Hey gents. Consider this a heads up. I was trying to catch up with a weeks worth of emails and got one of the usual sunday flyer ad type that I get from all the gear stores.
I was about to chuck it but opened it instead and it was a note from USCAV saying that despite recently going into bankruptcy they weren't going out of business and any rumors to the contrary were lies.
This made me sit up and notice. I could care less about them filing for chapter 11. But this could spell trouble for the industry that has grown since the start of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars.
I can't name the number of gear stores, nylon gear makers and others that I've seen arrive since the beginning of the "troubles"...USCAV has been shaky for a while but I wonder how many others are wobbling?
This could be a problem for gun guys in a couple of ways.
1. You could see the custom guys go down fast. Alterations to your favorite pack? You better hope you know a seamstress with heavy duty gear thats local...or you better learn to do it yourself.
2. Innovation will suffer. I like to make fun of the Blue Force Costa sling bag. Some call it the Ninja Turtle Bag. However you view it though, it was a development. Someone took the chance to test a concept on the market. Compare it to the Tactical Tailor concealed carry bag. Two concepts, one proved popular, the other not so much. Less nylon guys, less competition, less innovation.
3. The same issues with gear will probably apply to firearms. Europe and Asia copy what's done in the US. Less customers, fewer businesses, less competition all equals less innovation.
We have been through a firearms/gear renaissance. This might be the warning bell that the good gear times are over.
Many will close, some will merge and others will be bought out by outdoors/athletic gear companies, but it will survive.
ReplyDeleteBack in 2000, could you see the AR industry reaching the levels it has today? While that might be influenced by the war, it is driven primarily by private citizens.
There is an entire industry that has risen up around ARs and preparedness e.g. Training, gear, weapons, etc.
A lot of veterans will want to keep their skills current and will want good gear. A lot of private citizens will go see the top trainers and want good gear. A lot of people will want to be prepared for SHTF situations. The conditions that brought those about will not be affected by any military drawdown.
Finally, when the Army (and possibly other services) switches to the new camo, many will need to update their gear to the new specifications.
There are going to be changes for certain, but it will endure.
the real threat is Chinese pirate knock-offs because nylon know no loyalty. If people go to eBay to by some airsoft replica of a good vest because it is $100 cheaper, that's the real threat.
Buy American and keep those dollars here.