Sufficiently Progressed Sector: Turkish Weapon Industry

Ayşe AKALIN Publisher & Editor in Chief

The Turkish weapons industry has progressed sufficiently to compete with its European rivals. One of the most important steps of the progrees will be the thirty-one Turkish companies attending the 33rd Nuremberg International Trade Fair for Hunting and Sporting Arms and Accessories, the second biggest trade organization in the sector, received a great deal of notice at the fair.

The fair is the most important organization after Shot Show held in Las Vegas, in the US, for the manufacture, marketing and promotion of the small arms sector.

The competition between Italy and Turkey is important as it increases quality and contributes to the growth of the Turkish hunting weapons sector. The amount of foreign currency Turkey earned from foreign sales in this sector exceeds $350 million.

The current potential can be used more efficiently and a considerable part of the $3 billion of imports from foreign markets could be met by the domestic market.

International weapon manufacturers are almost unanimously dissatisfied with Turkish programs that move at a slow rate unseen elsewhere in the world. In any case, Turkey is becoming prominent in the shotgun world.

We can all expect a new influx of Turkish shotguns. Black-chromed barrels are standard fare. Properly done, it is stunning; poorly done, well, any can of Rustoleum is more durable. Like the paint on automobiles, it is surface preparation (again, costly) that makes all the difference in the world. Turkey offers the possibility of good wood, durable finishes, and strong metal. The past has given us mis-machined parts, ghastly triggers, and sub-standard springs. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.

Enjoy the special supplement.