Tag: NSSF

New ‘Women Gun Owners’ NSSF Report Announced at SHOT Show

More than half of women (55.6 percent) participating in a new study commissioned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation said they intend to purchase at least one firearm in the next 12 months. That finding and many others reflect the growing popularity of firearms ownership by women, who represent the fastest growing segment of the shooting sports.

Today during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show), NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti discussed the findings in the new report, “Women Gun Owners: Purchasing, Perceptions and Participation.” NSSF, which owns the SHOT Show, is the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry.

“In the past decade, the number of women owning firearms and participating in target shooting and hunting has soared. This study helps us understand why women are choosing to purchase firearms and accessories and what shooting activities appeal to them most,” said Sanetti.

The study, conducted in 2014, focused on women ages 18 to 65 who owned at least one firearm. Over a third of women in the study were new gun owners, having purchased their first firearm within the last three years. This group of new gun owners, who are primarily between the ages of 18 and 34, reflects the changing demographics among women choosing to own firearms—a change captured visually in NSSF’s new infographic, “Girl Power,” which complements the new report.

“The women’s market is a force in our industry, and manufacturers, retailers and shooting ranges are making changes to their products and services to satisfy women’s tastes and needs. This report will assist anyone interested in knowing more about women’s enthusiasm for and attitudes toward firearms,” said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF Director of Industry Research and Analysis.

Among the report’s findings:

  • The most commonly owned firearm by women in the study is a semiautomatic pistol, with 56 percent of women reporting they owned at least one. Shotguns ranked second, with 50 percent of women owning at least one.
  • Women say their purchases are mainly influenced by Fit, Quality and Practicality.
  • Women purchasing a gun in the last 12 months spent on average $870 on firearms and more than $400 on accessories.
  • The majority of women report they are not driven to buy a gun on impulse but rather considered their purchase for months before deciding.
  • Nearly all women (95 percent) have tried target shooting, and more than half (58 percent) have hunted.
  • More than 42 percent of women have a concealed carry permit for their state of residence.
  • Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of women reported having taken at least one training class.

Placing a premium on safety, women say the single most important reason why they decided to purchase or own a firearm is protection—both personal and home protection. Learning to hunt and going shooting with friends and family were also cited.

The report shows women are attracted to shooting activities such as practical pistol, clay target shooting, long-range shooting and plinking; they were not as active, however, in gun collecting or 3-gun and cowboy action shooting.

Growth of the women’s market is quite visible among firearms retailers. In NSSF’s Annual Retailer Survey, more than 74 percent of retailers reported an increase in women customers in their stores in 2013 over 2012.

According to the NSSF report, female engagement in target shooting grew 60 percent to 5.4 million participants between 2001 and 2013, and was up 85 percent for hunting to 3.3 million participants during that same period.

NSSF’s “Women Gun Owners” report is available to NSSF members and to media by request.

 

SHOT Show Facts and Figures

openingday5The SHOT Show® (SHOTSM stands for Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) is the once-a-year gathering place for the shooting, hunting and outdoors industry—manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, publishers and wildlife conservation organizations. It’s where a passion for firearms, ammunition and outdoors equipment, plus the industry’s unified support for the Second Amendment, are on display.

The SHOT Show is owned and sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation®, trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry. The show is produced and managed by ConvExx. The show generates millions of the dollars in revenue that funds NSSF programs and services that help “promote, protect and preserve” hunting and the shooting sports. Among those programs are Project ChildSafe, the industry’s firearm safety education program; Don’t Lie for the Other Guy, which works to help prevent illegal straw purchases; and First Shots, which provides introductions to target shooting. See nssf.org for more information on NSSF programs and member services.

  • The 2015 SHOT Show runs Tuesday, January 20, through Friday, January 23, at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. The SHOT Show exhibition floor opens at 8:30 a.m. each day and closes at 5:30 p.m. except for the last day when the show closes at 4 p.m. (Law enforcement booths located in Venetian ballrooms open at 8 a.m. daily.) See complete show floor hours. The Press Room is located in the Venetian Murano Ballroom on Level 3. The Press Room opens at 7:30 a.m. each day. See complete Press Room hours. SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range, slated for Monday, January 19, at the Boulder City Rifle & Pistol Club, is for exhibitor-invited media and buyers.
  • This is the 37th annual SHOT Show. The first SHOT Show was in 1979 in St. Louis, Missouri. The SHOT Show has been held 16 times in Las Vegas, more than in any other host city, including consecutively since 2010. SHOT Show will be presented at the Sands Expo and Convention Center through 2020, under the latest agreement.
  • SHOT is the largest event held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. Total exhibit space for the 2015 show is expected to be more than 630,000 net square feet—equivalent to more than 13 acres, the area covered by the New Orleans Superdome or the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
  • The SHOT Show boasts 12.5 miles of aisles—just a little less than the distance of half a marathon. Exhibitors, buyers, media and other industry professionals hail from all 50 states and 100 countries.
  • Nearly 70,000 professionals in the shooting, hunting and outdoors industry attended SHOT Show in 2014. The show is for trade only and is not open to the general public.
  • The 2015 SHOT Show will have more than 1,600 exhibitors and more than 2,400 members of the outdoor and mainstream media, including international media, cover the show and promote the products they see at SHOT in their print, Internet, radio and television stories.
  • The total weight of the exhibits for the 2014 SHOT Show brought in by Freeman, the SHOT Show’s general service contractor, exceeded 6,400,000 pounds, the heaviest show ever held at the Sands Expo Center.
  • Over 100 buses are hired by the SHOT Show to accommodate SHOT Show attendees staying at partner hotels along the Las Vegas Strip for complimentary rides to the Sands Expo Center.
  • It took 250 concessionaires to accommodate the food and beverage bistros inside the Sands Expo Center during the 2014 SHOT Show.
  • The Law Enforcement section remains the fastest growing segment of the SHOT Show. To illustrate this growth, law enforcement was started 12 years ago, covering 7,000 square feet; today it covers more than 170,000 square feet of the show.
  • Over 2,100 people attended the opening night NSSF State of the Industry Dinner at the 2014 SHOT Show.
  • Over 10,000 scans for more information were made by media and buyers of the products located in the New Product Center of the 2014 SHOT Show.
  • There were over 340,000 visits by attendees at the 2014 SHOT Show to the 2014 SHOT Show mobile app.
  • 98% of all exhibitors at the 2014 SHOT Show renewed their booth space for the 2015 SHOT Show before the 2014 SHOT Show even concluded.
  • The 2014 SHOT Show brought over $89.6 million in non-gaming revenue to the Las Vegas economy. Firearms and ammunition are a $8 billion industry. The total economic impact of the industry is nearly $38 billion, which supports more than 245,000 jobs.

The SHOT Show’s website is shotshow.org. Follow SHOT Show on Twitter @NSSFSHOTShow and #SHOTShow, and on Facebook.

Show Your Commitment to Responsible Firearm Ownership – Help NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Reach 1,000 Company and Organizational Supporters at SHOT Show

As the industry’s signature program on firearm safety and responsibility, NSSF’s Project ChildSafe will once again have a visible presence at this year’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Even as you arrive in town, you’ll notice some important messages advertised in McCarran International Airport. These ads urge all firearm owners to “Own It? Respect It. Secure It” and are part of an industry initiative we launched last year to help prevent accidents and unauthorized access, and to further demonstrate that we are the nation’s leading voice on firearm safety and responsibility.

The “Own It? Respect It. Secure It” initiative is a large part of our broader Project ChildSafe program, which since 1999 has distributed more than 36 million free firearm safety kits to more than 15,000 communities across the country. Last year alone, the program reached new heights, recruiting a record number of new sponsors, partnering with even more local law enforcement agencies, developing new and improved educational resources and further spreading the message of gun safety with celebrity supporters and media.

To amplify on that success and emphasize that our industry for decades has made available meaningful, effective firearm safety programs and resources, we recently started asking companies and organizations like yours to sign on as Project ChildSafe supporters.  We’ve already recruited several hundred supporters to help carry the Project ChildSafe message in their communities—our goal is to reach 1,000 supporters by the end of this year’s SHOT Show!

There’s no cost involved, simply stop by the Project ChildSafe booth (L350), located on Level 3 of the Venetian (near the Press Room and Radio Row) while at the convention and sign up. While there you can also learn more about the program, take some educational materials to distribute in your communities and make a donation to this important cause—every $2 we receive puts another free firearm safety kit in someone’s hands.

More than 80 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion of Project ChildSafe, regardless of gender, party affiliation or even whether they own firearms. By joining as supporter, you can become a powerful voice in your community to show our industry’s commitment to responsible firearm ownership and to help prevent firearm accidents.

Want to become a supporter today or just learn more about the program? Visit our website, ProjectChildSafe.org.

Project ChildSafe, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization and the outgrowth of Project ChildSafe’s commitment to firearms safety and education. All donations to the organization are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

 

Chris Dolnack is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDolnack.

Comedian Bill Engvall to Perform at SHOT Show State of the Industry Dinner

He’s a hunter. He’s a target shooter. He’s one of the top comedians in America today — and among the busiest. He’ll also be our 2015 SHOT Show State of the Industry featured entertainer.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is pleased to announce that comedian Bill Engvall will perform at the SHOT Show’s annual State of the Industry Dinner, set for Jan. 20, the first evening of the show in Las Vegas.

Bill has starred in numerous television shows, including solo specials, and appeared in several feature films. He is perhaps best known as part of the enormously successful Blue Collar Comedy concert films, which have sold more than 9 million units and are some of the most watched movies and special in Comedy Central history. The soundtrack for Blue Collar Comedy Tour — One For The Road (Warner Bros./Jack Records) was also nominated for a Grammy Award. This fall, he appeared on the top TV hit, “Dancing with the Stars.”

Bill has been at the SHOT Show before and proudly supports America’s hunting and recreational shooting traditions, so he knows that a full house will warmly welcome him.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas next month at our biggest and best State of the Industry Dinner to date.

Learn more and order tickets here.

 

Chris Dolnack is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDolnack.

Pre-SHOT Show Golf Event to Support Disabled Veterans

NSSF and Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) are joining forces to host a charity golf event at the 2015 SHOT Show on Sunday, Jan. 18, at Bear’s Best Las Vegas.

The new HAVA Invitational Golf Classic will be a strong statement of industry support for America’s disabled veteran heroes as we enter the new year. We encourage everyone headed to the SHOT Show to get involved — register a foursome or become a sponsor.

For those not familiar with HAVA, it is an industry-run organization that helps the healing and re-integration of disabled combat veterans back into normal American life through participation in hunting and the shooting sports. The HAVA Board of Directors, which I’m proud to serve on, is comprised of industry executives who look to put the funds raised to work to benefit these returning heroes and their families. All the proceeds from this event will benefit HAVA outreach programs.

If you’re not familiar with Bear’s Best Las Vegas, it’s a pretty phenomenal golf course. It’s a Jack Nicklaus-designed course, where “The Golden Bear” himself hand-selected 18 holes from his more than 200 course designs worldwide, encompassing all of his favorites into one extraordinary round of golf.

Participation in the HAVA Invitational Golf Classic is only $200 per golfer, however companies registering for a foursome receive one free registration (foursomes can be registered for only $600). Each participating golfer receives the following:

  • One Round of Golf at Bear’s Best Las Vegas
  • Backpack full of Valuable Welcome Golf and Outdoor Gifts
  • Golf Cart
  • Breakfast / Lunch
  • Roundtrip Ground Transportation from the Sands Expo Center to Bear’s Best
  • Opportunity to Win Valuable, High End Raffle Items
  • Chance for Prizes for Winning Teams and Contests

This is a great opportunity for our industry to provide even more support for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Learn more about this new event and register yourself or a foursome today.

SHOT Show University: Learn How to Hire the Right People from HR Pro Deb Kenney

DKenneyJoining the growing list of talented speakers to engage listeners at the 2015 SHOT Show University, NSSF’s own Deb Kenney, Vice President, Human Resources and Administration, will bring her wealth of knowledge and decades of experience in employee recruitment, retention and management to the table.

“There are many experts in the field of human resources,” said Randy Clark, NSSF Managing Director, Business Development, “but when it comes to the highly specialized businesses that make up the firearms industry, none is more qualified than Deb Kenney. With more than 18 years at the helm of our own Human Resources Department, she has an intimate knowledge of how successful manufacturers, wholesalers, range owners and retailers profit through smart hiring practices. She truly understands the ins and outs of what our industry members do, and her insights into the core of those businesses—their employees—are invaluable.”

Kenney’s all-important presentation “Winning Teams Start with Great Players: Hiring Habits of Highly Successful Businesses” will provide SHOT Show University attendees an insider’s perspective on what makes a company successful.  She will outline a roadmap on how to identify the right people for your business using behavior and attitude interviewing techniques. Attendees will learn the importance of culture, job fit and how to attract and retain exceptional employees.

“I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to talk to those attending the 2015 SHOT Show University and share why smart hiring practices should be implemented in their businesses—diminished turnover and training times, reduced product loss, increased morale, enhanced team coordination and an employee workforce that actually drives sales—as well as the steps any retailer can take to make smarter hiring choices and build a team of people who want to work for you.”

With extensive experience leading human resources, talent and organizational development, Kenney leads the human resources and administrative operations for the NSSF. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and is certified by the HR Certification Institute as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Kenney is also a certified analyst for Activity Vector Analysis (AVA), a behavioral cross-industry, work-related behavioral assessment system.  She is an experienced speaker and presents educational programs on a variety of human resources and management topics.  As a Vice President for the NSSF, Kenney ensures that the strength and success of the Foundation is an exceptionally talented and experienced staff that successfully carries out the NSSF mission each and every day.

SHOT Show University is the premier event for firearms retailers. Seats are filling fast and this event will sell out, so retailers are urged to sign up now. Remember, NSSF Premium Retailer members are offered a complimentary ticket to SHOT Show University. Additional tickets for both Premium Retailer members and all other NSSF members who wish to attend is $250; non-members may attend for $500. To learn more about SHOT Show University and its many sessions, click here. To upgrade your membership to the Premium Retailer level or to join at NSSF at the level that best serves your business needs, visit nssf.org/join or e-mail membership@nssf.org.

Did You Know?

Premium Retailer members are offered a complimentary ticket to SHOT Show University. To learn more about this important benefit, click here.

2015 Registration Fees and NSSF Member Discounts

Your participation in the SHOT Show funds and supports the many NSSF programs that promote safety, protect our industry, and ensure the sports and livelihood we love are sustainable for years to come. However, with mounting pressure for increased gun regulation and restrictions, the NSSF’s government advocacy initiatives need more reinforcements than ever — your registration fees have a direct impact on our ability to continue our aggressive and focused initiatives on Capitol Hill.

The 2015 SHOT Show registration fees are being modified as a result of growing demand for aggressive advocacy and regulatory initiatives on behalf of our industry. You can further support these initiatives by joining the NSSF membership.

The NSSF is pleased to announce that not only does each qualifying NSSF Member company receive one complimentary SHOT Show registration, we’re also providing new, discounted SHOT Show registration fees for our valued, current buyer members:

Qualified Buyer Categories

Pre-Registration:
NSSF Members $35 (Non-members $70)
(members must register before Jan. 13, 2015 to qualify for pre-registration)

After the Pre-Registration Deadline or Onsite:
NSSF Members $70 (Non-members $140)

Registration fees for all non-buyer categories will remain the same as previous years:

Pre-Registration: $175
After the Pre-Registration Deadline or Onsite: $350

To qualify for these special member discounts, members must:

  • Register using their NSSF membership number
  • Attendee must be an NSSF member company with appropriate credentials to attend SHOT Show as a buyer. One complimentary registration per NSSF member company.

Registration for the 2015 SHOT Show will begin mid-August (specific date to be announced soon). For more information on how to register for the SHOT Show and receive your member discount, go to shotshow.org. To apply for NSSF membership or renew a lapsed membership, please click here or call 203-426-1320, ext. 209.

Chris Dolnack is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDolnack.

Exhibitors: Are You an NSSF Member Yet? If Not, You’re Missing Out on SHOT Show Savings and Discounts

Membership in the National Shooting Sports Foundation, your industry’s trade association and the owner of the SHOT Show, has a long list of benefits.

For SHOT Show exhibitors, one of those benefits can mean huge savings on booth space at the show.

Non-members are paying $35 per square foot (or $3,500 for a 10×10). NSSF Supporting Members pay $30 per square foot (or $3,000 for a 10×10, a savings of $500). That $500 savings per 10×10 climbs to more than $2,000 for the average size booth at the SHOT Show.

The June 2 deadline for savings is right around the corner. You must be an NSSF member in good standing by this date to receive this booth-space discount.

NSSF-member exhibitors also increase their chances for a booth change at the show.

Priority points continue to be a key factor, but NSSF membership level increases your chances for a booth change considerably. For example, an NSSF Supporting Member with 55 priority points will have a better opportunity than a non-member with 110 priority points. We’ve received more than 500 booth change requests, so we encourage all exhibitors to improve their chances for a change by becoming an NSSF Supporting Member.

If you aren’t an NSSF member yet, please consider joining today — not only to save your company some cash, but to join the more than 10,000 other members that support our industry’s trade association and its mission to promote, protect and preserve our industry and our sports.

To join NSSF or renew your membership, visit nssf.org/join. Contact NSSF Member Services Coordinator Samantha Hughes at shughes@nssf.org with any questions.

Dave Jeannette is Senior Director, Sales for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @DaveJeannette.