Normally trends for the future of the firearms business are seen at each year's SHOT Show. While most attendees of the 2016 show came away fairly unimpressed, I did note a few interesting trends.
SHOT SHOW
I have been attending SHOT Shows since the 1980's, and can remember when most folks attended in a suit and tie. This year seemed to be the year of the "operator look." Of the guys that I know who really deserve the tile, few dressed the role. Most were pretty plain looking dudes who did not dress the part or blended in with the crowd's "tactical-cool" types. Much of the guns and related accessories seem to be aimed at the "tactical/operators" market or at least those that want to look the part.
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300 Blackout's current state
Another thing I noticed was, unlike past shows where the 6.8 was all the rage in ARs, or more recently the 300 Blackout, they have taken a back seat. I realize the 6.8 is a good cartridge, but until I see 6.8 shipping in green ammo cans that are marked 6.8 Nato, I don't have much interest in going down the 6.8 road. The 300 Blackout must have some attraction to some folks, and if you are into suppressed ARs I kind of get it. I do have a wonderful 300 Blackout BCM Shorty pistol, but at current 300BK ammo prices, I don't consider it as anything serious in my locker. I predict that the 300 Blackout will continue to fade in popularity and soon join the 6.8.
At this years SHOT it also appeared that the 9x19mm AR with a dedicated lower that takes Colt, Glock, Beretta or even MP5 magazines is the rage. Instead of an insert magazine block in a regular 5.56 AR lower, these new makers all now provide an AR lower that is machined to take just a dedicated 9X19mm magazine. The big trend is Glock 9mm magazines. Many of the new offerings are in the form of pistol ARs. I don't see much value in owning one and don't understand what they bring to the table. Give me a Glock, Beretta 92, or Sig 226 with a 20 round magazines and I can understand their role for certain uses.
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9x19mm AR
Glock offers a 33 rounder and Beretta makes a fine 30 round magazine for the 9mm PX4 Storm Carbine that works great in a M9/M92. If for no other reason than economy of ammo cost, the 9X19mm AR has a good future. They are fun to shoot, cheap to feed, and in many areas can be used on ranges that are not set up for rifle power ammo. You can shoot non armor plate steel with a 9X19mm and not destroy the steel target. The 9X19mm AR is great for women and kids, and for many folks it is a much more logical home defense carbine than one in 5.56. With a choice of ammo to reflect your needs, a good red dot sight, and weapon mounted light, the AR 9X19mm Carbine does have merit. I do own a Colt 6951 and enjoy it as a great range toy.
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Striker Fired Polymer Handguns
Another trend I noted was the fact that everyone in the gun business making handguns is headed in the striker fired polymer direction. Yes, there are a few companies that are still making a metal pistols, but by now the message is clear - polymer frame striker pistols are the handguns of the 21st Century. I love many of the older all metal frame pistols. For instance, the 1911 remains my favorite handgun. If you look at the number of companies making 1911 pistols, it is clear that a lot of other folks are fond of them as well. Heck, even the Turks are making 1911 pistols now. That should say something.
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2016 SHOT SHOW Standouts
For me, handgun standouts at SHOT 2016 were guns like the Beretta M9A3, Sig 226/229 Legion, Colt LW Commanders, Competition Models, and the Colt Combat Unit. I just received my 9X19MM Combat Unit Pistol and it's pretty cool. The SigSauer P320 Military model with ambi manual safety really got my attention and one of those is in my future. Glock didn't have much except the G17/19 that adapts an MRD. They continue to ride the wave of the G43 which has been huge for them. Ameriglo now offers 'Hack' Sights for the G43, Tango Down has a 'Vickers' edition two round magazine extension with the proper replacement magazine spring that brings the magazine capacity up to 8 rounds, add in one of the GlockTriggers.com G43 trigger kits to improve the hideous trigger pulls that come on the G43 and now we have a serious little pocket blaster.
I did not have time to see the whole show, but these were the items that got my attention. For the rest of 2016, with the uncertain political future, I am going to spend my money on ammo (.223 & 9x19mm) spare high cap magazines, and any 'blackguns' that I have been lusting for. If the political winds blow in our favor, this will be a moot point. If they blow to the 'LEFT' we all know what is coming. Plan and prepare now.
