CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A new report shows gun sales are hitting a new record this year with millions of Americans buying firearms for the first time in 2020.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) said gun sales are at the highest they’ve ever been in the United States. They cite the pandemic, the Presidential election and protests against police brutality as reasons for the increase.
The NSSF reports 17.2 million background checks were completed this year, compared to 15.7 million in 2016 when the record was last set.
Daniel Garcia, general manager of the Sharp Shooter in Corpus Christi, said he’s seeing the same trend.
He says he expects gun shops will see higher demand in November and December because of the holidays, deer season and some current events.
"But being election year and everything else, it is kind of a perfect storm really,” Garcia said.
At his store, Garcia said there’s been a high demand recently for firearms and ammunition because of the holidays and elections and as people are buying more guns, customers said it’s been difficult to find an important item.
"Most places are out of stock on mike calibers and Walmart had pulled all of their weapons and ammo from the shelves,” customer Roy Metcalf said.
Other gun enthusiasts are being told to travel out of town to pick up that equipment.
"They're telling me probably go to San Antonio and try to branch out of Corpus (because) it's a shortage,” said customer Cheyenne Southerland.
Garcia had an important tip for those who are buying a gun.
“The biggest thing is, if you get a firearm learn how to use it properly,” he said.
