The issue as I see it, is that the firearms industry for the longest (1890's to 1950's) time did not do what would keep them going in lean times, diversify. Some like Remington, Winchester, Springfield Armory did get into the ammo business besides just making guns. But many did not and suffered during slow sales periods. Unlike the powder manufacturers like DuPont, who expanded into the chemical field and moved away from their main product line which diversified there income streams, so when one product is down another can take up the slack.
Rugger is one of the companies that I have no doubt will be around for a long long time, they manufacture tons of parts for the gun industry as well as for non-firearm related companies, it is my understanding they are the largest maker of MIM parts.
You have to have multiple skills so when the construction industry is down, you can repair washing machines or be an electrician. For me it was computer science and finance, when the market dropped on computer jobs (2003), I went back in financial management (Corporate Controller). (22 years in computers and 25 years in financial management)
Those companies that will survive will be like Beretta (500 + years), Remington, Fabrique National, Winchester (who is actually out of business now but will be around a long long time), and yes Colt.
After all who's going to make our 10 megawatt blasters in the future?, General Electric who is more into financing and banking than washing machines and jet engines. Or Proctor and Gamble who's into making kitchen appliances than soap for those washing machines. And maybe Rugger will be making electric cars in the future since most of the parts in your fuel injectors come from them now.
Diversify or die.
Jim
Why can't Chevrolet make a profit?
They only make cars & trucks, they sold off their financial arm (GMAC)