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

Nosler Suppressors Model 21 30 Caliber Titanium F
Nosler Suppressors Model 21 30 Caliber Titanium F

Trump Administration Moves to Streamline Suppressor Exports

Changes recently posted on the Federal Register by the Commerce Dept. and State Dept. on July 23 signal a major shift for the suppressor industry.

Review: Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 mm Gen 2 Riflescope

The Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 is an updated and improved version of one of the most versatile lines of hunting optics on the market.

Ammo Makers Offer Savings Through Summer Rebates

Speer, Remington and Federal Ammunition have all announced summer rebates on select ammo offerings, giving consumers a chance to save on premium defensive loads.

Three Hidden Joys of the Rifle

There is a particular jolt of joy when a shooter nestles behind a perfectly stable rifle and puts the ideal bullet exactly where intended.

New For 2026: Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE

The new Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE is not only the latest in the company's series of AR-style rifles, it marks the first S&W rifle to be chambered for the .300 Blackout cartridge.

The Armed Citizen® July 27, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.