February Sees 79 Percent Increase In Sales Over 2020

by
posted on March 9, 2021
feb-gun-sales.jpg

The number of firearms purchased in February was up 10 percent compared to the same month in 2020, according to estimates from Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF)—based on the number of FBI NICS background checks conducted. However, the scalding pace of sales growth shows signs of stabilizing.

“While the February 2021 number of nearly 1.5 million firearms sold is large, nonetheless it is smaller than for February 2013 (1.7 million) and February 2016 (1.6 million) even as the Biden Administration formally announced last month that it would start reconsidering federal firearms-related legislation,” SAAF chief economist Jurgen Brauer said in a press release issued this week.

By comparison, SAAF estimates January’s sales figures came in at 2.2 million. That represents a 79-percent increase over January 2020.

It’s unlikely this month’s numbers will show a year-over-year improvement, though. It was March of last year when the pace of gun sales first reached record-setting proportions, just as the public began to recognize the catastrophic nature of the pandemic and need for heightened self-defense. Purchases that month came in at a staggering 2,583,238, which represented a 94 percent year-over-year increase.

Inventory strained after the initial rush, followed by a second in June, and never fully recovered in a year that saw between 21 and 23 million sold. Those figures don’t even include private transactions and purchases made by holders of a valid carry permit in regions where a redundant NICS check is not required.

Roughly 40 percent of firearms sold in 2020 went home with first-time owners, according to estimates from the National Shooting Sports Foundation. They also needed to purchase ammunition to gain experience with their guns, as well as attend classes.

A cartridge and component shortage followed and grew to historic proportions by December. Supply lines continue to struggle to this day, although if there’s any good news in firearm sales stabilizing at a more reasonable growth rate it’s the fact enthusiasts may find more ammo available soon, and gun manufacturers may finally catch up with demand.  

 

Latest

Model 1841 Mississippi rifle closeup right-side view sidelock hammer brass trigger guard wood stock AMERICAN RIFLEMAN text bottom right
Model 1841 Mississippi rifle closeup right-side view sidelock hammer brass trigger guard wood stock AMERICAN RIFLEMAN text bottom right

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle

Of all the U.S. military arms of the mid-19th century, one of the most interesting, effective and well-built was the Model 1841 rifle, often called simply the "Mississippi rifle."

New For 2025: Springfield Armory 2020 Heatseeker

A new Model 2020 rifle from Springfield Armory, the Heatseeker, will come wrapped in an aluminum Coyote Brown-colored chassis from Sharps Brothers featuring M-Lok modularity and more.

I Have This Old Gun: Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog

Many eagle-eyed NRA members viewing the 1993 Western “Tombstone” no doubt recognized the Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog so deftly welded by actress Joanna Pacula, portraying Big Nose Kate, during a contemptuous card game between Doc Holliday and Ed Bailey.

Medal Of Honor Marine Receives Henry Repeating Arms Tribute

Henry Repeating Arms presented a Spirit of the Corps 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition rifle to Maj. Gen. Livingston for going above and beyond the call of duty on May 2, 1968, during the Battle of Dai Do in Vietnam.

Preview: Duramag 1911 DS Magazines

Duramag’s 1911 DS Magazines are compatible with numerous 9 mm Luger-chambered 2011-style handguns on the market.

Colt Monitor: The FBI’s “Fighting Rifle”

In the years between the World Wars, a rare variation of the Browning Automatic Rifle proved its reputation as an effective, devastating automatic rifle for combat between the country’s lawmen and its outlaws.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.