What's Selling Where
WEST
IDAHO
East County Guns, Coeur d’Alene
Located a few miles from the Washington state line off Interstate 90, this retailer keeps over 1,000 firearms in stock along with a wide variety of home defense and hunting guns. Post-Christmas sales for this retailer typically focuses on .22s and knives, but this year it has been all about the rifle.
“It has been a remarkably busy winter with varmint bolts and MSRs. Not sure why we’re so busy, but I would say it’s brisk,” said counter salesman Noah Jenkins.
On the bolt-action side, Seekins Precision is the leader. As for the MSR platform, it has been PRC and Ruger 556 all down the line.
In handguns, Glock 43Xs and Sig Sauer P365s are moving steadily. Jenkins also said that 1911s are still in high demand. Ammo stocks are good at this location, including hard-to-source .410. This retailer looks for a strong 2024, especially in the rifle category.
NEW MEXICO
Integrity Firearms, Albuquerque
This New Mexico retailer is seeing rifle sales holding steady with substantial turns on bolt-action models. High demand continues for Remington 700s, CZs, and Tikkas. The most popular calibers are a mix of .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor. Sales of MSRs continue to move with ZRO Deltas, and Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport IIs.
“Our rifle season in the last two years has started in mid-summer and doesn’t stop until April. This is due in part to the holiday packages we promote on into varmint season. It just stays on the minds of our customers,” said counter salesman Jerry Roach.
Additional quick sellers at the handgun counter include Glock 43Xs, 19s, and 17s. Since the first of the year, Sig Sauer P365s have also posted high numbers. Ammo stocks are high at this establishment, including the elusive .410 shotgun shells.
COLORADO
Bighorn Firearms, Denver
This busy metro retailer stocks a large inventory of hunting rifles, MSRs, and handguns. It’s located just off I-25 in the University Hills area. Handguns are making solid turns for this retailer, and large numbers of Glock 43Xs, 19s, and 17s are heading out the door. Sig P320s and CZ P10 Cs are also selling well.
As for sporting rifles, the store expects Begaras, Remington 700s, and Ruger Americans to move through the late winter months. The most popular calibers are .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .300 Win. Mag. Averaging several a week, sales of MSRs are strong. The numbers are split evenly between models from Radical Firearms, Daniel Defense, and higher-priced Noveske Rifleworks.
“Our rifle sales continue to be nearly year-round with the demands of western precision shooters. They like to shoot, they love their gear, and they are willing to try anything that can improve their experience,” said counter salesman Jake Brewster.
This retailer reports good ammo inventories. It has seen some stability in pricing, though it’s unclear how long it will last.
MIDWEST
MICHIGAN
MG Kelly’s Guns, Middleville
This small western Michigan retailer keeps roughly 200 firearms in stock with an emphasis on home defense. Handguns are the bread-and-butter stock for this retailer. This season is seeing high numbers of Glock 43Xs and Sig P365s go out the door. Other strong turns are going to Taurus 1911s.
While some retailers have disdain for transfers, MG Kelly embraces them. “We are at a $20 transfer charge, and I’m considering lowering it back to ten bucks. Every transfer is a chance at a new customer and a view into what’s selling and what’s hot. It’s rare I don’t sell a gun to a new transfer client,” said owner Tim Kelly.
Other trends include increasing traffic on MSRs. Palmetto State is garnering four out of five turns. Tactical shotguns are just starting to pick up, primarily Turkish pumps. Ammo stocks are good at this store. However, this retailer is aggressively purchasing for the coming year.
INDIANA
Muncie Guns, Muncie
Keeping over 300 guns in stock, this home defense, law enforcement, and hunting retailer keeps two employees busy in about 1,000 square feet of retail space. Sales of MSRs have been flat, mainly because the retailer is not looking for the low-end turn. “It has been super slow on MSRs; we’re selling just one a month. I just haven’t catered to the low-end rifle manufacturers because of the lower profit margins. At least when we turn an HK or a Daniel Defense, we do make money,” said manager Joshua Hellberg.
Although MSR sales are stagnant, handgun sales are brisk. This retailer turns Sig P365s and Springfield Armory Hellcat Micros almost daily. Shotgun sales have been slower since fall. This counter has several Remington 870 Expresses on the rack. “Turkey season is coming. In the meantime, we offer great deals on scope mounting to encourage our off-season traffic. We always pick up when tax-season refunds start,” said Hellberg. The store reports that all ammo is available except for .410.
NEBRASKA
Sanne’s Guns & Ammo, Tilden
This northern Nebraska retailer displays 1,500 firearms and keeps a large inventory of ammo and shooting accessories. MSR sales are brisk at this store with varmint season keeping demand high. “I know most stores are slow, but we sell a ton of MSRs from Great Lakes Firearms. They come in a large variety of colors and shoot exceptionally well for their price point. Our varmint guys love them,” said partner Mike Sanne.
Other fast-moving rifles include Savage Varmints, Tikkas, and Ruger Americans. The most popular calibers are 6.5 Creedmoor and 5.7x28.
Handgun sales are steady. Glock 43Xs, Smith M&P Shield EZs, and Taurus G2 and G3s are attracting the lion’s share of attention. This retailer expressed concern that due to the international demand for ammo, he’s hearing 2024 could be a lean year for retailers. “I’ve had a couple of distributors tell me that because of all the wars internationally that I should expect a difficult year with rifle ammo,” said Sanne.
SOUTH
TENNESSEE
Goodlettsville Gun Shop, Goodlettsville
This independent retailer is located just north of Nashville, and it stocks a large inventory of hunting and home defense firearms. They also offer gunsmithing and transfer services. Handgun inventories are strong. Glock 43Xs and Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus hold the highest numbers. Other fast movers include Ruger LCPs and LC9s.
Although sales of MSRs have slowed, this store started the year with new inventory. “While we don’t like to discount our year-end inventory, we’ve learned that turning it over is an important part of bringing new product into the store. So right now, our MSR stocks are low,” said owner and partner Phillip Arrington.
Shotguns are starting to pick up with a mix of classic Remington 870s and Mossberg 500s. “For this early in the year, there’s a great deal of turns for high-end shotguns. However, we continue to upgrade shooters to higher-grade semi-autos like Berettas later in the season,” said Arrington.
Ammo stocks at this retailer are good, though pricing continues to increase. This store also encourages used firearms and trade-ins, stating it increases traffic notably in the late winter and early spring.
GEORGIA
Deaton’s Gunshop, Loganville
Carrying a mix of hunting and home defense firearms, this north-central Georgia gun store is a family-run business with about 1,000 firearms. Deaton’s prides itself on hunter education, customer service, and competitive pricing.
High early-season sales at this location is a good indication of strong inventory. “We’re busy for pre-spring, and it’s a nice mix of less-seasonal sales. We have a lot to sell right now, and our customers are responding well,” said owner John Deaton.
Top-selling handguns include the Taurus G2c and Shield Plus. Glock 43Xs are also moving well. Sales of MSRs have slowed to about two a week with a wide mix of Hi-Point 995 carbines, M&P Sport IIs, and a higher number of .22s than usual. A few Tikkas and Ruger Americans in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 are also going out the door.
With turkey time arriving in April, this retailer is already turning good numbers of Stoeger M300s as well as a few Benelli Super Black Eagle 3s. Ammo inventories are better, though some shotgun loads are difficult to source.
NORTH CAROLINA
Granville Gun Works, Creedmoor
Resting just north of the Raleigh-Durham corridor, this small-town retailer keeps about 500 firearms in stock with three employees. The store specializes in hunting and home defense. Handguns are ruling the new year with high numbers of Glock 43Xs, Ruger Security 380s, and Taurus Judges turning heads.
With turkey season just around the corner, this retailer is turning strong numbers of Stevens 301 turkey guns in .410. “We can barely keep these guns in stock. Loaded with HEVI-Shot shells, this gun-and-shell combo is turning our area upside down. It’s something different, especially for the experienced hunter,” said owner Josh Allen.
Sales of MSRs are slow. This retailer’s turning one price-sensitive rifle from Del-Ton and Radical Firearms per week. A few Ruger Americans in .243 are moving for varmints. Henry lever-actions in .44 Mag. are increasingly popular. Ammo stocks are good at this location, but this retailer is concerned about pricing.
EAST
MAINE
JT Reid’s Gun Shop, Auburn
Located north of Portland, this smaller store sells a mix of archery, firearms, and cigars. Known for their eclectic inventory, this New England retailer keeps an average of 1,000 guns in stock. Sales have been unusually busy, yet not as seasonal, as many shops experience. “We sell just about any gun you can imagine and are focused on trying to find what our customers want. While we certainly turn many traditional and popular guns, our customers know they can find anything right here,” said manager Jamie Pelletier.
Handgun sales are on the rise with a mix of Glock 43Xs, 19s, and multiple Kimber Micro 9s. All are steadily moving in the highest slots. Smith wheel guns are in particularly high demand, new or used.
Beretta A300 shotguns and several used side-by-sides are turning. There is also high demand for Henry lever actions in .22. However, MSR sales have been very slow for the last few months.
Deer firearm season is long over, but varmints are still on the prowl; as a result, this shop is still selling a handful of Browning X-Bolts and Ruger Americans in .243. This retailer also reports excellent stock in ammo and good inventories for reloading powder and primers.
PENNSYLVANIA
Gallagher Guns LLC, Cresco
This eastern Pennsylvania retailer sits close to northern New Jersey and specializes in home defense and law enforcement sales. While sales have slowed slightly, they are becoming more annually consistent. “We certainly see highs, lows, and seasonal trends in customer demand, but this year has been steadier. If this is the new normal, I’ll take it,” said owner Brian Gallagher.
At the handgun counter, Taurus G3s and G2s are leading the pack. Meanwhile, Hellcat Micro 3s and SCCY Gen 3s have been particularly strong.
Led by Palmetto Armory, MSRs are moving at an average of four per month. Sales of home defense shotguns have held steady with most turns going to Emperor MXP12s. This store reports solid ammo inventories.
KENTUCKY
Louie’s Gun Shop, Bath
Located in the central Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, this small-town gun shop keeps more than 400 firearms on the shelf with four employees. In business for more than 23 years, they specialize in hunting and home protection.
Deep cold and snow has not affected this shop’s traffic. Handguns and sporting rifles lead the way with better than average turns during the late winter. Handgun sales are strong with Kimber Micro 9s, Glock 43Xs, and Sig P365s in the top slots. Rifle sales are holding steady. Since the close of the late deer season, there has been a high demand for Henry .30-30s. Ruger 10/22s remain in demand. Marlins are on backorder.
Ammo stocks are decreasing, and this has created some concerns for 2024. “I just got a call from a distributor that some of our ammo orders are delayed. It looks like we could see some shortages this coming year. I don’t think it’s going be like past shortages, but who knows. It has been a long time since I’ve seen a box of .410 shells,” said manager Viviane Woodworth.
Winchester SXP shotguns are moving for spring turkey season. This retailer is also seeing demand for used Mossbergs and Remington 870s.