Gun sales surge 15%, driven by self-protection and Pelosi-Schumer demand for limits

washingtonexaminer.com ^ | Sept. 10, 2019 | Paul Bedard

[PROCON]

The leading indicator of gun sales jumped in August, driven in part by Americans seeking self-protection and deep concerns congressional Democrats are going to push through expanded gun control legislation.

The overall number of background checks recorded in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System surged 15.5%, said the National Shooting Sports Foundation. That figure includes background checks done for security, concealed carry permits, and gun sales and was the highest August number ever recorded.

The industry group said that August FBI background checks adjusted for sales surged 15.2% over August 2018. The adjusted August number was second only to August 2016 during the heated presidential election.

The new surge came in the wake of heightened pressure for gun control, sales bans on military-styled rifles, and limits on ammo following a spike in mass shootings.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday demanded Senate passage of a House-approved background check expansion. The White House, however, is focused on mental health drivers in shootings.

[Charles Martel]

Thanks. Is there a way to inspect the rifle for “damage?”

It depends on the design. Overpressure from a too-short chamber usually shows itself by popping primers out, or causing primers to "flatten" against the bolt face. If you've never noticed anything of the sort, you're probably in a safe operating pressure range for your rifle. A gunsmith would probably check the headspace and carefully examine the locking surfaces of the receiver and bolt for flattening and cracks (magnafluxing and such).

[dhs12345]

Thanks. I have been doing it for years but will experiment the next time I am at a range.

[Charles Martel]

One other thing, if you want some peace of mind: The vendor I linked upthread (m-guns) also has a .223/5.56 chamber gage. Basically, you ink the outside of it with a sharpie, then stick it in the (clean) chamber until it stops, then rotate it a bit before observing how easy it is to remove. The snugness of the fit plus markings where the sharpie ink is scraped off should tell you whether the chamber is okay for mil-spec ammo. Most headspace gages usually run around $30, so his $50 price on this specialized tool isn’t out of line.

[dhs12345]

Thanks. My old 223 is probably not a great weapon although it has served me well over the years. Probably not good for extended periods of firing. It is probably a good time to get a newer, modern weapon, especially before they become illegal.

My concern is that there will be records of my purchases. I remember the promises of not keeping records of firearms purchases. You'd be a fool to think that records are not stored somewhere (especially electronically).

Guessing that it goes back to around 2000? So “they” will know who has them and who doesn't when the time comes (and which homes to send the police and national guard to).

I am deeply saddened by having to say this. But the Democrats are now very open about eliminating the 2nd Amendment and all private ownership of firearms. It is all justified by the mantra of saving lives. Liberal used to mean “libertarian” but now liberal Democrats want to establish authoritarian rule over us.

Also, it is reasonable to think that “people” are reading FR and noting our conversations. Everything we write here is completely visible to the rest of the world. So be cautious in what your write.

Anyway, that is why we must “defend the US Constitution” and this should be our rallying cry. Defending the US Constitution will give our cause righteous legitimacy. May God Bless America.