FEBRUARY 17, 2011

Nearly Half of All Handgun Owners Plan to Apply for a CCW Permit in 2011

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. - Nearly 3 out of every 4 recreational shooters and hunters in America owns at least one handgun according to a recent survey conducted by HunterSurvey.com. Of particular significance, however, is the finding that the handgun owners who don't already possess a concealed-carry permit, about 40 percent said they intend to apply for one within the next 12 months. This strong interest in obtaining concealed-carry weapon (CCW) permits could mean a real demand for training and CCW-related accessories and firearms in the coming year.

"I see a real growth opportunity for qualified firearms instructors and shooting facilities in providing the training that many states require in order to secure a CCW permit," said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com andAnglerSurvey.com. "Interest in CCW could also generate quite a market opportunity for companies that not only make handguns suitable for concealed carry, but also for manufacturers of accessories that serve that same market, such as holster and ammunition makers."

Those who hunt, fish and target shoot are invited to participate in the surveys conducted on HunterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. Each month, participants who complete the survey are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.

About AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com: Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.comhelp the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The information above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of data collected from the complete survey results and available to government agencies, businesses, the media and other interested parties. Results of these non-scientific surveys are statistically weighted to reflect the attitudes and habits of anglers and hunters across the United States.