Firearm, ammo sales up 23 percent.(Industry news)(Financial report)

Firearm and ammunition manufacturers posted a 22.7 percent increase in wholesale business in the fourth quarter of 2006, compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

From October through December 2006, sales of pistols and revolvers rose 56.4 percent, over the same time in 2006. Long-gun sales increased 11.4 percent and ammunition sales jumped 22 percent, compared to the same 2005 period.

During the quarter, $67.4 million was generated for conservation, compared to $54.9 million in 2005. The latest