Guess How Many New Modelguns Produced Each Year?

Considering that almost all 'For Sale' notices I see here in the UK claim the modelgun to be 'Rare' or 'Made in the '70's or early '80's' I'm almost surprised that any new models are made now!

There are exceptions of course, but how much effort is being put in by the manufacturers to produce new models these days?

Cerwyn
_________________
Hobby collector of mainly WW2 era uniforms, headgear, field equipment and replica weapons.

Post by Mark

It is difficult to know just how many modelguns are produced as they are made by both small and large manufacturers who are not likely to divulge their production information to anyone that asks. I am sure of one thing..That handguns out sell all other types followed closely by machineguns.

Now, to Taito/new MGC, modelguns must be a fairly attractive market as what 90%? of their entire production are modelguns (or related items) and they seem to be intent on releasing new models and reproductions of their older models.

Marushin must think that the modelgun market is fairly healthy as they keep re-producing their older models as well as some new models as well. Besides, the market for their MP40 and their M16 modelguns has been doing better than even they thought.

Hudson seems to be slowing down on the modelgun market a little as they seem to be interested in the airsoft market. But, they have, in the last few years, re-designed their modelgun line for more relieability and other aspects. Unfortunately, they have dropped the production of one of their modelguns the AK47 after making more than (by Hudsons count) 10,000 of them over the years.

The modelgun market is a small one that makes a fairly small amount of firearms "toys" for the world (where legal that is) but, since it is a fairly small industry the profit margins are good enough to keep producing them with the existing tooling. But, since the market really doesn't show signs of expansion over the next few years as the market is somewhat saturated as it is by existing modelgun inventories in the shops now in Japan and HongKong.

But, I have noted that there are more shps today that carry modelguns and their accesories that ever before. Back in the 1960's 70's and late 80's modelguns where the king in Japan and the manufacturers where making and releasing new models and competition was fierce to see which modelgun hit the market. Even though the modelgun market was strong in Japan at that time, modelguns where rarely exported and seen except through few shops that for some reason carried modelguns/ firearms replicas.

If the market is indeed strong enough to make a good profit for the owners/share holders, their overhead, tooling replacement costs,development (if any) and introduce new and old models well, that's a good sign for all of us in the hobby. Now, since it must take at least $30-50 thousand dollars (or more ) to make a single mold to cast a barrel etc. you can see that it isn't a cheap quick n easy mom and pop factory that makes modelguns. Add to that all of the Japanese laws and regulations, environmental disposal fees etc. and the small market.

So, in short, just be glad that the current manufacturers are still making new and reproducing their older modelguns.
_________________
Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)

MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms