplemented its popular Super X3 shotgun line. The X3, touted as the “World’s Fastest Cycling Shotgun,” employs Winchester’s Active Valve firing system, which automatically self-adjusts, allocating the exact gas pressure necessary to fit a wide range of load, making it extremely versatile.

The Super X3 also incorporates an ambidextrous safety, which can be surprisingly uncommon in the shotgun market. Included in the Super X3 line are the Gray Shadow, which is ideal for large waterfowl and turkeys, and the Waterfowl, available in Mossy Oak Duck blind camo and suited for waterfowl hunters in the blind or on the water. The Gray Shadow and the Waterfowl are both protected by weather-resistant Dura-Touch Armor Coating. The Super X line ranges from $319 for the 3″ Defender to $1519 for the walnut-stocked Field models designed for upland game.

Finally, Marlin has bolstered its popular X7 Rifle Series, adding three new models for 2009. The X7 Series’ features include Marlin’s Pro-Fire Trigger system, which utilizes an external release mechanism to prevent trigger movement until the trigger is fully depressed. Shooters now have the option of a walnut, hardwood laminate, synthetic stock or Realtree stock. The bolt-action X7 series is available in cartridges ranging from .243, through .308 Win.

 

One of the more notable product releases at the show involved W.L. Gore & Associates’ unveiling of the highly anticipated Gore Optifade Concealment camouflage design. Gore, which manufactures Gore-Tex branded products, touted the pattern as the first camouflage technology based on a deer’s spatial and colorimetric visual capabilities. Gore worked with a panel of scientific advisors and employed the latest research in animal vision science to create a product it says prevents an animal from recognizing a hunter as a predator.

According to the company, the pattern incorporates a micro and macro pattern that allows the hunter to blend in with the animal’s perception of the environment. Gore has partnered exclusively with Sitka Gear, a Napa, CA-based manufacturer of hunting clothing, to bring the technology into the market. Optifade will ship to retailers in spring of 2009.

Scent-Lok, currently the market share leader for scent concealment apparel, launched its Vertigo Silhouette Concealment System, which will utilize the patented Scent-Lok technology in apparel that blends two different camo patterns that contrast light and dark regions of the garment to help the hunter blend into surroundings.

Russell Outdoors (previously Mossy Oak Apparel Co.), launched its APXg2 line, an extension of its APX line originally introduced in Fall 2004. The APXg2 line consists of nine product groups and will include Dri-Power, Torrent, Scent-Stop, and Primaloft technologies.
APXg2 apparel comes in five “layer levels” that range from base layers to heavy-weight outer layers. APXg2 garments will be available in solids and the Mossy Oak Treestand pattern.

For boots, Rocky’s line was highlighted by the MoutainStalker, a sturdily constructed hunting boot designed to sustain the rigors of extremely challenging terrain. The MountainStalker features several biomechanic comfort features including TalusFlex 360, an ankle harness designed to increase comfort and allow a full range of motion. Rocky’s BoneCage Technology ribbing is designed to add structure and stability while a moisture management system promotes airflow inside the boot. The MountainStalker MSRPs at $180.

Wolverine introduced two noteworthy boots, including the M-9 Extreme insulated Gore-Tex Alpine boot and the Boulder Durashocks Insulated Gore-Tex Boot.

The Boulder’s upper features waterproof full-grain leather 1000 Denier nylon with 600-gram Thinsulate Ultra insulation. The boot also represents the first time Wolverine’s DuraShocks technology has been utilized in a hunting boot.  The DuraShock technology uses dual-density polymer pads to better absorb energy and shock. Wolverine’s M-9 Extreme also features a waterproof full-grain leather upper with 600-gram Thinsulate Ultra insulation. The insole uses a molder contoured Bi-fit for added stability in the arch without sacrificing flexibility in the front.

Representatives from Wolverine noted that the company had taken extensive efforts to ensure 2009 footwear was as lightweight as possible without sacrificing support or protection. The Boulder and M-9 retail for $80 and $110, respectively, and will be shipped to retailers by the first of August.

Zeiss introduced two new rifle scopes to its high-end Victory line. The Victory Diaveri 12×56 and the Victory Diaveri 2.5-10×50 are the newest hunting scopes non-magnifying reticles in the second image plane. This means the reticle stays the same size as the hunter increases the magnification of the scope-an advantage to hunters shooting at far-away targets because less of the target is blocked by the crosshair. The 3-12×56 Diaveri w/ an illuminated reticle retails at a hefty $2,556, while the 2.5-10×50 w/ an illuminated reticle retails at $2,444. They are available as of January 2009.

Leupold, which had several new products on display, highlighted its launches with the RX-1000 Compact Rangefinder, which features improved light transmission, an OLED illuminated display, and updated user interface, and a rifle setting that provides ballistics range rather than straight line distance. The RX-1000 will be available in April and retails between $349 and $419.