Gun-Related Gear Shortage Ahead?

by
posted on October 15, 2020
gun-gear-demand-doubles.jpg
The record-setting pace of new firearm sales this year is well-documented, but tracking nationwide purchases of gun-related gear is another story. No NICS check is required for a holster, but a press release from 1791 Gunleather this month indicates orders for its products went up almost 100 percent between April and September.

“At 1791 Gunleather, we have seen an unprecedented demand for products,” the press release states. “In the past six months, we have nearly doubled the output of our products while maintaining strict adherence to our code of quality.”

The figure obviously doesn’t represent every manufacturer’s experience, but it does endorse a trend made obvious when visiting most gun stores today—low-to-no stock in some items, including ammunition. If a specific firearm-related item is on your holiday gift-giving list shop early this year.

1791 Gunleather has added staff has to fill orders, although doing so safely during the pandemic presented an unusual challenge—a hurdle shared by the industry at this time. There was another focus for 1791, though, according to company COO Alex Toussieh. “Increasing our capacity is a task that we take very seriously,” he said. “We have a standard of quality that takes priority over meeting demand. Demand is a close second, but quality first.”

The company continues to introduce new products and improve on its older versions, despite the added workload and challenges of COVID-19. Its Smooth Concealment Fair Chase holster, for example, is one of its latest innovations. Unlike the steerhide or Kydex found in most of its products, this one uses deer leather for breathable comfort during carry.

Founded in 2015, 1791 Gunleather uses 100-percent Certified American, Heavy Native Steerhide in most of its holsters. Its team incorporates four generations of professional leather artisans into the mastery of both beautiful craftsmanship and functionality found in each holster.

Latest

Hk Usa Cc9 Right Lead Web
Hk Usa Cc9 Right Lead Web

Heckler & Koch CC9: An H&K For The USA

Long respected for its world-leading military small arms, Heckler & Koch, through its American factory and engineers, has taken the pulse of U.S. shooters—and the new Concealed Carry 9 mm Luger micro pistol is poised to quicken it.

The Armed Citizen® May 5, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Economic Impact Of The Gun Industry Continues To Grow

Despite a slight decline in demand for new firearms, the industry’s economic impact rose from $90.5 billion in 2023 to $91.7 billion in 2024.

Preview: Kahr Arms X9

Since its inception, Kahr Arms has been most well-known for its single-stack line of concealed-carry pistols, but, in 2025, the company is moving into the double-stack market with its new Premium X Series.

New For 2025: Henry SPD HUSH Series

Henry's Special Products Division has officially released its first line of unique offerings in its HUSH series of suppressor-ready lever-action rifles.

Preview: Ransom Multi Cal. Steady Rest

Built primarily from thick 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, the Multi Cal. Steady Rest from Ransom Intl. is an incredibly robust and stable gun rest designed for use with pistols and long guns alike.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.