As we’ve talked to retailers and firearms industry manufacturers over the last week or more, the primary story has, of course, been the huge surge in demand for guns, ammunition and related gear. A buying surge that has emptied retailers’ shelves and at least temporarily drained supply chains. Manufacturers, distributors and retailers are working overtime to keep up with the demand.
That makes the much-reviled gun industry one of the select few that hasn’t (yet) been negatively impacted by the effects of the Wuhan Chinese communist middle kingdom KungFlu coronavirus. In fact, in the last five days, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average has dropped about 8.5%, Ruger‘s stock is up 4.3%. American Outdoor has gained 12% and Vista has jumped 36%.
That means firearms industry companies aren’t getting financially battered like many American businesses and are in a fairly unique position to help out during the emergency. One smaller company that’s doing just that is CMMG, the Missouri-based maker of firearms like the Mk47 rifle, Resolute carbines and Banshee pistols and SBRs.
Starting today, CMMG is helping out two groups that have been hit hard. They’re buying food from local restaurants — a sector that can use all the help it can get these days — and feeding local first responders and medical personnel.
CMMG says that in addition to the benefit of helping others in their local area, they hope it will prompt others to do the same.
Here’s a press release from CMMG . . .
Starting Thursday, March 19th, CMMG will be providing lunch between 12:30pm – 1:30pm Central time, to all Boonville, MO first responders. The lunches will be purchased from local restaurants for the next two weeks. CMMG is taking it upon themselves to support local businesses and first responders during these unique times. Chris Reinkemeyer, CEO CMMG Inc said, “We hope this motivates and inspires others to do the same. In times like these, we get through things by supporting our neighbors and serving each other.”
Help Thy Neighbor.
We’ve talked to at least one other firearms industry company that is doing something similar, but wishes to remain anonymous. If publicizing CMMG’s effort gets more companies to do the same, all the better.
Do you know of a gun maker or other industry company that is help it in a similar way? Please let us know in the comments.