1. The transmogrification of the AR-15 into a bona-fide sporting rifle and an industry unto itself.
More importantly how about all the new rifles that are coming out because of the cons of the AR platform?
2. Hornady’s emergence as a major player and a major innovator in the ammunition biz.
I'll agree but personally I think the bigger story is what the foreign guys are bringing to the table.
3. Ten years ago, I thought that sporting optics had reached a state of perfection beyond which it could not go. Boy, was I wrong.
No argument there.
4. Long-range shooting comes of age. Four hundred yards is the new 300 yards, and 500 is on the way. We have the accuracy, the optical gear, and the ammo. Now all we need are enough ranges where you can shoot at these distances.
Eh, I don't know about that./color]
5. The resurgence of the lever-action. Has anyone noticed that Marlin is building lever guns that give away nothing to bolt-actions?
Lets not forget about single action revolvers too.
6. Rifle of the Decade—the Marlin XL-7. The best working gun, for the least money, in the history of Western Man.
Sponsor? There is nothing inovative about that rifle.
7. The general level of accuracy in factory rifles. I can name you four, for under $500, that will shoot MOA or better.
8. The Supreme Court’s Keller decision. Article II lives!
Heller
9. Savage, which is changing from a company that makes inexpensive rifles that shoot very well to a company that makes very sophisticated rifles that will shoot with damn near anything regardless of price.
10. Barack Obama and his coterie of gun haters, who have sold more firearms, ammo, and components than even Bubba Clinton.
Happy New Year!
All that aside I would add.
The resurgence of the M14 platform now found in many delicious flavors. The polymer revolution that is sweaping PD's and Special agencies world wide, and lest we forget the up coming cases involving Chicago and San Fran.