As of the beginning of November, gun sales are on the rise for the sixth month in a row nationwide. Nearly 2 million background checks for firearm purchases were processed by the FBI in October alone. If the trend continues, analysts say the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) will be on track to process the most firearm-related background checks ever in a single year. The current record was set in 2013. Sales figures started out strong at the beginning of the year, and have accelerated further since May.
The consistently strong sales have also contributed to a renewed interest among investors in the firearm industry. Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. stock, for example, has nearly doubled in value this year. Manufacturers that specialize in compact self-defense weapons have become especially attractive to many investors.
So why the sudden and significant uptick in sales since last year?
Industry experts are attributing the surge in sales to a number of factors. On the one hand, geopolitical unrest overseas and a series of campus shootings at home have caused renewed concerns about self-defense among many Americans. Still others are taking preemptive measures in case firearm legislation becomes more heavily restrictive in the future. In addition to these considerations, gun manufacturers have also succeeded in reaching into previously untapped markets such as women and millennials in recent years.
The FBI’s report on background checks does note that there’s not necessarily a one-to-one correlation between sales and background checks as these regulations vary between jurisdictions. Nonetheless, such a huge right in background checks is indicative of a statically significant rise in sales as well.
Jake
nice contest
samuel groves
yes
Jose
I have not bought a gun in the past four years. If it were up to me, I would purchase a new gun every year.
John
Haven’t bought a gun in the last year, but I have a couple on my hit list. Looking to pull the trigger (pun intended) pretty soon though – maybe spend a little tax refund.
mark wagner
I have a added to these numbers – 4 firearms purchased this year.
Rose Reeder
No but looked at lots but since have old one and medical bills were high just had to be satisfied until can afford. Love to have new one though.
Brett Stouffer
Nice article
Eric
It is good that gun sales are soaring. When will the politicians voting against our rights realize that they are all wrong and that they are creating a society of victims.
Tom
I bought one!
Drew Dilly
Bought two in past 12 months. Get ’em now – they won’t get any less expensive.
Shawn Johnson
I haven’t bought a gun in a while. Doesn’t mean I haven’t wanted to.
Chuck Werninger
Haven’t bought a gun in a while but expect I’ll buy a couple more this year.
Rick
Gun sales are up because of fear, fear of government, fear of tyranny, fear of unAmericans who don’t agree with our law that we NEED to be armed to protect ourselves from them.
The last time we were under martial law and tyranny gun control became the main issue. That ended in revolution.
Anyone who knows history realizes that all oppressed countries today would not be that way if not for gun control. Most violence occurs in gun free zones. If you are protected, can defend yourself, the chance of an encounter is diminished considerably.
It happened here on 19 April 1775, smart citizens know this and will not allow it to occur again.
Gun sales can equal freedom if used properly.
david spencer
tellin like it is
Wade Page
I haven’t bought one in the last year or so, but the reason for the increased sales, is an increased awareness in the ever increasing corruption of our government.
Fred
If the threat of Obama getting elected kicked off gun sales in 2007, just think about what the threat of Hillary will do.
Sellers
It is not how many firearms you have, but how well you can use the ones you have.
Eric Russow
I just purchased a 10/22 My first rifle. I have already bought a 25 round and a 50 round magazine, Now I just need a bump fire system, and I will be ready to go!
Zechariah
Not surprising. We often see an uptick before the presidential elections.
Justin
I purchased at least 2 or 3 last year.
Mike Murphy
People are afraid that the Feds are going to ban guns and they don’t want to left defenseless.
Mike B
I may be purchasing another this year.
Rafael
After not having any guns I now own 3 pistols 1 shotgun. It seems that criminals are more aggressive and they come in packs.
John Forsythe
Any time people are uncertain, they feel the need for more protection!
Jason
I haven’t bought one in the past year, but it’s not for lack of desire.
Frances
It’s not surprising to me that people are buying, but I’m not one of them.
stephen
With the Supreme Court being one liberal justice away from dumping the 2nd amendment, stock up now.
John
I’d love to say that I have, but life has required finances to be put into more important things. For now, my 5 year old Ruger 22/45 will be my only firearm.
Brett Paschen
As long as certain politicians are against 2nd amendment rights gun sales will continue to rise.
X-Ring
Sweet prize here. Thanks, guys!
Stephen Hamm
Great prizes. People better be getting ready to protect themselves.
T. Smith
Constant growth in youth population and those interested in guns.
tom reynolds
i purchased 1 gun last year and plan to buy several this year. I have been saving up to stock up.
Scott Swanson
Government and elected officials are responsible for the uptick in gun sales. We the people fear tyranny and Government who are misguided and whose agenda doesnt qualify as American.
Bob
Yep. Got my first handgun.
Andrew Hall
I just purchased my first handgun 1 month ago.
Walker Jamar
Purchases are up as people become more afraid of future gun restrictions, and also as they become more away of the violence they might have to protect themselves against.
Angelica
Of course I’ve purchased a gun in the last year, I’d be cold and dead if I didn’t get at least one new one a year!
louis villanueva
obama has make gun sales go up now think what would happen if Hillory become president!!
justin
Nothing last year but am planning on adding 2 to my collection this year