Firearms deal files for bankruptcy as gun sales drop

[Pogo]

Guns and ammunition retailers have faced financial distress, leading to store closings and bankruptcy filings as sales have fallen significantly over the last two years.
Industry experts believe some of the decline in sales might have resulted from buyers delaying purchases to take advantage of the reduction in the National Firearms Act tax from $200 to $0 beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/firearms-retailer-files-chapter-11-153300921.html

[GimpyPaw]

White Oak is a dinosaur that failed to adapt and evolve. They were mainly known for mid-teir barrels. Not good when compared to Brux, Bartlien, Proof, or Krieger, but right up there with Douglass or Faxon.

Then came the proliferation of cheap barrels that were decent. Aero Precision owned Balistic Advantage, and they were putting out barrels that shot better than most shooters could, at a price point that made White Oak a difficult choice. I have a few BA barrels that can hold sub-moa. I have a White Oak that holds sub-moa. There's $200 difference between them, but no difference in performance.

White Oak didn't change their price point. They didn't upgrade their tooling to move into a higher quality tier. They just stayed where they were, expecting the market, which was becoming very saturated, to continue supporting them.

[44044]

Guns are Bad…

[Klauss]

Odd thing is, I looked at what we have a few weeks ago and it kind of hit me.

There are no guns we really “ need “ . Our collection is pretty well rounded and only missing a decent shotgun and maybe a precision rifle. Never seem to pull the trigger on them.

So without really needing more, and the lack of time for the ones I have make buying more not a priority. Ammo cost is not helping either of course.

So I can imagine a lot of others being in a similar situation and that hurts the manufacturers.

But I will always want more, just obtaining them is not the priority it once was.

[aviator]

Klauss you can never have too many.

[Klauss]

I wish my wallet agreed 😁

[Sanders]

Folks have been panic buying for years. The market has to eventually hit saturation and decline. Or not.

[4thIDvet]

If the manufactures could hold on just a bit longer to the midterms they may just be o.k.?? Just a guess on my part now. If? the Dumbocrats take control in the senate the anti gun crap will start immediately that could stimulate a panic? Their most always wasting their time but the panic starts anyway. Communists do not like guns they can't control you with your owning Dem..

[GBob01]

I hope everyone is stocking up on ammo while it is plentiful and at the lowest price it will probably be in the foreseeablefuture. With any chance of a Dem coming into office in the future, you know what will happen. The second anything 2A is threatened, there will be a run leaving shelves empty once again.

[Klauss]

I’m in the midst of trying to figure out what calibers to focus on. I’ve seen to given myself too much caliber variety.

Fortunately my son just turned 18 and wants to start buying some rifle ammunition which will help, I can focus on handgun ammo seeing he can’t buy it until he’s 21 iirc.

[4thIDvet]

Got to you MUST buy that new caliber that can shoot a thousand yards with iron sights and stop a charging elephant. Ever notice the gun rags start talking up the NEW caliber that is a must absolute must have? Then the fun shops start loading up on them for sale. Meantime that 30/06 or .270 or whatever you have tucked away can do the same damn thing or damn close.
That is how the manufactures make $$ waving that new gun in front of you, you already have the old one that works just fine and does every damn thing the new one does. My no means knocking the gun manufactures that's just how it works. But with inflation like way the frig out of control things are tight and people don't want to spend.
Its not just guns its every damn thing people are holding off on buying. Plus their talking the C.O.L.A. increasing by 3.7% hell that is enough to get some butter with your bread..

[55chevy]

Electronics follows that same trajectory. buy a computer and in 6 months or less you must have the faster processor etc.

[aviator]

I hope everyone is stocking up on ammo while it is plentiful and at the lowest price it will probably be in the foreseeablefuture. With any chance of a Dem coming into office in the future, you know what will happen. The second anything 2A is threatened, there will be a run leaving shelves empty once again.

Good advice, I've been stocking up when I see a good deal. Get a Dem in office and we'll go backwards again.

[Sanders]

Got to you MUST buy that new caliber that can shoot a thousand yards with iron sights and stop a charging elephant. Ever notice the gun rags start talking up the NEW caliber that is a must absolute must have? Then the fun shops start loading up on them for sale. Meantime that 30/06 or .270 or whatever you have tucked away can do the same damn thing or damn close.
That is how the manufactures make $$ waving that new gun in front of you, you already have the old one that works just fine and does every damn thing the new one does. My no means knocking the gun manufactures that's just how it works. But with inflation like way the frig out of control things are tight and people don't want to spend.
Its not just guns its every damn thing people are holding off on buying. Plus their talking the C.O.L.A. increasing by 3.7% hell that is enough to get some butter with your bread..

Some calibers have been really innovative, like the 350 Legend which works really well in an AR-15. Just change the upper receiver and buy a 350 Legend mag to have a hard hitting 35 caliber AR with .30-30 ballistics. It works remarkably well in shorter barrel configurations, too, down to 12". Nice and handy for thick brush hunting. Funny thing about that caliber, is it was designed for a bolt-action rifle to begin with.

[aviator]

Some calibers have been really innovative, like the 350 Legend which works really well in an AR-15. Just change the upper receiver and buy a 350 Legend mag to have a hard hitting 35 caliber AR with .30-30 ballistics. It works remarkably well in shorter barrel configurations, too, down to 12". Nice and handy for thick brush hunting. Funny thing about that caliber, is it was designed for a bolt-action rifle to begin with.

30/30 may not be the best but it packs one hell of a punch.

[Klauss]

I’ve got too many calibers to stock up on.
Definitely need 308. Only have one rifle chambered in it though.

Debating on stocking up on 303 British or 7.62x54r. Doubt I could afford to stock up on both.

Then there is 7.62x39 and 5.56. Again probably can’t afford to stock both in any large quantity.

Also have 1 gun each in 45-70 and 350 legend. Legend is definitely more affordable but prefer the government.

I have a good amount of 22lr but could always use more 🤣

Have decent amount of 9mm as well.