4 July 02

Gun sales in the Philippines:

"Over here in Manila, gun sales are still ruled by systems that chamber readily available rounds and that are popular enough to have an adequate supply of parts and magazines. Neither Kimbers nor Springfield Armory 1911s are seen much here. They are both priced out of the market. Same with Benelli shotguns. On the other hand, Mossberg and Remington shotguns both enjoy brisk local patronage.

Glocks sell well (in spite of the high price), as do Hi-Powers, Jerichos and CZ's. With the 1911 crowd, Para Ordinance and parts guns, built from Caspian components, sell well. H&K USPs are not seen here, because parts and magazines are nearly impossible to find.

Beretta 92Fs and SIG 226s are available but don't move. People here have small hands, and double-column magazine pistols, particularly the aforementioned, are not popular for that reason.

Top cartridge choices are still 45ACP, and 9mm. The 40S&W has made scant inroads here. Same with the 357SIG. Ammunition supply for both is poor.

Italian ammunition rules the shotgun community. American equivalent costs twice as much. In pistol ammunition, Cor-Bon, WW Ranger, SXT, and PMC Starfire are popular with the 9mm crowd. Remington Golden Sabre and Federal Hydra-Shok are the preference of the 45ACP people. All of the above is routinely carried, but none is ever test fired, because the cost is so high.

Legitimate gun retailers complain bitterly about the difficulty they encounter importing guns from the USA and Europe. Thus, many dealers have to go through a third party of dubious legality and reliability. This practice boosts costs greatly.

The warriors among us find a way, as do true warriors everywhere."

/John

5 July 02

It is RON (not Ben) Avery. Ron, my sincerest apology to you. Ron is a good friend and a wonderful trainer.

/John