FAST FACTS . . .

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High-Tech Rifles

The AR-15 platform is a semi-auto carbine or rifle, most often in .223 or .308, designed to accommodate a vast array of accessories such as scopes and other sights, slings, lights, flash suppressors, bayonet mounts and much more. Folding or telescoping stocks and pistol grips can customize cosmetic appearance, but the core functionality of an AR remains identical to traditional semi-auto long guns.

Tactical rifles and accessories are a booming trend within the firearm industry. Actual sales figures are impossible to report accurately because many manufacturers are privately held companies, and ATF statistics do not distinguish between rifle types. However, anecdotal evidence is plentiful. Manufacturers say they're backordered, tactical firearms now outsell traditional rifles, etc.

In 2001, SHOT Show introduced a new "Law Enforcement" segment especially for tactical guns and gear. Forty-one companies purchased 7,600 square feet of exhibit space. By 2007, this segment had grown to 337 companies and 91,700 square feet, surpassing "Outdoor Wear" to become the third-largest segment of the show. Today, SHOT Show is among America's fastest-growing trade shows, regardless of industry, and the Law Enforcement segment is growing at a rate 25 times faster than SHOT Show overall.

Civilian sales of tactical rifles and ammunition are subject to the same conservation excise taxes collected on all firearms and ammunition under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (Pittman-Robertson) Act of 1937.

If you're interested in localizing a business story about AR platform rifles, here's a trick for locating tactical firearm and accessory companies in your area, or anywhere in the world: Go to www.shotshow.org, click on "Attendees" and then "Exhibitor Search." From the category menu, select "Firearms" or "Law Enforcement." Then select your state and country search preferences. Click "Search." You'll receive a listing of relevant SHOT Show exhibitors along with company descriptions and contact info.

A few American companies in the business of high-tech rifles, accessories or parts:

Alexander Arms — Radford, Va.
Allied Armament — Scappoose, Ore.
American Spirit Arms Corp. — Phoenix, Ariz.
ArmaLite Corp. — Geneseo, Ill.
Bushmaster Firearms — Windham, Maine
Bravo Company USA — Hartland, Wis.
CFI — Fort Worth, Texas
Colt — Hartford, Conn.
DPMS/Panther Arms — Becker, Minn.
FNH-USA — McLean, Va.
Fulton Armory — Savage, Md.
Hoplite, Inc. — Sheperdsville, Ky.
LAR Manufacturing — West Jordan, Utah
Les Baer — Hillsdale, Ill.
L.W. Rifles — Springfield, Va.
M&A Parts Inc. — Lake Zurich, Ill.
Model 1 Sales — Wainwright, Texas
Olympic Arms — Olympia, Wash.
Robinson Armament — Salt Lake City, Utah
Rock River Arms — Colona, Ill.
Smith & Wesson — Springfield, Mass.
SOG Armory — Houston, Texas
Stag Arms — New Britain, Conn.
Wilson Combat — Berryville, Ark.

The so-called federal "assault weapons ban" of 1994 to 2004 did not, as many people think, outlaw machine guns. Fully automatic firearms had been strictly regulated for many decades. The 10-year ban simply outlawed common AR-platform features such as folding or telescoping stocks, pistol grips and bayonet mounts. Although the federal measure has expired, several states have enacted bans with their own definitions of "assault weapons." Writers are advised to check laws in their areas.

For additional information, contact Tony Aeschliman, NSSF public relations director, 203-426-1320 or taeschliman@nssf.org.