2020 Gun Sales Have Likely Surpassed All of 2019

by
posted on August 27, 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. **
background-checks.jpg (1)

The number of new guns purchased in 2020 likely passed the total for 2019 sometime this month. August volume won’t be available for at least another week, although after Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) Chief Economist Jurgen Brauer said in a press release earlier this month—after analyzing July’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) volume—“Our estimates suggest that the market for the first seven months of 2020 now has nearly matched that of the entire year of 2019.”

The FBI processed 3,639,224 NICS checks in July, the third highest on record. Only June and March of this year have experienced a heavier monthly volume in the entire history of the system. After subtracting administrative use, last month’s figure represents roughly 2 million firearm purchases.

Self-defense continues to be the top priority. Records checks related to the purchase of a handgun totaled 1,120,768. Only half of that number were associated with long guns—shotguns and rifles. 

Every month in 2020 has experienced an increase in firearm sales when compared to the same periods in 2019, Retailer surveys indicate 40 percent of this year’s purchases were made by first-time buyers, another key factor contributing to the current strain on the ammunition supply chain. Veteran enthusiasts likely have at least a modest cartridge inventory at home if they select an identically chambered gun, unlike those exercising their Second Amendment rights for the first time.

In many areas of the country a NICS background check is not required when the new owner has undergone the additional clearances to secure a carry permit. With nearly 19 million law-abiding citizens currently holding a valid CCW nationwide, the number of firearms sold so far this year may be far greater than reflected by the FBI’s monthly reports.

Latest

MDT LSS Gen3 Chassis
MDT LSS Gen3 Chassis

First Look: New LSS Gen3 Chassis Models From MDT

MDT’s modular chassis system expands to include new rifle actions.

IMNHO: An Important Discovery?

Although chilly, it was the first decent day after two weeks of brutal cold. When I arrived at the range in the early afternoon, every bench was occupied. Seeing me, one guy in the middle of the line said he was leaving. Once it was clear, I grabbed the bench and started unloading my gear.

First Look: Rost Martin RM1C Hiviz Upgrade

A new front-sight option for a popular defensive pistol.

Fit to Fight

Putting in the work means more than just on the range.

First Look: Magpul MOE QD M-Lok Bipod

A quick-detach polymer bipod built to use Magpul's M-Lok system.

The Iconic Commander

Even great military service pistols go though a form of evolution.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.