Many on the left proclaim the need for more Democratic elected officials as a means to reducing the number of guns in America.
Early evidence from the Biden administration, however, suggests his win in November’s election might end up having the opposite effect.
Official data likely undercounts increase
According to the Washington Examiner, firearms sales have hit new records, with FBI data showing that the number of background checks conducted last month represented an increase of about 60% compared to January 2020.
Such background checks are performed on individuals seeking to acquire a concealed carry permit or purchase guns. Even that figure, though, likely does not tell the entire story.
Paul Bedard wrote in the Examiner that the National Shooting Sports Foundation found the actual increase is likely more than 75%, citing an adjustment for background checks for just gun sales.
The writer went on to note that there are a variety of factors contributing to the increased gun sales, including uncertainty surrounding the ongoing public health crisis as well as the often violent protests that occurred across the country last year.
A major reason for the rush to acquire firearms is also likely the Biden administration’s vow to impose stricter gun restriction measures.
“The bubble is not bursting”
As a candidate, Joe Biden promised that he would “pursue legislation to regulation possession of existing assault weapons under the National Firearms Act.
The proposal would require those who own semiautomatic rifles to register them as well as pay a $200 fine, similar to the mandates imposed on machine gun owners.
Additionally, Biden pledged to limit the capacity of magazines available on the market, restrict the number of firearms individuals may purchase, and “prohibit all online sales of firearms, ammunition, kits, and gun parts.”
Justin Anderson, who serves as the marketing director for North Carolina-based Hyatt Guns, believes the incoming administration’s rhetoric has spurred gun sales.
“Uncertainty and fear have always driven gun sales, and we’re seeing many first-time gun buyers exercising their Second Amendment rights,” he said. “Last year’s sales were nearly double what we did in 2019, and the bubble is not bursting any time soon.”
The post Gun sales hit new high as Biden administration transitions into power: Report first appeared on Conservative Institute.
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