The Effect of the Political Environment on Gun Sales

The fears that gun restrictions through legislation are almost solely responsible for this drastic spike in gun sales. The tragic mass shootings in recent years have created panic buying for many who only want to protect themselves and their family. They fear that new gun-control restrictions will take away this right. Gun manufacturers and retail gun store dealers share the belief that the policies set forth by President Obama are having a significant impact on gun sales. Mr. B.W. Ruttenbur, an analyst for a well-known financial service firm, believes that the President and his gun control policies play a role in the rush to obtain firearms before these policies become law.

Gun owners in most states are concerned about how the political climate in this country will affect them and who will be allowed to own a gun. A recent ruling by a federal appeals court in California ruled that local governments could control who has the right to carry a concealed firearm. This case was a victory for gun-control advocates. It does not interfere with the right to own a gun, which is a second amendment right but does limit who can carry a gun in public. This ruling could have far-reaching implications in other states as well.

Because of the terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, California, and Orlando, Florida, gun owners and prospective gun owners have developed an even greater fear of gun-buying restrictions in response to calls by Obama for stricter gun purchasing requirements. This fear that borders on panic accounts for the increase in recent background checks conducted by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). In July 2016, there were approximately two million checks performed. Even though this is a strong indicator of increased sales, it does not necessarily reflect actual sales. It does indicate that the current political environment is creating some first-time gun buyers and precipitating more purchases from current gun owners