Firearm Sales Defy Economic Downturn

I’m sure it’s news to no one that the current economic outlook is weak, if not bleak. And all the forecasts I’ve seen don’t give much hope of a recovery to begin before this time next year. But despite the weak economy and slumping retail sales in virtually every other area, firearm sales continued to increase through the beginning of the new year, defying that trend and continuing the upswing that began after November’s election.

No one knows how long this run on the gun stores is going to last, but with millions of new guns being sold and new gun owners being created, I think we can expect plenty of work for gunsmiths well into the future. The actual statistics are quite interesting. Data from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) show background checks on the sale of firearms jumped 29 percent in January 2009 compared to January 08.

This increase followed a 24percent rise in December 08 and a 42-percent jump in November 08, when a record 1,529,635 background checks were performed.

As you know, FBI background checks are required under federal law for all individuals purchasing firearms from federally licensed retailers, and in most cases, a background check is an indication of an actual sale. "Since the election, sales of firearms’handguns and semi-automatic hunting and target rifles in particular’are fast outpacing inventories," said Steve Sanetti, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). "Americans are clearly concerned about their ability to purchase these products in an uncertain future.

NICS reported 1,213,885 checks in January, up from 942,556 in the same month a year ago. Last year in 2008, a total of almost 13 million background checks were conducted, which is nearly a 15percent increase from 2007. How 2009 will compare is anybody’s guess at this point, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see that figure jump to 17 million’and that represents a lot of work for gunsmiths. If you regularly read this column, you know I supported the Republican candidate John Mc Cain in the last election.

I still think he’s a great American patriot. But those other guys from the other party are clearly the better gun salesmen. God bless "em, I say. Need Some Extra Cash? If you would like to turn your gunsmithing ideas and expertise into cash (we pay pretty handsomely), I would like to discuss your article ideas with you. Contact me, Keith Lawrence, Editor, at: American Gunsmith, Merritt Island, FL 32954; voice fax Editor Keith Lawrence Technical