Surveys Show Changes In Ammo, Shooting Gear Preferences

Shooting and hunting equipment sales were steady in 2022, according to the latest results from Southwick Associates’ online ShooterSurvey and HunterSurvey. The stabilization from 2020 and 2021’s record-setting pace allowed retailers to continue replenishing inventory and, with more gear and accessories from which to choose, some of the brands retailers that are ringing up have changed.

In 2020—during the height of widespread social unrest and home-defense concerns—the top-selling shotshell brand was Winchester. Federal claimed that title in 2022, though. Figures for every year were not released, although they are included in the comprehensive annual report available for purchase from Southwick Associates.

There’s a much wider field when it comes to the most-preferred-handgun ammunition, though. Southwick didn’t publicly issue 2022 findings, but in 2021, Blazer held the top spot. Federal topped the firm’s 2020 survey, as did CCI in 2019. Federal’s took first in 2018.

The pendulum also swings widely when it comes to red-dot sights. SIG Sauer led in 2021 and 2019, Vortex claimed things in 2018, but Holosun occupied that slot last year. In the non-powered aftermarket sight category, Meprolight models were purchased most in 2022. Two years before, it was Trijicon.

With the number of people filling out their first ever Form 4473, some change is expected, although many of the industry’s foremost stayed on top. Smith & Wessons were the most-popular handgun choice in 2022. The survey results and customer preference they reflect was the same in 2020 and 2018.

When it came to reloading components, Hornady came out on top in 2022, 2021, 2019 and 2018. Enthusiasts who purchase Southwick’s exhaustive report will likely discover the firm led in 2020 and many other years. Savage Arms led the way in the “traditional rifle” category in 2022, 2021 and 2020.

The Southwick Associates 2022 survey included roughly 9,000 enthusiasts, considered sufficient for a statistical snapshot of consumer preferences and/or availability.