Figures from gun sales and National Instant Background Check System (NICS) system checks last month proved that the people are opening their wallets and purses for everything from sport shooting to self-defense. Reported gun sales have topped 1 million for 52 consecutive months.
Gun sales totaled about 1.56 million for the month, reaching the third-highest total for November in history.
These important figures are reported through the National Shooting Sports Foundation
NICS checks reached 2.65 million, the fourth highest for the same month. These checks will differ from gun sales because they are used for various purposes and more than one weapon may be purchased through a single check.
All the hand-wringing and political posturing of anti-gun radicals is having no effect on the buying public.
In comparison with recent years, November of 2021 saw 1.51 million gun sales while the same month in 2022 registered 1.49 million. 2022 also saw American firearms sales top an estimated 15 million.
So far in 2023 there have been 13.57 million guns sold in the U.S., according to NICS figures. Look for that number to increase somewhat in 2024 due to an interesting anomaly.
Sales trends show that gun purchases tick upward during presidential election years. And 2024 promises to be yet another contentious season.
One factor in play with the continued strength of gun sales is the relatively low cost of the product. Inflation that has ripped through the economy and caused staple items to skyrocket has not greatly affected the firearms industry. It is still very possible to purchase quality weapons at costs like years gone by.
With any good fortune that trend will remain the same.
A shortage of gunpowder is expected next year, leading to the likelihood of a rise in the cost of ammunition. But gun sales should remain strong, signaling the health of the essential industry.