FEATURE

Around the Industry & The Country

Wrapping up an eight-week swing across the United States evaluating the new firearms and accessories to be introduced in 2010, I've also had the unique opportunity to speak with both industry leaders, fellow writers, shooters and a myriad of "regular people" I've been fortunate enough to run across.

From the coast of Florida to the Black Hills of South Dakota, I've been hearing many of the same things from people of decidedly different backgrounds. They're not all related to shooting or even the outdoors, but they're certainly a barometer to the disposition of average Americans. From six-figure incomes to unemployed factory workers, there are some telling comments.

First, the general awareness of what's happening with government is higher than I can recall at any time post-9/11.

Everyone appears is more aware of what's happening in local, state and national government. And the general feeling appears to be one of disgust with the way things are being mis-managed by our elected officials. A few months ago, the mood seemed to be one of resignation, that we were just stuck with bad government, rising debt and increasing financial uncertainty because "that's just the way thing are."

Today, I don't think I'm exaggerating when I write that people aren't feeling "empowered" but they are certainly feeling betrayed by government at virtually all levels.

When a fishing guide in Punta Gorda, Florida tells you he believes the methods of dealing with criminals used by Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpayo should be applied nationwide, you're talking about increased awareness. It's especially telling if the guide happens to be a nationalized citizen- from South America.

Increased awareness and rising feeling of self-responsibility was reflected in a mix of shooters I've seen at facilities from Nashville, Tennessee to Laramie, Wyoming. Sure, the usual range characters are there- from the mall ninja to the long-range marksman to the one round per shooting period handloader- but they're sharing range space with students, housewives, doctors, lawyers and a mix of characters that seem very reflective of average American.

Their interest in what's new for 2010 has primarily reflected their growing concern with personal responsibility. Sure, I've been asked about what's coming in the latest-and-greatest departments, but I've also been asked about small, easily-concealed handguns and what I'd consider "best loads" for home defense shotguns (my preference, incidentally, is bird shot - for reasons I'll explain some other time).

In Texas two weeks ago, a shuttle driver who also happened to be a retired businessman asked me if I thought Texas could survive if it reverted back to being the Republic of Texas.

When I responded that I had no real idea, but never underestimated the Texas spirit, he let me know that not every Texan thought the threat of self-governance made a couple of month ago by Governor Rick Perry was an idle threat. In fact, he told me many people who didn't really care all that much for Perry before now held him in considerably higher regard because he "delivered due notice" to Washington that Texas had gotten its fill of federal interference with matters best handled at home.

That sentiment was reflected in South Dakota where I found the self-reliance of the residents reflected in their flat saying they weren't going to willingly surrender any more rights to the federal government. In fact, one lady told me, she was hoping that eventually she'd be given her opportunity to give the "bureaucrats and bean counters" a piece of her mind.

In Virginia this weekend, I spent time with a group of professionals of varying ages. There were the usual conversations about golf handicaps, sports teams and the kids' sports, but once small-talk was out of the way, the tone changed. It is safe to say that many Virginians are looking to tomorrow's gubernatorial election as an opportunity to be one of the first states to deliver the message that the electorate is beyond disgusted with the status quo in government.

They were also extremely aware of important races in other states. One that got special attention was New Jersey, a state described by them as "full of great people who are also fed-up with the current state of affairs."

Wednesday, I'll be back in Birmingham, to what is a changed political landscape. There, an acting mayor is in place following the conviction of our elected mayor on - you guessed it - corruption charges. It took a jury less than two hours to reach a conviction -on all sixty counts of corruption and abuse of power. The defense claimed all sorts of bias against the defendant.

But, as one of the Virginians observed, "there is a growing bias in America today- and it's against politicians who think themselves above the law, and no longer responsible to the people who elected them in the first place."

Apologizing for the fact I'm not focused solely on the technical working of firearms, I believe my travels the past few weeks have done more than collect information that will make it easier to report on the new products we're all going to see starting in only a few weeks They've offered a glimpse into the "why" behind the booming gun market we've seen for nearly a year.

We'll keep you posted.

--Jim Shepherd