Coronavirus prompting surge in gun sales, ammunition shortage, online firearm retailer says
Gun sales have rocketed 90% since March, according to Brownells, Inc.
The coronavirus pandemic has sparked a sharp increase in gun sales to the extent that there’s now a supply shortage in ammunition, Brownells, Inc. co-chairman Pete Brownell told FOX Business’ “Varney & Co.”
Brownell said the industry recorded a 90% spike in firearm sales since mid-March, which continues to surge especially in urban areas. Ammo sales have increased by 30%.
“We could receive truckloads of nine-millimeter [and] we can sell it in hours where it used to take weeks – weeks to a month,” he said.
THIS YEAR'S GUN SALES HAVE ALREADY OUTPACED 2019'S TOTAL, RESEARCH SHOWS
A man looks at cases of firearms in the halls of the Indianapolis Convention Center. April 25, 2019. (AP Photo/Lisa Marie Pane, File)
According to Brownell, the surge will most likely continue through mid-2021 due to coronavirus uncertainty, the ongoing protests over racial injustice and the upcoming presidential election.
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“This 'defund the police' movement is driving people to worry about personal security,” he said. “And it's still going to have a demand that’s going to outstrip supply."
Consumers have been most frequently purchasing personal protection pistols, Brownell said, followed by personal protection shotguns and AR-15s.