At GunDigest, we independently review products. However, we may earn a commission when you purchase through links on our site. Learn More
Market Trends: Ammunition Pinch Slowing Gun Sales for Western Retailer
David Rowe, co-owner of Armadillo Guns, said the perceived lack of ammunition seems to be putting a brake on gun sales earlier this year.
“We are actually getting in a pretty good inventory of ammunition, and prices have begun coming down a little bit, too,” Rowe said. “But we hear it from customers almost every day: It’s great to buy a new gun, but if I can’t get or afford the ammo, what’s the point?”
Still, new concealed carry handguns are moving quite well here, especially the Springfield XDS and the Smith & Wesson Shield. Top carry caliber is 9mm, by far.
Armadillo Guns is doing many trigger jobs on new concealed carry handguns, too, replacing springs and lightening trigger pulls.
Many of the new concealable semi-autos come from the factory with seven- and eight-pound trigger pulls.
Yet, a growing percentage of customers here are of retirement age or better, and given the aches and pains that come with aging, a hard trigger pull is tough for many of these folks.
“We get the trigger pull down to around four pounds, and it helps them a good deal, especially to stay on target for that second and third shot,” says Rowe.
Editor's Note: This brief originally appeared in the March 6, 2014 edition of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Cartridges of the World, 14th Edition
You’ll appreciate this gun cartridge guide if:
- You enjoyed previous editions of Cartridges of the World
- You collect cartridges or handload ammunition
- You want to keep up-to-date on gun cartridge developments
