Ammunition will continue to be a big seller in 2012.

Frank Brownell - Brownells.com

Des Moines, Iowa – -(Ammoland.com)- What an amazing year 2011 has been!

Since this is our final WebBench for the year, we wanted to take a little time to review just how the year has gone… and what we expect to see happen in the upcoming year, 2012.

Well, we would have to say 2011 was the year for home defense and personal protection firearms with their related accessories and equipment.

With the of expansion of concealed carry through all the states – except for Illinois, which we understand is working on the issue [and New Jersey which will have to be sued into submission] – this interest in self-protection has fueled much of the firearms sales, training, and accessorizing. When you layer over that the really tough economic times that have been thrust upon us, you get a tsunami of new and re-engaged firearm owners in America.

Falling Crime Rates
The amazing impact of all of this is that crime has fallen nationally for the 5th straight year in a row. So, the realization that more and more people are ready to protect themselves – and are equipped and properly trained to do so – has had an amazing effect on those heretofore inclined to crime. Their targets of opportunity are narrowing considerably, as people become more and more intent on not being a victim. Of course, there are no numbers supporting how many potential crimes have been stopped or prevented by trained and armed citizens exercising their right of personal protection and taking control of potentially dangerous situations – and there never will be. Nor does there need to be. All we have to do is watch those crime statistics continue to fall, even in these times of cutbacks in police budgets, and we know that those of us who take personal protection seriously and get ourselves trained properly are part of the cause of these decreasing crime rates.

Of course, we must also realize this was also the year for having fun out at the range – with tactical rifles taking the lead, and all the building/rebuilding, accessorizing and tinkering you can do with these great guns and calibers.

There seems to be no end to what you can do if you’ve a mind to do it with these guns, and we’ve seen some mighty innovative things come out of this particular venue.

Women Shooters
Another continuing trend is the amazing increase in the number of women taking part in the shooting sports. The gals are discovering that not only is it a lot of fun to go out to the range and shoot, but they are competing in more and more events. And they’re getting their friends, kids and partners involved if it wasn’t their guy who got them there in the first place. I love it, and I’m happy to see the woman in my life getting into shooting. It’s one of the things a couple can do together for fun, or even serious competition if they’ve a mind to do so.

Three Gun
Another huge growth factor this year is the increase in the various types of competitions and the huge growth in attendance we’ve seen at some of them. Coming to mind first, of course, is the proliferation of 3-gun matches. Lots of places, some wonderfully creative stages, and more and more of these matches being held. They are lots of fun, and the necessity of becoming proficient with 3 different firearms not only makes them more challenging – but also easier to screw up. This type of competition has practical applications for self protection…the different scenarios of the stages and the stress of competition really start to build a person’s skills. We believe the growth of shooting at the range has actually surpassed the growth of golf. Think I saw these numbers somewhere, but of course in putting this WebBench together I can’t find a source now.

Well, we can do the old political thing about “if you say it loud enough and long enough, everybody’s gonna believe it“, and just make it so!

SO FOR 1212, what do we see coming down the pike? Hate to be stuck in a rut here, but we all agree that it basically is going to be a repeat of 2011 for tactical rifles, the AR’s and clones and calibers. And more people shooting for the sheer pleasure of shooting and tinkering and fiddling with their guns. But, most importantly of all, 2012 is definitely going to be another year for personal protection, self-defense firearms and the training and accessories that make this all work… and, of course, ammunition!

2012 Election
Let’s look at it – we know 2012 will be heavily influenced by the major election coming in November. We know the gun issue may not get top billing because of the huge potential to do damage to one of the major parties. But, it definitely will be a sub-plot that plays out in the polls due to the enormous impact of voters watching out for their firearms ownership, personal protection and Second Amendment rights. We know that tensions in the Middle East are not going to go away – not in our lifetimes anyway. And the potential threat of terrorists’ activities on our shores further fuels serious thinking about the need for personal protection. We know the economy, the massive debt and housing crisis, and unemployment cannot be cured by election time – or for that matter even for some time after.

Ammunition
All of these issues put stress on our cities and citizens and everyone concerned with their own personal safety and their access to ammunition – the one expendable part of the personal protection equation. Ammo’s one thing we all run out of, given enough time, so it will be a big selling item in ’12, and we truly expect for the foreseeable future. The issues hanging over 2012 are not curable in just one year – not a one of them – so our projection goes well through 2012 and likely further.

It will most assuredly be another year for the growth of ammunition sales. An astronomical year of ammunition sales. You want it, and we’ve got it. How could it be any better?

From all of us here at Brownells, our very best wishes to you personally for a most Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year.

This has been an amazing year of joys and growth and family and good times – may 2012 be an even better one for all of you. Be sure to include your family and friends in your prayers and most especially include our Law Enforcement and Military members and their families – these are the professionals who are truly keeping our homeland safe for the rest of us.

Brownells.com

About:
At Brownells Everything is Guaranteed period! Forever, 100%, with no restocking fees. Brownells is the world’s largest supplier of firearm parts, gunsmithing tools, ammunition, reloading equipment and accessories. Stocking more than 50,000 items, the company supplies armorers, gunsmiths, and shooters worldwide. All of their products are backed by a 100% satisfaction, unconditional, lifetime guarantee. For more information, or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com

Total NICS Gun Buyer Background Checks 2009

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- Data released by the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for the year reported 14,033,824 NICS Checks for the year of 2009, a 10 percent increase in gun purchases from the 12,709,023 reported in 2008.

So far that is roughly 14,000,000+ guns bought last year!
The total is probably more as many NICS background checks cover the purchase of more than one gun at a time by individuals.

To put it in perspective that is more guns than the combined active armies of the top 21 countries in the world. countries by number of troops

Of the NICS background checks preformed less than and average .005% were denied, showing, overwhelmingly, that law abiding American citizens are the ones buying guns and that criminals are getting their guns elsewhere.

14,033,824,000 billions rounds of Ammo
Assuming each gun buyer bought 1000 rounds of ammo for each purchase, and you and I know that it is way, way more than that, that would be easily 14,033,824,000+ billions rounds of ammo fired by USA gun owners.

What percent of people were killed or injured by this ammo…it is just to infinitesimally small for me to calculate?

Crime At Record Lows
This record year in firearms background checks show that Americans are solidly in-favor of exercising their civil right to Keep and Bear Arms.

In a year were crime has reached an all time record low what is plainly clear is that more guns equal LESS CRIME!

Countries By Number Of Troops: Source Wikipedia

This is an evaluation of overall firearms and ammunition purchases based on low end numbers per Federal NIC instacheck data base Statistics. The numbers presented are only PART of the overall numbers of arms and ammunition that have been sold.

The actual numbers are much higher.

Firearms Manufactures Working Hard To Keep Up

Starline Brass Ammunition Production

Starline Brass

Sedalia, MO --(AmmoLand.com)-When you are known as the “Maker of America’s Finest Brass” you can relax and enjoy the successes of over thirty years in the shooting sports industry, right?

Starline brass does not think so!!

They continue working hard to make the best even better.

Starline recently invested in several pieces of equipment to better serve the needs of their customers and to ensure continued superior quality.

Starline Brass's Anneal Machine

Starline Vice-President Robert E. Hayden secured the purchase of a belt annealer and other production related equipment in August of 2009.

“It is rare to purchase a piece of equipment that can both improve efficiency and consistency at the same time.” said Hayden. “We have done just that at Starline.”

Starline anneals between each draw to ensure the correct metallurgy in every piece of brass they produce. This machine cuts the process time in half, while improving the consistency of the grain structure of the brass. This results in both a higher rate of production and a better brass case.

Cutting production time could not have come at a better time. Customers are pleading for quality reloading brass and Starline is working around the clock to provide just that. They have also added additional draw presses and material handling equipment this year to increase the rate of production.

Employees oversee Starline Brass's New Draw Press while working hard to keep up with Ammunition Production

About:
Starline is a leader in the development, production and worldwide distribution of both standard and unique brass calibers for handguns and rifles. The company offers customers more than 80 different calibers. Orders can be placed by calling toll-free 800-280-6660, or on the Starline web site at www.starlinebrass.com. In most cases, orders are shipped within 24 hours. Visit www.starlinebrass.com

Gunlaws.com

Scottsdale, AZ --(AmmoLand.com)-As expected, the end of the ammo shortage is a spotty affair, with readers writing to say that their neck of the woods is still sparse or barren.

I did say it was ending, not that it’s over, sorry if I overstated the case. Cabela’s locally (Ariz.) has goods on the shelves, as does WalMart and local shops, and prices are dropping.

Hang tight fellas and gals, the boom is off the mad rush and I believe things will normalize soon. Sorry if I implied it was done and gone and everything was universally hunky dory.

One local customer at Walmart reports: “Just left with 6 boxes of blazer gold 50rd boxes for 8.95 each . (No more left ); and 2 boxes of .40 Blazer Gold 12.95 each. they still had 20+ boxes left; Lady behind the counter said they got in 5K of WBW yesterday in 9mm and one customer bought it all. How much you want to bet it will be out at the gun show for $25-30 per 100rd box.”

One major distributor was flooded with calls because of that Page Nine report, called to set me straight that it’s far from over. Gun dealers are paying retail at WalMart to obtain something to sell, ranges are suffering and having to ration, even PDs are curtailing practice. But the military has few problems, says this insider, because their small arms ammo comes mainly from AFT’s Lake City plant in Missouri, and commercial providers like PMC don’t compete directly (but really straight answers are a little hard to come by).

Some calibers are more scarce than others, with handgun loads in shorter supply. Like I said, it’s a spotty affair. And let’s face it, marksmen have plenty of ammo, right? you just can’t get more, or replace spent shells at a good price.

In other news, CBS TV reported on 9/23/09 that there’s an ammo shortage, and background checks on gun sales have spiked. They’re only ten months late, why is no one surprised.

The Austin Star-Telegram quoted me in a story suggesting there is light at the end of the tunnel: http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1639775.html.

The Huffington Post carried an AP story with a dimmer view: http://tinyurl.com/ykugn24. Perhaps the real news is that America’s position is more precarious than we realize, and ammo’s just the bellwether — this could happen to toilet paper, batteries, canned goods, liquor, cigarettes, candles, bottled water– any consumer goods struck by a rumor or perceived threat, and manufacturers would not be able to meet demand.

John L. May - Sales Director - Wilson Combat

Wilson Combat

Berryville, AR – -(AmmoLand.com)-The IDPA Nationals is just around the corner and I have yet to find any time to practice. I hope you are going into the fall shooting season better prepared than I am.

Seems like work and lack of ammo has kept me off the range. I plan to turn over a new leaf next year and get far more active in shooting again. After years of shooting every weekend and practicing any other time I could get, it seems difficult to regain that focus I once had in my shooting. I guess it happens to all of us at some point, we need to take some time off from activities to regain our enthusiasm. I can feel mine returning and hopefully spending time with everyone in Tulsa for the Nationals will kindle the fires.

This has been a strange year in the industry. At times .22 ammo was not to be found, and I understand that .380 ammo is still not available in most stores. Here at the office the ammo shortages have delayed test-fire and created all sorts of issues for us to complete the process and ship guns to our customers. I have talked to customers that are shooting ammo that they would never have purchased in the past due to shortages on their dealer shelves. Please remember that like any quality product, it requires a diet of good quality ammo.

Looking over current trends it seems like the 9mm is the current upturn in requests for pistols. I guess due to ammo prices and ease of shooting it is no wonder. The recent addition of the 9mm ETM magazine has helped that a great deal. I still remember the first time I shot a 9mm 1911; it was so much fun you would not believe. I guess others already knew how fun the 1911 could be in 9mm, I was on the back side of the bus. The largest single problem that was had by all was unavailable and poor quality magazines for it. Well the 9mm ETM helped everyone that wanted to give it a try. While the 9mm lends itself to double stack magazines, after spending a great deal of time we got it right. I was amazed how many different approaches were used over the years to get old 1911s in 9mm to work. I guess like it all started, they were modified to work with existing magazines. When we designed the 9mm ETM, it was a targeted goal of ten rounds that would feed in most every 1911 on the market. We even purchased some old pistols, dusted off some others, and put them all to the test. The results as you know are outstanding. If you have always wanted a 9mm 1911 or have one that never worked, give us a call and we can help either way.

This has been the year of the AR15. We now offer a host of accessories to upgrade your plain jane AR into a state of the art rifle ready for action. From the Quad Rail to the Accu-Tac Flash Hider, we have something to fit every need for your AR15. Take my advice, take a look at the Tactical Trigger Unit, this unit will drop in and give you a match quality trigger that will not only improve your shooting, but make it more fun. One of my favorite additions to the AR accessory line is the Flip up Sights, you can get your choice of Flip up Rear Sights and the Front Flip up Sight is the best in the business. This month we have added a Night Hunter Tactical Light Package to our ever expanding list of possibilities. The various package choices give you the opportunity to mount our new weapons light on almost any configuration. Take a close look at this new group of products, the light is the latest state of the art light with high output and low battery consumption. What more could you ask for in a Tactical Light?

The Gun of the Month Program continues to be very successful. We have added to the list so there are a few other firearms available. As always we will try to keep some on the list available for shipment, but as always hurry they go fast. This gives you your chance to get a custom firearm without having the wait. What could be better?

• BWC-CP-45: Bill Wilson Carry Pistol (.45acp) in Black over Grey Armor-Tuff with all the bells and whistles.
• WTE-A-A-CA: Tactical Elite (.45acp) in Black Armor-Tuff with an Ambi-Safety, Speed Chute and certified for sale in California.
• CQBTLE-FSR-45: CQB Tactical LE (.45acp) in Black over Green Armor-Tuff with Lanyard Loop Speed Chute and Bull Barrel.
• PRO-PR-45: Professional (.45acp) in Black Armor-Tuff.
• M-4AQ: AR15 Carbine (.223) in Black Armor-Tuff with Wilson Combat Quad-rail, Magpul stock upgrade and Vortex Flash Hider.
• M-4TA: AR15 Carbine (.223) in Black Armor-Tuff

About:
Founded in 1977, Wilson Combat has grown to include more than 50 employees – no one else in the custom gun business has as many professionals, as many years of experience, or as much history with hand-crafting custom guns as we do. Here’s an idea of the type and number of years experience you will find at Wilson Combat.

CNN’s Lou Dobbs Tonight reported last week on the ammunition shortage affecting retailers and shooters across the country. The piece — titled “The Obama Effect?” — included remarks from NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane