U.S. firearm sales skyrocket amid pandemic, FBI records show
As the nation has grappled with a global pandemic and images of some rioters causing damage after hijacking peaceful protests demanding racial justice, more and more Americans appear to be arming themselves.
In July 2020, the FBI conducted more than 3.6 million firearm background checks, making it the third highest month on record for checks since the bureau began keeping statistics in 1998, according to new data released on Monday by the agency. By comparison, the bureau conducted just over 2 million checks in July 2019.
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July Breaks Gun Sales Record
One of the country's leading gun makers saw earnings triple as gun sales once again shattered previous records for the month of July.
July 2020 saw an estimated 1,795,602 gun sales—a new record and an increase of 133 percent over July 2019, according to a Washington Free Beacon analysis of FBI data. July is the fifth consecutive month to set a gun-sales record. Chris Killoy, chief executive officer of Sturm, Ruger & Company, said the current spike in sales is unlike anything he has ever seen. The buying spree shows no signs of slowing down and heavy demand will "sustain itself" into the fall, Killoy predicted.
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These numbers don't add up. Why do roughly 1.8 million sales require twice (3.6 million) as many background checks? Surely the denial rate isn't 50%
ReplyDeleteCA, CT, IL, MA, NJ require background checks on ammo. And do gun transfers count as sales?
DeleteI meant 'gun transfers' = private party transfers. Those may require background checks but are not sales.
DeleteI was visiting gun stores recently and noticed an unusual number (any) Black people looking at guns. I'm sure it is racist if me to suggest that a lot of them have records. I had a couple of thoughts at the time: 1. are these good citizens wanting to defend themselves or are they "peaceful protesters"? 2. What are all these new gun owners going to shoot in those guns? Only one store has any ammo and it appears to be a "cop shop".
ReplyDeleteTrying to do my part but I'm more into niche weapons. Just ordered a Ruger Precision Rifle in .338 Lapua Magnum.
ReplyDeleteYou know, for Coyotes, feral cats and ground squirrels...
Gun sales are only half the story. Have you looked at the availability & price of "common" caliber ammo such as 9mm or .223/5.56 lately? Via Ammoseek, I'd say prices are double (or more) from where things were before Feb/March of this year. One LGS near me has 1000 round cases of 9mm for $450 and is offering brass-cased .223 box of 20 for $11. Both of those are bargains compared to what I've seen online ...
ReplyDeleteAll these folks are buying new guns... but, where? I can't find an AR for under $1800. And ammo? I've been trying to buy JHP 9mm for a couple of months with no luck.
ReplyDelete