New Gun Manufacturers

22 Jan 08

Miami, FL Gun Show:

I attended a large Gun Show in Miami last Sunday. It was big and extremely well attended.

What immediately garnered my attention was the fact that there were several, large, local gun retailers represented, all of whom had spacious and elaborate displays. Prominently exhibited were tables-full of 9mm and 40S&W, self-decocking (DAO), plastic-framed, concealment pistols manufactured by two companies that I had heretofore never heard of: Cobra and Skyy (like the Vodka). Cobra has arisen from the ashes of defunct "Jennings," andI'm not sure where Skyy manufacturing came from.

These pistols are priced under $300.00, and all the clerks I talked with indicated they were strong sellers. Others I talked with had nothing goodto say about either brand. Up until now, most pistols in this price categoryhave been in minor calibers. Not any more!

What struck me was that low-income gun buyers who are looking for legitimate, concealment pistols in serious calibers are being deliberately marketed to by these companies, and probably some others. I don't think Glock, SIG. S&W, Beretta, H&K, nor Kahr need worry a great deal, at least for now, and I'll probably not own a gun from either any time soon, but I'm astonished how quickly these new companies come into existence and get product to market. I was seeing and handling both brands for the first time.

I'm interested to see if either company will have a booth at the SHOT Show!

/John