Firearms industry

[JohnL2]

Haven't started a thread in a while. But I was wondering about this and this is the best place to ask.

I know that in many industries, there is no such thing as permanence. The firearms industry is no different.
Why does it seem that there are well established names in the industry that builds an organization and then leave it for whatever reason? Only to start anew.
Do they get fed up with a possibly stultifying corporate culture? A desire just to do things the way they want to do it?
A prime example is perhaps the Smith and Wesson company. We all know about Dan Wesson firearms also. Then just a little while ago I learned that the head of DW firearms started his own venture called Fusion Firearms. I think there is definitely a market for semi-custom firearms but how much can the market really take? In the end, they're all pretty good.
So what gives?

 

[Jeff Timm]

The market economy is the perfect tool for sorting out the best. The definition of "best" is a high variable, cross reference Kel-Tec and Hi-point.

What worries me is Federal agencies putting their thumbs on the scales of commerce.

Geoff
Who is not a fan of Government over-regulation and the shyster tax.

 

[308win]

Firearms are a high risk proposition business wise - government interference, liability, specialized market, not a consumer good in the traditional sense. Attracts gun people who are also entrepreneurs who by their nature like to control. My humble stab at the psychology of the gun manufacturer.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I think there is definitely a market for semi-custom firearms but how much can the market really take?

I doubt there's a limit to the market for very good high end firearms: it's a small, but wealthy market that can easily support the very best gunsmiths. Second best need not apply.

 

[strat81]

Why does it seem that there are well established names in the industry that builds an organization and then leave it for whatever reason? Only to start anew.

Money, usually, is the reason. Person X (or people X) starts a company and decides to sell it at a profit. This is often common in technology, software, and biotech.

Or, Person X starts a company, and it's a good company but it's having some growing pains. So they take on an outside investor. Outside investors can get testy about the way the firm (and their money) is handled, so they often have representatives on the board of directors. Person X is now pissed because he has some jerk in a suit telling him how to run his company. Person X stays for the duration of their contract and then leaves.

 

[doc2rn]

I was buying bulk ammo in bags from a company back east, then one day nothing. No one answerred the phone, no return email, I wonder what happened to it. Maybe the cost of materials became to cost prohibitive, I just dont know. Great product though, saved a bag of each for me.

 

[antsi]

Firearms are a high risk proposition business wise - government interference, liability, specialized market, not a consumer good in the traditional sense. Attracts gun people who are also entrepreneurs who by their nature like to control. My humble stab at the psychology of the gun manufacturer.

Add to this the fact that quality firearms are extremely durable and, unless really abused, most will last essentially forever. Unlike cars and other manufactured goods, there is very little "I am buying a new gun because my old one wore out" business in the firearms industry.

Also, unlike TVs or computers, firearms are fairly well established technology and most "advancements" are trivial, cosmetic, or offer at best very marginal improvements. Some of the "advancements" are utterly useless. Therefore there is very little "I am buying a new gun because the new ones are so much nicer than my old one" in the firearms industy.

All of this amounts to weak sales and a market that is going to be extremely sensitive to economic swings. Times get a little lean, and gun sales are going to drop of dramatically because most gun folks have enough guns already to meet their needs and extras are usually just "wants."

 

[Jeff Timm]

Kimber's prosperity is proof that the "Semi-custom" manufacturer is viable.

Geoff
Who notes they ain't cheap, but they is good.

 

[BBA]

I wouldn't be concerned with the small business manufacturer as they come and go. If they produce a item that fills a niche then all the better. My concerns fall with a company like Cyrburis(spelling?) buying up firearms companies. S&W,T/C, Bushmaster,Remington,possible deal on Marlin/H&R/NEF, and rumors about DPMS.
Is anyone else wondering about this or am I paranoid?
I know this investment firm is out to make a profit but owning this many american firearms co. is different.

 

[TEDDY]

gun company

between the gov regulations and the court suits a lot of the business has closed.remington sold out and by the way how about the powder companies.
california has chased most gun co. out.the gov has got to down size and far less laws.we also need the constitution to be followed.