Offer special firearms for police officers - Lethal Force

Shooting Industry, Nov, 2003 by Massad Ayoob

Special-order guns aren't something big police equipment dealers offer, because for the most part, they are looking for large-volume orders. Their businesses depend on winning the low bid, so they focus on volume. You, on the other hand, have more flexibility.

Dennis Reichard is a police detective who also runs a gun shop in Rochester, Ind. He sells a lot of guns to officers from various departments. Reichard specializes in personalized guns, favoring Smith & Wessons ordered with laser engraving from the factory.

He usually makes even more profit on the well-known custom action jobs he does himself. Fancy stocks, and other touches add to the package and his profit. Some companies, like North American Arms, will even let you order a pistol with a personalized serial number.

Presentation firearms are still a popular gift for retiring police officers, and in some areas, for officers honored for heroism.

Long guns are another often-missed profit center. Not all departments issue long guns. At the Honolulu Police Department, officers buy their own patrol shotguns and rifles. More common, departments have an agency-owned shotgun in each car, but can't afford patrol rifles. If it's a budget matter and not a policy thing, the boss may authorize PODA (privately owned, department approved) weapons. This opens the door to individual sales for you.

Off-duty/backup handguns are traditionally the backbone of gun-shop sales to police officers. In some parts of the country--New York City, for example--it is traditional for the family of a police cadet to buy him or her an off-duty gun as a present upon graduation from the police academy. In some jurisdictions, the family must present a gift certificate--something you can do, also.

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