Gun and Ammo Sales Spike Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

“This is only the second time in my 61 years of business that we’ve seen anything like this,” said one gun shop owner.

As the coronavirus pandemic causes worldwide event cancellations and basic supply shortages, Americans are also stocking up on firearms and ammunition. 

Demand for bullets has been especially high. The LA Los Angeles Times reports that Ammo.com has seen a 68 percent increase in transactions from late February to early March. 

“We know certain things impact ammo sales, mostly political events or economic instability when people feel their rights may end up infringed, but this is our first experience with a virus leading to such a boost in sales,” said company marketing manager Alex Horsman.

Meanwhile, viral photos that were shared by multiple Twitter accounts show a long line formed outside of Martin Retting Guns in LA’s Culver City. 

https://twitter.com/sheikhajlouni/status/1240214888066277376

Gun-related purchases haven’t just surged California, New York, Washington and other states hit hard by the coronavirus, but in less-impacted areas as well. 

Speaking to the Guardian, Larry Hyatt, owner of Hyatt Guns in Charlotte, North Carolina said that sales have been unprecedented. “This is only the second time in my 61 years of business that we’ve seen anything like this,” he said of what the store bills as “America’s largest gun shop.”

USA Today contacted 62-year-old Greg Reynders, who bought the maximum 250 rounds of ammunition that a St. Louis range would allow. 

“They were completely out of the cheaper bulk ammunition,” Reynders said, adding that he also bought a 9mm pistol to protect himself from those who might try to steal provisions.

“The irony of it all is that it’s my Democrat friends reaching out to me now asking me which guns they should buy just in case… in particular which ARs,” Donald Trump Jr. tweeted over the weekend. “You don’t need it, till you need it.”

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