Posted on 11/27/2016 6:29:09 PM PST by MtnClimber
2016 looks like it will be a record year for gun sales. The number of NICS background checks for firearm purchases has risen annually for 18 straight months, hitting 22.2 million at the end of October versus 23.1 million in 2015.
Analysts expect Smith & Wesson (NASDAQ:SWHC) and Sturm Ruger (NYSE:RGR) -- the only two publicly traded gunmakers in the U.S. -- to respectively grow their revenues by 26% and 13% this year. Let's take a look back at the five top selling handguns of the year, as listed by Gunbroker.com, and what they tell us about today's American firearm market.
1. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, which was introduced in 2005, is a lightweight, concealable pistol which is encased in a polymer frame. The Shield comes in 9mm, 40 S&W, and .45 full auto calibers, and is widely used by law enforcement and military personnel. The Shield is often praised for its slim profile, ergonomics, ease of use, and overall accuracy. As a striker-fired pistol, it lacks a protruding hammer in the back, making it easier to conceal and carry.
(Excerpt) Read more at fool.com ...
A 45 ACP was the second handgun I ever bought and I still have it. It is a Colt Series 70 Gold Cup National Match. I picked up components that had to be fitted and had a gunsmith replace the original parts (which I still have). It is amazingly accurate.
I bought #1 back in June!
Don't forget the dreaded .44 pit bull.
The recoil is about the same as a 5" 1911 in 45 ACP which I find to be pretty mild. My very first handgun was a Dan Wesson 44 Magnum with 2 6-inch barrels, one ported and one unported. The recoil in that one can be pretty stout depending on the loads you are shooting. Full power 300 grain loads will get your attention.
The most accurate .45 auto I ever owned was an Argentine Systema Colt. It was not particularly well finished but it’s accuracy was almost off the charts.
To make it even more odd, it had a heavy trigger. With a trigger job, it probably would have been a one hole shooter. I needed money and sold it to a dealer who believed me and paid a good price for it.
I later met him at another gun show and he too was amazed at how accurate it was.
You betcha!
Compensating for not having enough money to own a .50 cal Barret semi-auto sniper rifle. ;^)
If I had my druthers, it would be an XD-9mm. And also an XDS-9mm and an XDS-45mm, in that order.
If I had my druthers, it would be an XD-9mm. And also an XDS-9mm and an XDS-45mm, in that order.
Sorry for stuttering...
I have never fired an XD but everyone who reports on them seems to really like them.
Still I would be wary of a gun made in the same country as the Yugo.
The ‘ol lady wants one of those titanium Lady Smiths,
.357 and less than a pound. The grip smaller than is prudent.
I guess I’ll buy it.
Don’t mess with those fads.
Buy the S&W 586.
You’ll never regret it. It’s the #1 man killer in the history of law enforcement.
I’m not a big Glock fan. I own all of them but the Glock.
Yea, I have a problem:)
I am not a Glock fan either. My carry guns are a Kahr MK40 (stainless slide and frame) in 40 cal carried in a Desantis Pocket holster for front pocket carry. Also a Para Ordnance 12-45 which is a 12+1 double stack mag in 45 ACP in a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 IWB holster.
One of my favorite guns ever was a Smith model 27 with an 8 and 3/8ths inch barrel, target trigger and hammer.
I once almost won an all comers match using it for 100 yard pigs or rams or whatever they were. I knocked down 5 of 6 and the guy running the match later told me I hit the 6th but it did not go down. It was extremely windy that day in Western Kansas and I don’t think anyone else got more than 3.
I would have won the match if I had used it for 50 yard turkeys. I had planned on using a Thompson Center Contender with a ten inch barrel in.22 Magnum. Just as I was waiting to shoot, the scope fell off.
I was so surprised that I just put it back on an tightened the screws with a Swiss Army Knife hoping the zero was still on. I missed all 6 and the match by a single point.
The XD’s have safety features that that are not evident on Glocks.
we love our 9mm XDMs
we have one for every one in the family
the family that shoots together stays together
XD with a powder river trigger is a great set up. I have a sub compact and a compact. I carry one on my permit which one depends on the clothes I’m wearing.
I’m not fond of the factory triggers but the aftermarket powder river trigger takes care of that problem.
I do not like grip safeties, never did.
Browning didn’t either but put them on some of his pistols because the manufacturer or the Army wanted one so he accommodated them.
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