Posted on 03/10/2014 8:05:36 PM PDT by Red Steel
By NRA-ILA
The number of firearms manufactured in the U.S. for sale to American customers hit an all-time high in 2012, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) new Firearms Manufacturers and Export Report. American firearm manufacturers produced roughly 8.3 million firearms for sale in the U.S., a new record, up 33 percent from the 6.2 million produced for American customers in 2011.
The report shows not only that Americans valued firearms in 2012 more than ever before, but also that they particularly valued the kinds of firearms that gun control supporters have tried the hardest to get bannedhandguns and semi-automatic rifles.
Production of handguns rose 32 percent to four million in 2012, as compared to 2011, including a 36 percent increase in pistols and an 18 percent increase in revolvers. Production of the AR-15, the most popular rifle in America, more than doubled in 2012, to over 825,000, not counting the large numbers made by Remington, Bushmaster and Sturm, Ruger. Total rifle production rose 38 percent, to three million, while shotguns rose 18 percent to 900,000.
Weve been hearing for some time from those who want to ban guns that Americans arent interested in them anymore; that firearm ownership is on the decline. Like their fanciful notions that gun crime is somehow exploding or that concealed carry licensees are ticking time bombs, the numbers simply dont back up their claims.
The anti-gunners are going to need all the new math they can muster, because the 2012 report contains figures for only two months of the surge in firearm purchases that began with President Obamas reelection. Meanwhile, the FBIs NICS figures indicate that Americans bought even more firearms in 2013 than they did in 2012.
For those who support the Second Amendment and American manufacturing, these figures provide cause for celebration. For those still seeking to ban private possession of firearms, they may want to skip the champagne and head straight for the aspirin.
What? No auto ARs yet?
Where is the corresponding spike in gun violence?
Why are the prices of handguns higher than, say, rifled barrel shotguns?
Concealed carry
Whatta’bout AR-10s? AR-12s?
I do hope all the politicians nationwide are paying close attention to these numbers. Gun grabbing could be a career ending move.
ammo prices? ;>}
OK but just checking, isn’t this already one year old?
***the AR-15, the most popular rifle in America,***
And to think, back in 1976 you could not give an AR-15 away(except to me). They were considered an underpowered mouse gun, the gun magazines panned them as inaccurate and of no real use.
Then Mel Tappan began his survival series in GUNS AND AMMO and the world changed! Everyone wanted one! With the Iranian crisis and incompetent Jimmy Carter in office everyone realized they were really on their own in SHTF situations.
The article is wrong...the 2012 figures only count about 1/2 month of the post - Sandy Hook buying panic, not 2 months. Which makes 2012 that much more awesome and 2013 likely a complete barn-burner.
talk about having your plans backfire. Keep on trying to ban those guns liberals, Let’s see how many new firearms sales records you can break in 2014.
I purchased my new in the box Colt AR-15/SP-1 in 1976 for $280. Still have it 38 years later, plus a few other AR’s too.
“***the AR-15, the most popular rifle in America,***”
And what about all the AR’s made with 80% Lowers? Last year it took 6 months to get an unfinished lower
Walmart had Bushmaster ARs for 809.00 dollars....Was sooooo tempted.
People are making plans but I hope there will be enough ammo to support their plan. (I lost all mine in the lake)
I traded a PPK 32acp for one in 78 then sold it around 85 more then doubled my money.
Decent rifle but I like the later ones better.
I purchased my first AR in 1971. Wish I still had it. Dummy me.
Now I’ve owned more .223s of various styles than I can shake a cleaning rod at. Wish I had some of them back.
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