Industry Notes

Excise taxes paid on sporting firearms, ammunition and archery equipment in 2009 contributed a record nearly $336 million, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

The NRA's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) published a response to the ABC News item last week about Attorney General Eric Holder's comments that the Obama Administration will seek to ban some imported semi-autos, misrepresented as assault weapons.

Smith & Wesson is recalling all Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson from March 21, 2002, until February 3, 2009.

From Barron's, the financial publishing firm: 'The stay-at-home hobbyist speculator crowd has been manically betting that societal unrest will have us all arming ourselves.'

ABC News reports what gun owners feared from Eric Holder: A statement that the Obama Administration will seek to ban currently legal semi-auto rifles and other self-defense firearms.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Gander Mountain Company (NASDAQ:GMTN) has announced preliminary results for the fiscal fourth quarter ended January 31, 2009.

WASHINGTON, D.C.–The Brady Campaign has released its annual state scorecards, which the group claims 'rate each state on the strength of its gun laws.'

This from Alice Tripp of the Texas State Rifle Association: 'House Bill H.R. 45, introduced in Congress on 1/6/2009, aka 'Brian Holt’s Bill,' is an interesting read. Apparently, every gun owner will need to get a license [under this bill]. To get one, you’ll need the following:

EPPING, N.H. -- Sig Sauer Academy is offering a 30% discount on its February 21-22, 2009 Defensive Pistol course. The two-day course regularly costs $395, the special offer price is $277.

However, his view on guns isn't as strong as many of us would like.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Smith & Wesson Corp. has introduced a new tactical rifle chambered in .22 LR: The M&P15-22.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Smith & Wesson Corp. has begun shipping both full-size and compact M&P pistols, in all calibers, with an optional frame-mounted thumb safety. Originally available only on the M&P45, the optional frame-mounted thumb safety is now being offered on M&P pistols chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG.