Gun and Ammo Purchases Continue to Increase Dramatically

by
posted on May 12, 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. **
gun-and-ammo-sales_lead.gif

Firearm sales continued their scalding pace in April. Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) estimated the total number of firearms sold through FFLs came in at 1,797,910. The figure represents a 71.3 percent increase when compared to April 2019.

Ammunition sales are brisk as well. Jacob Long, from online ammo retailer Wideners, told Shooting Illustrated in an e-mail that, “April 2020 orders were up 2.89x compared to April 2019. As a company, we’re seeing the biggest uptick in calibers like .223/5.56 and 9 mm ammo. We’ve also seen a big uptick in reloading bullets which is a focus of ours with 9 mm, .308 and .223 seeing the biggest increases as it looks like availability concerns have driven more people to reload their own ammunition.”

Last month’s firearm sales figures came in well below the 2,583,238 that SAAF estimated were sold in March, although April—with its tax-filing deadline—historically experiences a dip in sales volume. Bear in mind, too, that in some regions of the country people who hold a valid carry license are not required to undergo a background check when purchasing a firearm. Administrative use of FBI’s NICS system unrelated to firearm purchases further cloud the issue and render any reported figures only an estimate. The numbers are, however, considered a good barometer for the industry’s relative vitality when compared to previous quarters or years.  

For the past 12 months adjusted estimates of firearm sales have been higher than the previous year. Shelter-in-place orders and home-defense concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic have undoubtedly driven purchases to the new highwater marks, but the market first made its positive swing back in May 2019.

SAAF further dissected the numbers and noted nearly twice as many handguns were purchased than rifles and shotguns combined in April. The trend isn’t new, but the organization noted the gap between the two is wider than ever before.

Latest

Viktos Counteract 15 CCW Backpack
Viktos Counteract 15 CCW Backpack

First Look: Viktos Counteract 15 CCW Backpack

Built from the ground up for everyday carry.

Ruger Acquires Anderson Manufacturing

Ruger will integrate Anderson’s capabilities into its broader operations.

Review: Sunshine Safety Emergency Medical Gear

Because there's more than one way to be your own first responder.

First Look: CMMG Zeroed Suppressors

CMMG extends the Zeroed line of accessories into the world of suppressors.

First Look: 6.8 SPC II Uppers From Bear Creek Arsenal

BCA brings back a classic AR-15 round.

Concealed Carry Is A Lifestyle

Confidence breeds serenity. 

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.