Gun-Related Gear Shortage Ahead?

by
posted on October 15, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Staccato P4x Review 1
Staccato P4x Review 1

First Impressions of the Staccato P4X

Down in Texas, Staccato launched a new pistol to celebrate America's 250th anniversary: the P4X. One can hardly blame them considering that the company's entire product line is based on the 1911, arguably the most American of handguns.

A Big Third Circuit Ruling on America’s Rifle

In an appeal of a case the NRA filed in 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit struck down New Jersey’s ban on “assault weapons” and “large capacity” ammunition magazines as unconstitutional.

Top Cop: How an Armed American Saved President Trump’s Life

An NRA Benefactor Member and NRA Certified Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor, Sergeant Aaron Zaliponi likely saved the life of President Trump in Butler, Pa. For these reasons, the NRA has selected him as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Review: Rock River Arms A1 Carbine SBR

The Rock River Arms A1 SBR is just plain cool, and there’s little justification needed beyond that for picking up a new gun. It’s a mixture of throwback, retro and nostalgia with a bayonet lug, and you just can’t go wrong there.

The Armed Citizen® July 20, 2026

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

Plinking Perfect: 5 Must-Haves for Your Next Rimfire Shoot

What better way to celebrate 250 years of freedom than to go out plinking this summer? Here are five great products that will make your next rimfire range trip better than ever before.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.