Record-Breaking Gun Sales Pace Continues

by
posted on November 5, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
scalding-gun-sales-pace.jpg

October figures release by the FBI indicate 2020’s firearm demand has not slowed and underscore the need to order early if a special gun is on your holiday shopping list. The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) adjusted NICS numbers reflect a 60.1-percent increase in purchases last month—compared to the same period last year. The organization estimates that 1,769,553 gun purchases in October resulted in the FBI conducting a background check. For the same reporting period in 2019, volume came in at only 1,105,335.

Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) confirms the increase, but its methodology resulted in a finding slightly more generous; a 65-percent improvement with a total of 1.9 million units. Handguns led the way, once again, at roughly 1 million.

Not all firearm purchases result in the FBI conducting a NICS background check, either. Twenty-five states currently have at least one qualified alternative that, under the Brady Act, allows a current permit holder—who has already undergone the background check—to purchase a firearm without undergoing the redundant process.

“The year-to-date total of 17.2 million background checks shatters the previous annual record of 15.7 million background checks set in 2016,” the NSSF press release states. “Two months of sales remain, traditionally among the busiest of the year.” SAAF Chief Economist estimates gun purchases are closer to 18.6 million for the year, but notes an interesting trend. “Handguns continue to outsell long-guns, but at a continuously declining rate since June of this year,” he said. “In June, the rate was 2.2 handguns per long-gun; in October, it was 1.4 handguns per long-gun.”

One American Rifleman contributor visited a big-box sporting goods store last weekend and speculates that may change as inventory returns to normal. Seven glassed-handgun cases that would usually have dozens on display had only three occupants on Saturday—a solitary 9 mm semi-auto and a pair of single-action revolvers. There were at least two dozen shotguns and rifles on the wall, however.

FFLs have noted a significant increase in first-time owners throughout the year, and results from a poll conducted by the University of Texas at Tyler and The Dallas Morning News confirm their observations. The study, released in late September, found that more than half of the guns purchased between May 28 and Sept. 2 were purchased by people who had never owned one before.

Latest

Sellmark Ranch Entrance
Sellmark Ranch Entrance

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Tips & Techniques: DIY Fire Bluing

Is there anything prettier than fire bluing? This bright, “peacock” blue color is one of the world’s oldest firearm finishes and can be found on guns dating back as early as the 16th century and is still used on some of today’s high-end custom arms.

Rifleman Q&A: Eddystone Bayonets

"I recently started collecting World War I U.S. military firearms. I want to obtain a Model 1917 rifle made by each contractor—Winchester, Remington and Eddystone—along with bayonets for each. However, I can only locate bayonets made by Winchester and Remington. Why are bayonets made by Eddystone so hard to find?"

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.