![gunsalessurge.PNG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/queenmountain/3PuTuudR-gun-sales-surge.PNG)

Coronavirus stopped the world and closed the shops. Apparently, not all of them. Luckily for many of us, gun stores became essential business among shops that can stay open during this pandemic.

I have found a great source of valuable information at [Minuteman Review](https://www.minutemanreview.com/unprecedented-surge-in-us-gun-sales-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/) and they gave me permission to post this information.

They have created an amazing infographic that you can find here at: 
https://infogram.com/revealed-the-true-story-behind-the-unprecedented-surge-in-us-gun-sales-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-1h0n251lqqde6pe

Here is a synopsis of their infographic. I recommend heading over there and checking it out!

The Coronavirus began to spread in the US in February 2020. Since mid-February, gun sales in the US have risen dramatically. While Americans do have a history of buying more firearms in times of uncertainty or when they think their rights to purchase or own are going to be taken away.

Political events, like when democratic presidents are elected, or when there’s economic uncertainty, guns sales usually go up. However, it’s rare to see them spike so much in light of a pandemic like this.

Luckily, gun stores have been deemed essential during all of the coronavirus shut downs. Thanks to pushback from gun groups and the federal government, 30 states have allowed their gun shops to reopen.

## A Rise in Numbers

#### February
Combined Number of Sold Guns in February 2019 - 1,157,094
Combined Number of Sold Guns in February 2020 - 1,357,643
Total Increase of Sold Guns in February - 17.33%

Gun sales have gone up 85% in the United States in March 2020 over March 2019.

Gun sales began to rise as early as February 2020, as word of the coronavirus pandemic began to spread. U.S. states and territories have seen a rise in gun sales over this time last year. 

Rhode Island has seen the biggest increase at 204%

Even the Virgin Islands has a 13% spike in gun sales, from 75 in March 2019 to 85 in March 2020. 

Sales of both handguns and long guns have gone up.

Handgun sales have risen by almost 20% more than long guns.

Gun shop owners are reporting that the increase in firearms sales includes mostly handguns and AK-/AR-style rifles, but that their customers are buying everything from firearms to ammo to accessories in larger numbers than before.

There has also been a spike in Asian-American purchasing of guns
Traditionally categorized as “other” in terms of tracking which races are buying guns, gun shop owners on the west coast have noted that the vast majority of purchasers in the last month have been of Asian descent.

Many Asian-Americans fear assault due to the origin of the virus
Some Asian-Americans have suffered bullying, racist comments, and harassment
The number of Asian-Americans who own guns is generally very low, causing even more fear of being seen as an easy target.

## March

Combined Number of Sold Guns in March 2019 - 1,394,018
Combined Number of Sold Guns in March 2020 - 2,583,238
Total Increase of Sold Guns in March - 85.31%

Background checks are up at both the federal and state level.

The FBI reported that the number of background checks is the highest it’s ever been, with 3.7 million being processed in March.

Local jurisdictions are seeing a rise in background checks as well, with police in Bellevue, Washington counting more than 100 checks in the first four days of March when they normally only process about 158 per month.

Despite sales rising, the increased demand for background checks could cause checks to begin taking weeks rather than being instant.

The FBI’s NICS is keeping up relatively well with the demand, but state level agencies are beginning to lag.

Federal law requires that gun sales are held for three business days when a check comes back marked as “delay.”

Background check delays will further delay gun sales.

Business days only count when state law enforcement offices are open, and many are closing due to the coronavirus situation.

Citizens can purchase more than one firearm in a single background check, so the number of firearms purchased is likely much higher than the number of background checks conducted.

Private citizens can buy from one another without a background check, so the FBI does not have a record of any of these transactions, meaning the likelihood is high of many more gun sales than are on record.

Some states allow those with conceal carry permits to buy firearms from shops without a background check, just another category of purchaser not on record at this time.

Data experts have extrapolated the number of background checks they can safely assume were not due to firearm sales, and the numbers are still alarmingly high.

Gun sales are the highest they’ve ever been since the FBI began collecting data in 1998.

The week of March 16 saw 1.2 million background checks, breaking every previous weekly record.

March 20 saw the highest purchase record to date, surpassing holiday shopping and Black Friday sales, with just over 210,000 background checks.


Handguns March 2019 - 802560
Long Guns March 2019 - 481355
Handguns March 2020 - 1534002
Long Guns March 2020 - 835663

Handgun Sales Difference - 91.14%
Long Gun Sales Difference - 73.61%

## The Reasons Why

Most gun shops notice a spike in sales due to several things including political events or economic instability, but they’ve never seen this kind of reaction to a virus before.

Increased gun sales are leading to a fear of gun dealers being out of what people need, leading to more panic buying. Many shops are surpassing their holiday rush and Black Friday sales.

Ammo.com reports ammo sales are increasing, too.

They show a 77% increase in website visits, a 222% increase in transactions, and a 309% increase in revenue from February 23 to March 15, 2020

In Delaware, sales rose 4529% in the first three weeks of March
Amid increased purchases, concern for the safety of children arises

With kids at home and more guns being purchased, experts agree people also need to be purchasing the appropriate storage solutions for their new firearms.

Most schools throughout the United States are closed for the remainder of the school year.

Starting on March 12, pallets of ammo were selling out minutes after they became available.

Day after day in many outlets saw record breaking ammo sales, even higher than the day before.

## Concern for everyone’s safety rises

Local gun stores are overwhelmed with business and can no longer hold safety and gun education classes. Many people buying guns are first time owners of a firearm.

It’s important that new gun owners educate themselves on how to operate the firearms they’re buying. You must also own a gun safe to keep your firearms secure.Stores being out of essentials has caused a lot of concern, leading citizens to turn to firearms.

![gunsalessurge2.PNG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/queenmountain/bEzcKlCw-gun-sales-surge-2.PNG)



People are also concerned about the lack of meat at the supermarket and are buying guns in the vent they may have to begin hunting. With a lack of toiletries and food in the local grocery store, people are worried about looting and want to protect themselves and their supply.

Government shutdowns, busy police departments, and economic turmoil have also spurred people to be more self-reliant.

It’s a simultaneous fear of the deterioration of government (police departments responding to fewer calls) and the growth of government (in which case citizens may be stripped of their rights to carry.

People also indicate they want to protect themselves against angry shoppers as tempers flare over the lack of essential items on shelves.

In many places, increased gun sales are due to police officers adhering to social distancing guidelines as well, meaning fewer traffic stops and unanswered calls.

People are now required to file reports over the phone or online
The presence of emergency personnel and people of authority is decreasing
It’s taking longer to respond to emergencies.

More and more people are commiting traffic violations and getting away with it.

An increased number of people fear that they will have to take the law into their own hands.

Police in some areas have even admitted to foregoing some arrests due to the pandemic.

## Reassurance for a New Normal

Manufacturers will soon catch up with demand. While many gun stores throughout the nation are out of stock, gun manufacturers are slowly responding to the demand.

Much like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as soon as the manufacturers can adjust, shelves will be filled more consistently once again
The ATF has issued new guidelines for the safe purchase of firearms, now allowing gun shops to have drive through and walk up service lanes.

Although U.S. sales still top the charts, even in Europe, where firearms restrictions are much tighter, gun sales are on the rise.

Hungary reports they’ve sold 5-10 times the number of firearms they usually sell since the coronavirus pandemic has deepened.

Gun shop owners in the Czech Republic have reported double digit increases in sales.

Canadian officials are also reporting an extreme surge in weapons sales amid the crisis.

## The Second Wave

**Why You Need a Gun Without the Panic**

A second wave of the coronavirus is expected this fall, amid flu season
The sad reality is that it will likely cause another lockdown and more widespread panic.

You can prepare now by purchasing a gun when the economy opens back up
You can avoid the panic of the second wave in the fall and you’ll already have what you need.

We can attribute most, if not all of the increase in gun sales in the U.S. and worldwide to panic. A greater number of people are panicking about many different things, all because of the coronavirus.

Decreases in both the availability of essential items and the presence of law enforcement in communities has led more and more people to worry about how they’ll protect their supplies and themselves.

Panic over the rise in gun sales and rushing out to get one right now only makes things worse. There are better ways to find what you need. Online gun sales are legal and you can do it all without leaving the house.

Handguns are a great choice for people who’ve never owned a gun before. They’re compact and anyone can learn to use one. While AR- and AK-style rifles are popular right now as well, they should only be purchased by someone familiar with how to use them.

You should buy a gun, but you shouldn’t panic. Instead, do your research and purchase what you need from the comfort of your own home. Stay safe by staying home and prepare for the future with the right firearm for you
Sources.

○  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/16/us-sales-guns-ammunition-soar-amid-coronavirus-panic-buying
○  https://www.thetrace.org/2020/03/coronavirus-gun-sales-washington-california-asian-americans/
○  https://www.thetrace.org/2020/04/coronavirus-gun-background-check-record-nics/
○  https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/19/business/coronavirus-gun-sales/index.html
○  https://www.dw.com/en/americans-stock-up-on-guns-and-ammo-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/a-53007612
○  https://freebeacon.com/issues/craziest-i-have-ever-seen-it-coronavirus-strains-gun-industry-background-check-system/
○  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/04/20/fact-check-gun-sales-rise-crime-falls-amid-pandemic/5162481002/
○  https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/gun-sales-rise-coronavirus-fears-trigger-personal-safety-concerns-n1161926
○  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52189349
○   https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/01/us-gun-purchases-coronavirus-record
○  http://www.rfi.fr/en/americas/20200326-gun-sales-surge-in-us-as-coronavirus-sparks-fears-and-chaos
○  https://www.newsweek.com/coronavirus-gun-sales-asian-california-washington-1491891

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