Fear & Loading: 2018 Gun Purchases Down 6.1 Percent

by
posted on January 31, 2019
** 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. **
gunssales_2.jpg

The FBI posted December’s NICS figures on Tuesday—delayed due to the partial Federal shutdown—and Reuters is reporting gun sales nationwide for 2018 were down 6.1 percent from 2017. The news service cites the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s calculations after subtracting background checks for carry permits and renewals, as well as other administrative uses.

In all, 2,517,286 NICS background checks were conducted in December. More than a million of those were associated with concealed-carry permit applications or renewals. The unadjusted figure puts December as fifth highest on record for the month, behind 2015, 2016, 2012 and 2017 (in descending order).

The Reuters story indicates the NSSF calculations put new gun sales for 2018 at a total of 13.1 million. In 2016, firearms purchases are estimated to have been at a high-water mark of 15.7 million, followed by a drop in 2017 with roughly 14 million.

December’s figures indicate handguns outsold long guns by a margin of 712,365 to 640,496. Transactions in which two or more firearms were purchased totaled 23,723. Texas led all other states with a total of 119,479 single, new gun purchases and another 3,138 multiple firearm sales.

The “new norm” in gun sales was reflected in the 58,000 who attended last week’s SHOT Show, down from the crowd of 2017 at 65,000 and last year’s 60,000. The industry, however, remains strong, a fact reinforced by the record number of 2,400 businesses with a booth or floor space somewhere along the 12.5 miles of aisles.

The annual event covered 692,000 square feet in the Sands Expo Center, where it has now been held for 10 years. Demand to get into the trade show is so brisk that this year 230 companies waiting to get a space took part in a special Pop-Up Preview that let attendees glimpse their wares. Next year’s SHOT Show is Jan. 21-24 in the same Las Vegas, Nev., location, but it will expand to include portions of the MGM Grand Conference Center.

Latest

Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main
Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main

Guns Of The U.S. Tankers In World War II

Since the end of World War II, debates have raged about the effectiveness of American armored fighting vehicles in that conflict. Despite all the Monday morning armored quarterbacking, American AFVs were war-winners, driven to victory by some the finest fighting men our nation has ever produced.

MidwayUSA Foundation Awards Over $14 Million In Cash Grants In 2025

In honor of National Shooting Sports Month—held annually in August—along with the growing popularity of the sport with new participants, MidwayUSA Foundation announced it has distributed more than $14.2 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports in 2025.

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.