Posted on 11/23/2023 7:24:06 AM PST by Twotone
The total of privately owned guns in the United States is estimated to have passed 500 million after gun sales for the month of October were the third-highest on record.
A year-over-year increase in gun sales for October 2023 signaled a new landmark for private gun sales in the United States. Ammoland reported approximately 1.33 million firearm sales, an 8.3% increase from October 2022, which has pushed the total number of privately owned guns in the country over the 500 million mark.
As well, October 2023 was the third-highest October on record in terms of gun sales.
Sales for 2023 have surpassed 12 million, and after correcting for resales, the number of total new purchases comes to about 10.4 million firearms. With an estimated 490 million firearms in possession at the end of 2022, this pushes private ownership past the half-billion mark. Sign up for the Blaze newsletter By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.
The data comes from the FBI's National Instant Background Check System that saw roughly 2.26 million background checks in October 2023.
However, background checks do not equal the number of guns sold. Many more checks are done than sales, and one check can be used to sell multiple guns, as well.
Gun sales reportedly spiked after both the Hamas attack on Israel and the mass shooting in Maine.
"We are seeing a spike in sales of concealed carry handguns, as well as tactical shotguns and AR-15s; very similar to what happened during COVID, but on a smaller scale," said Justin Anderson, marketing director for Hyatt Guns of Charlotte, North Carolina.
"We expect this bubble to continue to grow, along with our regular bump in sales going into the holidays," he added, according to the Washington Examiner.
Firearm sales have exceeded one million per month for over four years, Ammoland noted. The number of privately owned firearms has also nearly doubled since 1996.
Personal protection has historically been the reason Americans give for owning guns, with a Gallup poll from 2013 showcasing that as the top reason at a response rate of 60%. Hunting was second at 36%, while recreation or sport was third at 13%.
I suspect more firearms will be purchased over the next few weeks as Christmas gifts. Also, many firearms stores have end of the year inventory sales where some good deals are to be found. Our area’s oldest gun store has a great sale every year during the week after Christmas that many look forward to each year. The only problem is that you can’t find a parking spot and can barely get in the door or walk through the aisles it is so crowded during that event.
People are not going to give up their guns. In fact, many are adding to their collection while they still can.
That are the ones they know about! It wasn't until recently the feds started rapid background checks. There was a time you could order one from a Sears or Wards catalog!
because of that there could be almost Twice that many out there!
I got three of them. Cleaned, oiled, and ready to go.
I bought a revolver last month. I was 297 in line for the check. Had to go back the next day to pick it up.
ME TOO........lost ALL of mine on the lake , headed to the camp.
I’d bet mostly Jewish folks, and it would be smart of em, if it was!!
If 500 million firearms in the hands of American citizens was the threat the gun control advocates claim, ever single American city, of any size, would be seeing a huge amount gun violence carnage in the streets everyday. The fact that the vast majority of those 500 million firearms are not involved in crime or gun violance says the “more gun control” advocates are just plain wrong.
Not that I would EVER recommend making your own untraceable firearms there are some FANTASTIC Black Friday deals at CBC Precision, Thunder Tactical, and Polymer 80. But don’t do that because the government needs to know which citizens have firearms for our own protection. Even Joe Biden says they should be illegal.
Dims are the worlds best firearm salesmen!
The number of firearms in private hands in America IS NOT KNOWABLE. Anyone who offers a precise number IS LYING.
That was before 1968. I remember it quite well.
The estimate of the number of privately owned guns is not from background checks. It is from the number of guns manufactured in the USA, plus imports, minus exports. Those numbers have been reported since 1946, with reasonable estimates going back to 1900.
Privately made guns are not included. Guns sold as surplus from government stocks are not included. Guns smuggled into the USA are not included, nor are guns smuggled out of the USA subtracted.
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