pdb

So apparently KBI Inc, the entity behind Charles Daly, has gone tits up. If you were in the market for a low production, oddball pistol or shotgun that’s hard to get parts or service for, you’ll have to shop at Stoeger now.

I’m personally saddened by KBI’s failure to retain the marketing rights to the superb Hungarian High Power clone. I don’t know the story behind it, but it was more finely finished than the least expensive Portuguese Brownings at a third of the price. I bought mine for around $250, and now you’re lucky to find them for less than $400. In a world without Glocks, I would probably be carrying a HHP.

This is why I’m sour on guns that haven’t been around a while. If you’re looking for a sporting double, for instance, I’m of the opinion that you should shun the $4-600 CDNN specials and save up for something like a Browning Citori or Beretta whatever or Winchester 101. A gun you intend to keep and use heavily for a lifetime should be something that doesn’t make you spend hours on the phone when you need a hammer spring or a firing pin.

Likewise, if you are shopping for a daily companion pistol, why on earth would you pick something other than a gun that’s reliable and available enough to be popular in competition or win major police contracts? If nobody in IDPA or USPSA is shooting them, and cops aren’t carrying them, there’s probably a reason for that.