Mid-2020 Gun Sales Eclipse All of 2019 Sales

by
posted on August 13, 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. **
more-than-2-million-sold-in-july.jpg

Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) Chief Economist Jurgen Brauer analyzed July’s NICS figures and put this year’s gun sales pace into startling perspective earlier this week. “Our estimates suggest that the market for the first seven months of 2020 now has nearly matched that of the entire year of 2019,” he said in a press release issued on Monday.

Last month’s sales came in at 2 million, according to the SAAF estimate. Numbers from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) came in at a more conservative 1.85 million. Both organizations, however, concur the figures reflect a doubling of firearm-purchase-related use of the FBI’s NICS background check system when compared to that of July 2019.

Handgun sales, according to SAAF, lead the charge with 1.2 million sold last month. Rifles and shotguns came in at 600,000 and firearms falling into the “other” category added 160,000 to the record-setting pace.

Firearm sales have increased every month in 2020, continuing a trend that began in mid-2019. Manufacturers and retailers are finding it a challenge to keep inventory stocked, along with accessories and ammunition during the unprecedented demand.

Even qualified workers have become a relative scarcity as customers line up at gun counters nationwide. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s announced two weeks ago it was increasing starting salaries for some positions and hiring 5,000 personnel for a variety of job descriptions—including in the hunting department, where the chain offers firearms and related gear.

The NICS system figures reported by the FBI each month include carry permit processing and other administrative use, however, which render the numbers an estimate. Even then, half the states don’t require citizens with a current CCW to undergo the redundant background check and multiple firearm sales—regardless of the number of guns being purchased—are recorded as a single transaction. Private transfers, conducted in regions where a NICS check is not required, are also not reflected.

Latest

Trend Summer Ending
Trend Summer Ending

Numerous Companies Offering Firearm, Ammo Rebates This Fall

Now that summer 2025 is drawing to a close, we'd like to welcome in the rebate season, and this year's specials are hard to ignore!

Preview: North American Arms Sentinel

The Sentinel from North American Arms combines the aesthetic and .22 WMR chambering of the Pug with the Sidewinder’s frame-mounted swing-out cylinder (to the right side, mind you) and far simpler reloading process.

New For 2025: Chiappa Big Badger

Chiappa's Little Badger has long been a popular, affordable, break-action survival rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Now, the design has been upsized into the Big Badger, available in several centerfire chamberings.

Preview: Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit

The U.S.G.I. canteen and cup are classic pieces of kit due to their efficient design and durable construction, and they are practically updated in the Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit.

Gun Of The Week: Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR

On this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the latest version of one of the most popular bolt-action rifle platforms out there. This is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 29, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.