the market for handguns has
evolved during the last 12
months. According to nearly
one third of these retailers,
their handgun sales were up in
the last year compared to the
previous period, with an equal
share of retailers stating sales
had stabilised.
In terms of handgun
types sold, 21 per cent of the
retailers in our survey sold
competition shooting models
while another 26 per cent is
made up by handguns for target
shooting. With a combined
market share of 47 per cent
for both categories, there is an
unmistakable appetite for target
and competition handguns.
ere is another category that
took rst place in our bestseller
list though. With a market
share of 42 per cent, handguns
for self-defence experienced
a noticeable leap forward in
sales with the retailers in our
survey. Hunting accounts for a
smaller, yet steady market share
34 www.guntradeworld.com
of about 11 per cent. Read up
on hunting handguns in the
Great Gear feature of this issue
of GTW.
WOMEN AND MIDDLE-AGED
BUYERS
For several years now, ladies
continue to be the fastestgrowing
demographic of
new gun owners. is year’s
survey shows this trend is not
exactly coming to a halt, on
the contrary. No less than 32
per cent of the retailers in our
survey claim the number of
women buying handguns is
growing. Only 11 per cent of
respondents claimed the market
for lady shots was down, leaving
a generous 58 per cent of the
market stating that sales to
women were about the same
as the previous year. Getting
ladies into the sport not only
adds diversi cation to your
footfall, as well as your pro t
sources, but can also encourage
the rest of the family, especially
youngsters, to take an interest
in the sport as well.
Handguns generally attract
younger punters, with sales
to the age group 26 to 40
accounting for nearly one
third, 32 per cent, of sales. e
share of buyers aged 41 to 55
is the clear majority in this
year’s survey with a clean 58
per cent market share. Buyers
aged traditionally account for
a smaller share of the market,
taking about 16 per cent this
year.
GREAT BUSINESS
Few rearms sectors cause
more debate and controversy
than handguns. In some
regions of the globe they are
seen as a fundamental part of
gun ownership and can even
be carried in public. In others
they are banned outright.
Handguns have exercised more
people and been the subject
of more attempted legislation
than perhaps any other sector
of shooting. Who should own
them, how should they be used,
where and when can they be
carried (if at all)? ese are all
issues discussed at length by
governments in many, many
states or countries. Although
three quarters – an alarming
number – of retailers in our
survey indicate laws restrict
handgun ownership in their
country, not to mention being
banned outright in some areas,
handguns can still provide
an important niche for great
business. Most retailers seem to
hold a good selection of makes,
models and types, with some
also focusing on a particular
sector. Where you are located
and the opportunities you have
nearby (shooting clubs, ranges
or hunting areas) will naturally
in uence those choices. All
in all, the number of people
worldwide who own handguns
appears to keep growing
steadily but surely, making this
a key sector not to be ignored.
SPOTLIGHT ON...
HANDGUNS
GTW
/www.guntradeworld.com
