Bud’s Top 20

I received an email from Buds Gun Shop which listed their top-selling 20 guns for 2009. I thought it was an interesting list.

1. Smith & Wesson SW9VE 9mm Stainless ($249 after $50 mail-in rebate)
2. Sig Sauer 2022 9mm w/night sights ($493)
3. Smith & Wesson SW40VE .40 S&W Stainless ($249 after $50 mail-in rebate)
4. Glock 37 (.45 GAP) 4.5″ 10 round black frame ($379)
5. Hi-Point .380 ACP two-tone 8 round ($139)
6. Springfield XDm 9mm black ($566)
7. Remington 870 Express, 12 gauge, 18″ blued, black-synthetic ($328)
8. Double Star 15 CAR 16″ HBAR .223 ($649)
9. Springfield XD .40 S&W 4″ w/ XD Gear ($462)
10. Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm 17 round no mag safety ($535)
11. Springfield XD 9mm 4″ XD Gear ($462)
12. Beretta 92FS 9mm 15 round ($568)
13. Springfield .40 S&W 3″ XD Gear ($462)
14. Hi-Point .45 ACP 9 round ($159)
15. Smith & Wesson 9mm M&P9 Pro Series 5″ barrel black stainless ($568)
16. Walther P22 .22 LR 3.4″ black ($308)
17. Springfield XD 9mm 3″ black XD Gear ($462)
18. Interstate Arms Black Synthetic 12 gauge Defender with 18.5″ barrel ($185)
19. Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm 13 round compact  ($535)
20. Hi-Point 9mm 3.5″ 8 round poly ($169)

That’s what was listed in the email, taken more or less verbatim.

Some things that stood out to me:

• People are buying handguns, not long guns.
• Black is the new black. Or maybe a hint of stainless.
• Inexpensive is popular.
• Looking at the general make-up of what’s selling, it’s about self-defense. These firearms are not necessarily competition guns or hunting or other such things. People are evidently buying for self-defense. The two shotguns on the list certainly bear that out.
• As well, many of the handguns are small, which leads me to believe they’re being purchased for concealed carry.
• Plastic-framed guns are popular. I’m surprised only one Glock made the list, and then an obscure one at that.

Take from this what you will.