Top Hunting Brands of 2007

Southwick Associates has announced the brands that hunters preferred most in 2007. The list was compiled from more than 19,000 surveys returned to HunterSurvey.com:

Top rifle: Remington (14.1% of all purchases)
Top shotgun: Mossberg (27.5% of all purchases)
Top muzzleloader: Thompson Center (29.7% of all purchases)
Top handgun: Smith & Wesson (17.6% of all purchases)
Top rifle ammunition: Remington (32.7% of all purchases)
Top shotgun ammunition: Winchester (33% of all purchases)
Top blackpowder: Pyrodex (40.3% of all purchases)
Top muzzleloader bullet: Powerbelt (32.1% of all purchases)
Top bow: Mathews (16.7% of all purchases)
Top arrow: Easton (45.1% of all purchases)
Top broadhead: Muzzy (29.6% of all purchases)
Top game call: Knight & Hale (18.3% of all purchases)
Top tree stand: Gorilla (12.8% of all purchases)
Top knife: Buck (24.3% of all purchases)
Top scent: Scent-A-Way (19.5% of all purchases)

Remington is a no-brainer, but I was surprised to see Mossberg shotguns that high. Thompson/Center muzzleloaders dominate the deer woods, the Omega and Encore are awesome; I bet if that if the sample size of hunters was enlarged, T/C would shoot up near 50%. Mathews is not surprising, though 17% tells me other bow companies have caught back up after some years of Mathews domination. I read the broadhead figures thusly: 30% Muzzy plus I figure maybe 10% other fixed-blades, which means around 60% of whitetail hunters now shoot mechanicals.

I ask for your comments on the brands and numbers, do they jibe with your hunting and recent purchases or not?

Comments

[Big Daddy]

TC & Remington sure but Mossberg??? I haven't bought a single round of factory ammo other than rimfire in 15 years as I reload my own. Mathews IMHO is all about marketing hype...they're over priced and there are several companies producing bows that surpass their product line.

[Flatlander]

Mossberg? well the signs of the economy are showing....... look around the 3-d ranges and you will see a huge switch from mathews to Fred Bear (Primo's endorsement doesn't hurt) but the price is a big deal....save $200 and shoot a really smooth solo cam!
Bow Tech/ Diamond keeps getting better.......and look out for the new G5 bow. things are changing fast in leading companies due to the economy, this should be good for the consumer if any of us have any money left after buying fuel this year!!!

[Scott]

Im surprised by Mossberg.? Seems like i see a lot more Remington shotguns out there. Winchester seems right on with shotgun loads. Same with Mathews, a lot of marketing hype. Nice bows but man Bow Tech is smoooth!
T/C no surprise, killer guns. Gorilla stands are nice but im a Lone Wolf guy. Flatlander right on, fuel is out of control, 3.99 by me and i drive a diesel at 4.49 Damn!

[TDHoward]

These are the brands that Wal-mart sells huh?
Remington, Mossberg, T/C, scent away, Gorilla? The single exception I see are the Matthews bows.

I believe what you are seeing is the economics of the big-box store. Most hunting is done miles away from any of the larger cosmopolitan areas that BPS, Cabela's etc target. Out here in the country we have a few independent dealers and stores but mostly we have Wal-mart. When you need something you need it quickly (theres a season on the line!) and rather than mail order the item you would prefer, or drive to the nearest BPS, you're more likely to head on over to wally-world and pick it up there.

Country wide, I believe there is no larger outlet for these brands.
I'm thinking the ratings reflect availability and affordability more so than brand preference.

I've never seen a Browning Citori in a Wal-mart. Is there any rifle ammo that's NOT in a green and yellow Remington box? Among the shotguns in Wal-mart's rack how many are Mossies? How many are Benelli's? What's the difference in price?

Whoo, didn't mean to be so long winded...

[Flatlander]

It used to be a joke around my house that it is cheaper for me to hunt/ feed my family than by beef from the store (of course my wife always runs the numbers) finally last year it was economically benenficial to be hunting. costs of food,etc. rising with fuel and i don't drive far to hunt. It will be far cheaper for me to hunt this year than buy dead cow. this year my wife told me to apply for as many tags as possible, we may be feeding other relation as well. the economy is beyond reccesion! Thank God i'm a country boy (we'll be just fine)

[Dan D.]

I'm a little surprised by Mossberg as well. But the truth is, it's just as good a gun as Rem. and Winch. I own a Rem. 870 and a Moss. 500, neither bought at Walmart thank you. And guess what, in the marsh or woods both guns go bang everytime I pulled the trigger. And whats more, buy a couple barrels for each and everything from grouse to geese to turkey to deer are on the menu for a reasonable price.

Dan

[Big Daddy]

I just had a guy on the table to remove 10" of his Sigmoid colon due to complications of Diverticulitis via Lapriscopic... while checking on him in recovery he asked,"....will I cut him a break on the follow ups so he can afford to buy a new Mossberg slug gun 'cause he can't afford to buy gas to drive to his hunting lease this year an he can only use a shotgun to hunt around his home." Honest to God no bull that's what he asked me!
I sign of the times I assume, maybe I should send him to Wally World for his office visits!!! :>) BD

[Hanback]

Excellent comments as usual--you guys have picked up on a theme I hadn't thought about, with Wal-Mart and other stores and the ecomony and all. Maybe Wal-Mart really does drive all things in the US, including a big part of hunting

[jstreet]

Most of the picks don't really surprise me either. As someone earlier pointed out, the Walmart factor is huge!

The item that surprises me is the number one handgun choice. S&W has always made fine handguns, but I would have thought that Ruger or Taurus would have been number 1.

TC does make a fine muzzleloader and Mathews a fine bow. I own a TC Omega but I know plenty of guys shooting CVA who are happy. I just couldn't bring myself to cough up the bucks for a Mathews. I shoot a Parker and am very happy with it.

I've hunted out of both Gorilla and Lone Wolf stands and I like both as well.

Jim

[J Brunner]

I don't know if any of you saw yesterday that off shore drilling got voted down in the Senate again by the usual COMMIES!!! Democrat Senator Dick Durban was quoted saying " we can't drill our way to cheaper oil" Would someone explain to me how the hell you will ever get cheaper oil without drilling for it!!! That had to be one of the most ignorant comments I've ever heard, even for Senator.

[Big Daddy]

JBrunnr: I recently was in Scotland, thye have their own oil fields under the ocean...the equivalent to 1 gal of gas in USD was $8.75...this is with their own oil rfields.
The US Gov't is as guilty as any oil company for the current oil prices, as their glut for a reserve is pushing the prices higher each day.

[bill reiman]

Tree stands must not include summit climbers. I would have thought they represent a high percentage. Gas keeps going up for those of us several hours away from our hunting grounds we will have to car pool or take the bus. Can you get your favorite muzzleloader or bow on a bus?

[Chris Butler]

i have a mix, but really like remington rifles and shotguns, leopold scopes and parker cross bow!

[J Brunner]

B.D.
I don't know that the Scotland thing is a fair comparison or not. I do know this, simple economics will tell you if you build supply, cost will go down. Fortunately for me, I walk to my stand from my house. I'm sure people who plant food plots are also getting blow over when they see fertilizer has hit $1000/ton. Just three years ago it was around $250...ouch.

[Big Daddy]

The USA has the largest oil reserve at this moment that it has ever owned in history...prices rise each day accordingly.
BTW if you had invested $1000 in oil stock and $1000 in the bottled water industry 20 years ago...can you guess which one would've paid you the highest return on your investment?
What any of this has to do with gun buyer's taste in name brands beats me.

WAL MART FOR A LONG TIME AND PROB STILL HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST DEALER FOR WEATHERBY TOO.

[Doug In Wisconsin]

I'm not surprised by Remington (even though I'm a Browning guy myself) and TC for rifles and muzzleloaders. I am surprised that Mossberg edged out Remington for shotgun. I would've thought the 870 would have taken Remington to the top by a long shot. As for bows, Matthews is losing market share every year. There are so many good bows out there now. The Bear/Primos Truth bow is going to take an even bigger bite unless some of the really high end manufacturers come out with a economy priced bow. I'm shocked at the pistol numbers. I'd love to see the sample size for that one. I'd have thought Ruger or Taurus would've owned that one.

[Jake in WI]

Whats up with all the Mathews bashing? They are a good bow with great customer service. Yeah they have got alot advertisement but the bows speak for themselves, people wouldnt spend that kind of money because of a two page ad. They were awarded manufacturer of the year here in WI so they must not be doing too bad. Was there a survey on camo and mechanical heads? I am surprised as well about the mossberg. Are they less exspensive?

impressive that mathews is tops when they dont sell them at bass pro, cabelas and huge places like that. But at least you know when you go into a shop that sells them, they are gonna know what they are talking about. Never been convinced some kid or old man at bass pro knows squat about bows or fitting someone with one just cause they got put in the archery dept.

have heard mathews only allows so many dealers with in a certain area.

also heard if you work for them in sparta, when you get your one bow a yr on discount you have to turn your old one in - hence keeping those out of the hands of your buddies for next to nothing.

best bow on the market i think.

see mossberg is now making over and unders as well. lot of people shoot them and yes they are dirt cheap. but who cares if you hit what your aiming at.

[Cody]

Not much into guns but the only remington rifle we have bought in a couple years was a 7mm-08 for my dad. CDL I think and they make in a different caliber each year so he bought it because he liked the caliber. Beautiful rifle. EVerything other bolt action we have bought in the last 5 or 6 years have been rugers. I love them and and am thoroughly pleased.

Shotguns, we buy Remington. Fairly cheap and reliable.

Bows, my dad and I both have used matthews, my brother a Parker. I would like to get a newer parallel limb bow and haven't done much research but I think I would have to look at either a Bear or BOwtech. I htink they are right much cheaper than a matthews is.

Ammunition-bullets we use federal premiums, can't beat the accuracy. Pyrodex Pellets for the muzzleloaders with HP Powerbelts. Usually Remington shells in the shotguns, occasionally a winchester.

I think we all shoot Easton arrows with fixed blade Thunderhead broadheads.

Every call I have bought in the last two years (with the exception of one buck growl call) have been knight and hale I htink. I am pleased with the sounds I get out of all of them, be it a deer call or turkey call.

Actually use a folding case knife when hunting, have a buck pocket knife though.

We use Summit climbing stands and I honestly can't remember thebrand ladder stands, weve had them for a while...

Whatever scent control is the cheapest when we need it lol

Cody

[Trent M.]

I work part time retail at a big box "sporting goods" store...you fill in the blanks...

Those brands are pretty close to what we see here in NE indiana.

Couple opinions as i see from a retailer perspective.

first and foremost...bloggers...we are the minority. Only forum users...we are the minority. Most hunters are not as serious about it as we are. Keep that in mind.

Mossberg makes a heck of a product with a very reasonable price tag. People put em down, but get em in your hands, use em, and the extra $$ for a remington seems silly...

Broadheads...same thing...big fad...lots of people looking for whatever the latest thing they saw on the hunting shows, last couple years RAGE has been the RAGE...can't keep em on the shelves.

Bows...i send alot of customers that come to Richard's looking for a bow to a real bow shop. We don't have the selection or the ability to properly fit and tune bows. Most are looking for Mathews, or Hoyt.

Ammo...i would wager that less than 20% of the hunters in my area spend significant time testing ammo, and thus...whatever is on sale, is what they buy...Winchester and Remington ammo...always on "sale"

Easton Arrows...everone has them. Whatever they can run and buy the night before season.

Personally, i refuse to sell bows, guns, or arrows within 2 days of season unless i know the person i am selling to. I am not going to put a person in the field with an untested gun, bow, or arrow. In july, they may still not test things out like they should, but at least i can sleep at night knowing they had the time, and could have tried...the night before the season, i know whats going to happen, and by and large, THOSE are the customers at big box retailers...

[BIGKAHUNA]

I agree. Why bash Mathews? They've led the way for years. It was only a matter of time before another manufacturer would be able to produce a bow as good. There are faster bows, and maybe better ones. but mathews is still my favorite. With all the gadgets and accessories the bows are only as good as the shooter. Practice can make any bow a good bow. I dont own a Mossberg shotgun, I have a few Remingtons though, and oh theyve jammed up more than once. But for the money you cant beat Mossbergs 308, 7mm etc. They have the accu-trigger which I think is the best for squeezing off the shot. I have a Sako 75 finlite 30.06 and most of the time I use the Mossbergs. I love em, especially the price. TC, any one of their products are absolutely awesome! Ive used Muzzys my whole life but I think with all the reviews and comments from people who have tried the Rage heads, I think I may use them on my trip to Montana this year. Plus the fact that they punch a 2 inch hole! I think Muzzy needs to have a wider broadhead in the future to keep up with some of this new stuff. Face it, we all would love to have the best of everything, but everyone has their opinions and a certain expense account and no matter what you use its still gonna have you out there trying to do the best you can! Good huntin.

[Tyler]

I love my Mathews, so that one dosen't suprise me at all. Mossberg dosen't shock me either, they are a good handeling shotgun that is tough reliable but still cheap. My mossberg 500 looks like crap but still shoots like a dream and i wouldn't tade anything for that.

[Doug In Wisconsin]

I re-read my post and don't think I was bashing Matthews. I certainly didn't mean to. They have a fantastic bow and market it very well. I shot my brother-in-law's Matthews last year and really liked it. My point was that there a LOT of great bows now and some are a bit less money than Matthews. It's cutting into their dominance of the bow market.
I shot Rage broadheads last year and really liked how they flew. Very accurate heads. My beef with them is how the blades flop around when they're in the quiver. I'm going to try some different material in my quiver to try and hold the heads a little more firmly.

[ian in wisconsin]

I shoot a hoyt Vtec (Three jobs 2 year ago in the summer to pay for it) and shot an remmington 870 express for deer mossberg like many other did suprise me
I truly believe that the economy is in the shitter
cant afford to even drive up north this seaosn for bowhuntign with college @ 26000 a year (pre-med @ Marquette) and gas prices rising
i can do one of to thing either ask Mr Hanback for a Scholarship to send this broke kid to college Lol or find an urban hunting sanctuary and take what i can get! Looking for a liitle old lady who is pro-hunting with a garden that has been eaten by deer that lives in southeast wisconsin if found please let me know!!!LOL