For Immediate Release:
Feb. 02, 2008

Practical Shooting Means Big Business
USPSA’s 16,000 members spent upwards of $45 million in 2007

Sedro-Woolley, WA — With members spending upwards of $45 million in 2007, the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) and the sport of Practical Shooting can mean big business for firearms retailers seeking a competitive advantage.

A recent survey of its members conducted by USPSA showed that the association’s 16,500+ members aren’t shy about spending money on their favorite sport.

“Our survey shows that USPSA members continue to open up their wallets to companies whose products fit the Practical Shooting market niche and with members shooting more and more every year, we see this trend growing,” said Dave Thomas, Executive Director of USPSA.

Survey highlights outline exactly how important the USPSA competitive shooter can be to dealers and the industry overall.

In 2007 USPSA members spent upwards of:
$15.5 million on competition firearms
$7.1 million on factory loaded ammunition
$8.8 million on accessories for Practical Shooting
$20.3 million on reloading and components

Driving this demand is a nearly insatiable appetite to compete. An amazing 75% of USPSA members competed at least seven times during the year with nearly 20% willing to travel 200 miles or more to do so. When asked if they are shooting more than the previous year 39% said yes; more than two years ago 47% said yes; and almost 60% indicated they are shooting more than they did five years ago.

The trend toward greater participation remains strong as 59% of the members intend to shoot even more in 2008. The industry is watching USPSA’s growing impact on recreational shooting and moving to take advantage of the opportunities.

Already firearms industry leaders CZ USA, Beretta USA, Glock, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Para USA, Rock River Arms, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, STI International and Taurus have joined with USPSA to increase the association’s membership and promote the sport through point of purchase materials. Para USA completed a highly successful co-branded pistol effort that raised $31,000 for USPSA and the organization just launched a similar program with STI.

“Over the last two years USPSA has reached all time highs in membership and our growth has not gone unnoticed. Companies are stepping forward to work with us recognizing that we remain dedicated to expanding the sport and are actively looking for ways to work with the industry to do so. The key to our success is that we approach our industry relationships in a way that benefits both the sport and our partners,” explained Thomas.

For further information on USPSA’s industry related programs, or to join other industry leaders in supporting these effort, please contact USPSA at (360) 855-2245 or info@uspsa.org.

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Contact:
Dave Thomas
360-855-2245 Office
360-708-6828 Cell

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