As we’re wrapping up 2025, we thought it would be fun to look back at some of the year’s top articles. Some of these performed especially well with viewers and received a lot of hits, while others are simply our editors’ favorites or cover topics we think are especially timely or important. Enjoy Hunting Retailer’s top 10 articles of 2025.
10. Connecting With the Used Gun Market
The growing interest in relics and curios — not your average used guns — can bring new buyers and bigger margins. If you sell used guns, don’t let the more unusual specimens get lost in the shuffle.
9. Choosing a Handgun for Hunting
Handgun hunting continues to grow in popularity, so it’s no surprise that readers responded to this article featuring seven handguns that’ll take down whatever game your customers are hunting.
8. Torture Test: Hunting Boots
Who doesn’t love a good torture test? Hunters are ruthlessly hard on boots and demand durability and support from their lace-up hunting boots. How much abuse can these popular models really take?
Sometimes you have to set the hook with bait the customer can’t resist to reel in a sale. Here’s how to wow your customers with an offer that’s too good to pass up.
6. Capture the Skyrocketing Suppressor Market
With suppressors skyrocketing in popularity, this article resonated with retailers nationwide. Faster approvals, better technology and greater adaptability are driving demand for suppressors, and since this article was written, the situation has gotten even better with the impending removal of the $200 tax stamp.
5. Waterfowl Guns and Ammo 2025
What’s new in shotguns and loads for duck and goose hunters? This article offers a complete roundup of the latest and greatest on the market.
The author of this article has visited sporting goods stores across the country and learned a lot about what to do — and what not to do — to be successful in retail. You can learn plenty about customer service and sales by taking a minute to put yourself in her shoes and look at your store as a shopper does.
3. Reviewed: Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT in 7mm Backcountry
The 7mm Backcountry was among the year’s biggest news in ammo, and this rifle review capitalized on the new trend. Compact, lightweight, perfect for a suppressor and chambered in a capable new cartridge, the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT was declared “truly fit for the backcountry” by our reviewer.
2. Firearms Sales by Customer Type
Different types of buyers — from the new shooter to the inquisitor and the price shopper — have to be approached differently. You’ll see all kinds come through the door, and this article walks you through how to sell to the know-it-all, the researcher, the ex-military customer and more.
1. Night and the Hunter: Selling Thermal Optics
Are you ready to sell thermal optics? You’d better be, because they continue to be one of the fastest-growing categories in the hunting industry, and your customers expect you to know what you’re talking about when they come in with questions. Fortunately, we’ve got answers in our top story of the year.
