I think the picture you are painting is a bit rosy, John. We are entering a time line when just about anything that was sought out by either the greatest generation, or, the Pepsi generation that followed it, is going down in value, doubleguns included. Have you priced John Deere two cylinders, and compared them to what they were worth 20 years ago? How 'bout model A Fords? We have perhaps six, soon to be graduating high school seniors in the neighborhood, who aren't interested in learning to drive, or, owning a car.
We do have a great deal of interest in trap shooting at the high school level,
but, if those kids ever use anything besides a low end O/U or even lower pump, I haven't seen it, and I've been watching.
I don't see anything related to double guns going up in value, long term. Just the opposite.
Hope I'm wrong. But, I don't think I am.
Best,
Ted
Glad I live in "fly-over country". Those changes haven't made their way here, yet. Side x sides aren't very popular, but then, they haven't been in my lifetime, and I'm 65. So, that's no different. Maybe we are isolated from the ravages of fadism, somewhat, or maybe it is just slower getting here. I agree with the overall assessment of the market for S x Ss, but I see a growing market share for O/Us. The shooting sports are alive and well in the sticks ........... small town South. The high schools and colleges are starting up shotgun shooting programs at an unprecedented rate. Most of these kids begin with a gas gun in elementary or high school, but I see most of them graduating to O/Us as young adults.
Interesting observation about your graduating high school seniors not wanting to own a car, or even drive. I can
assure you that is not happening here. Every kid in our part of the world wants to learn to drive by the time they learn to tie their shoes. Many save up and buy an old beater before they even have a learner's license. We see the same thing as far as wanting to own a
car, though. It's pickups ......... diesel 4-WD pickups .......lifted and loud. Not just boys, petite little 17 year old girls, too. The market for off the farm used 4-WD trucks is strong, in fact, even a "badge of honor" of sorts, for a kid.
But, as always, what goes on in the big urban areas is what gets the attention. It has been that way as long as I can remember, and I don't see it changing.
SRH
