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FBI reports gun background checks increasing again

FBI reports gun background checks increasing again

,   and  ASMedia
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FBI reports gun background checks increasing again
FBI reports gun background checks increasing again

Updated Article:

Gun Background Checks on the Rise Again, Says FBI

The FBI reported a steep rise in gun background checks last Wednesday, with a total of 2,145,865 background checks conducted in April. Despite this month marking the slowest growth rate of the year, there was still a 25% increase compared to April 2015.

This growth in background checks follows an upward trend seen since 2015, outpacing the number of requests in 2015, which marked a record high. With the current pace continuing, it's likely that 2016 will surpass the previous year's record.

While some interpret this April slump as a symptom of the economic downturn, it's still considered a cyclical phenomenon rather than an indicator of the end of the firearm boom. Since the FBI began conducting background checks in 1998, April has always been the slowest month, with this trend extending into the summer. However, the pace picks up during autumn.

Background checks may not equate directly to firearm sales, though they can serve as a proxy. The FBI conducts background checks for any firearms purchased from licensed dealers. A single check often covers multiple firearm purchases, and not all sales are made through federally authorized dealers.

However, one thing is clear: FBI background check data suggest an upward trend in firearm sales.

This surge in background checks started in December 2012 in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, where 26 children and teachers were murdered. Several mass shootings have precipitated spikes in firearm sales and background checks, fueled by public's desire to protect themselves and apprehensions of stricter gun control measures.

Two prominent American firearm manufacturers, Sturm Ruger (RGR) and Smith & Wesson (SWHC), have reported a doubling in revenue this year.

An X-shaped logo on the roof of X headquarters in San Francisco, California.

Additional Reading:

The FBI reports that a significant increase in gun background checks occurred since April, despite a weaker growth rate compared to previous years. This trend persists since 2015, signaling a stronger demand for firearms in commercial transactions.

The increasing demand for firearms is evident in the financial performance of prominent gun manufacturers, such as Sturm Ruger, which saw a 26% revenue surge this year.

Source: Edition.CNN.com

Enrichment Insights:

The surge in gun background checks and firearm sales since 2015 can be attributed to various factors:

Factors:

  1. COVID-19 Pandemic:
  2. Fear of increased crime and personal safety concerns during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the surge in gun sales, sparking record-breaking background checks in 2020 (39.7 million) compared to 2019's previous record (28.3 million)[3].
  3. Changes in Legislation and Policy:
  4. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed in June 2022, expanded background checks for potential gun buyers under 21 and funded intervention programs and red flag laws[3].
  5. Executive orders and policies aimed at reducing gun violence, such as President Joe Biden's March 2023 order, have also contributed to the rise in background checks[3].
  6. Safety Concerns and Gun Rights Debates:
  7. Public debates about gun rights and gun violence remain ongoing, leading to increased awareness and concerns, resulting in more people buying firearms for self-defense[2][3].

Impact:

  1. Increased Gun Sales:
  2. The surge in background checks directly correlates with an increase in firearm sales, as reported by the FBI with the second-highest number of gun sales in one month occurring in March 2020[3].
  3. Market Trends and Industry Growth:
  4. The expanding firearm market signals opportunities for the industry, resulting in profitability and growth for leading gun manufacturers.
  5. Public Safety and Crime Rates:
  6. While the increase in gun sales may be a result of safety concerns, it raises questions about the potential impact on crime rates and public safety. Some argue that increased access to firearms could lead to higher gun-related crime, while others maintain it is a necessary measure for self-defense[2][3].
  7. Regulatory Challenges and Compliance:
  8. With stricter gun control measures, manufacturers and retailers face additional costs and complexities in regulatory compliance, which may affect the industry's growth and profitability[1].

In summary, the factors contributing to the increasing gun background checks and firearm sales since 2015 include the COVID-19 pandemic, gun legislation changes, and ongoing debates about public safety and gun rights. The consequences range from increased gun sales and industry growth to public safety concerns and regulatory challenges.

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