Highly polished blued steel and fancy-figured walnut stocks still make up a large piece of the market. And, surprisingly, the first-time gun buyer appears to be a large part of this statistic.
“A first gun is a point of pride,” said Daniel Legault, general manager of Browning Canada, “and to most people a gun is still a jewel.”
Martin Gravel, product manager for Remington, agrees. He cautions, however, that hunters of all abilities need to determine why they’re buying a firearm in the first place. “The question the buyer has to answer first is whether their firearm is a ‘jewel or a tool.’ ”
The Specialty Game
While traditional elements play a part in firearm selection, many modern advancements are driving sales. Manufacturers note a steady increase in stainless steel, synthetic stocks, alternative finishes (camo), and anti-corrosion applications on firearms, especially special-purpose guns.
In Ontario, part of the sales increase can be attributed to increased hunting opportunities. Huge populations of Canada geese and other waterfowl, burgeoning herds of white-tailed deer, and the successful reintroduction of the wild turkey have resulted in specialized opportunities for hunters.
The specialist trend is here. John Nicholls, director of product management at R. Nicholls Distributors, the Canadian representative for FN Sports, and John Mock, general manager of Stoeger Canada, maintain hunters today tend to purchase upper-end firearms for specific purposes.
In many cases, those firearms are dual-purpose units with interchangeable barrels. A rifle hunter, for example, might purchase a firearm that gives two or more calibre options.
In shotguns, barrel lengths for clay-target doctrines remain long, but hunting firearms are tending more to shorter barrels (26 and 28 inches) and achieving versatility with choke tubes and specialty ammunition.
Popular Choice
With rifles, bolt-actions still command the biggest share of the market – and that position is growing stronger in Canada.
There will always be a segment that prefers pump-, lever-, or semi-auto actions, but it also appears that grandpa’s guns are being retired and turn-bolts are replacing them in the field. The fact the new long and short magnums are bolt-action oriented might be a contributing factor to this movement. As well, bolt-actions are inherently more accurate than other action types and less prone to feeding problems. With minimal practice and a good bolt-action, a user can often put aimed rounds on a target just as quickly as someone using a semi-auto.
The Winchester Model 70 and the Remington 798, both controlled-round-feed Mauser actions, are excellent choices for a classic, reliable bolt-action. They’re timeless favourites that have been refined to meet today’s discerning hunter. The Sako line is also a prime choice for beginner or veteran, as it enjoys an excellent reputation for accuracy and dependability.
Bigger is Better
In terms of shotguns, hunters are gravitating towards guns that pack a punch. The shotgun with a 3½-inch chamber is fast becoming the most popular. You might not need that long, heavy shot charge on a regular basis, but when you do, it’s nice to have.
Bennelli, Beretta, Browning, Remington, and Winchester all offer the big magnums in smooth-operating comfortable-recoiling semi-autos. These shotguns are easy to handle, and seeing them on the clay-target range as often as in the field is not unusual.
The Time is Right
Not too long ago there was a significant rush to purchase firearms just before the season opened, says Legault. Today, Legault he notes his dealers suggest hunters purchase guns throughout the year, especially in spring. Fact is, the sooner you acquire a firearm, the quicker you can become proficient with it.
One thing is certain. Impulse buying when purchasing a new firearm today shouldn’t be an option – especially given the plethora of choices available.
