Curse of the "Best Of The Best" Award
Each year that stalwart publication F&S publishes a "Best Of The Best" list where the staff chooses the best hunting and fishing gear for that year. I took a quick look at the past winners and in 2005 it was Ruger's Gold Label, in 2006 in was the Remington 501 CTi, and this year the L.C. Smith 28 Gauge by Marlin. Want to bet you won't be able to find the new Marlin in your dealer's rack. Think about it. Hefted any 501s lately? How many GLs do you see on the shelves? Rumor has it that Ruger isn't manufacturuing the GL ongoing but will probably offer it in limited runs. (Read the hot string that I unitentionally started.) Does F&S curse these manufacturers with their endorsement? I am sure it is not their intention to give the evil eye to gun makers but to inform the shooting and angling public of quality products. The question still remains, why can't we find these shotguns at our dealers?
Comments
Man, and I always hoped the Gunslinger would make that list. Guess maybe I should be glad it hasn't.
Posted by: kristine shreve | October 9, 2007 08:26 AM
I don't really think it's much of a curse, perhaps just an anomaly. But it is odd. And about your product, from the reviews I've read on your site, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Manufacture it and if it is good they will come.
Posted by: robert | October 9, 2007 07:30 PM
Wow. That is odd. I am now very curious as to what the fate was of these guns and why you can't find them anymore after getting such a good "plug". Hmmm.
Posted by: Arthur | October 10, 2007 08:04 AM
That's what I've always thought. Magazine articles and such may bring them to us a little faster though.
Posted by: kristine shreve | October 10, 2007 09:49 AM
The manufacturers probably forecasted to build, say 1000, and when this was met, down goes the line. Who knows?
When I lived in Ariz, the former Pres of Winchester was a good customer of mine. He had retired and wasn't fired. Even with that connection I couldn't get a Winchester 101 O/U, Skeet Grade, 20 Ga. shotgun. This was just before Winchester started having Miroku, in Japan, make them.
Posted by: Jon | October 11, 2007 01:14 PM
Jon,
Makes sense with the short run--small investment by the manufacturer in a new product while testing the marketing for acceptance.
Posted by: robert | October 11, 2007 07:09 PM