A brief Perspective on the Current State of the Firearms Market

A Perspective on the Current State of the Firearms Market

Turn on the news or log onto social media and you’ll see a lot of conversations regarding firearms. Gun control and ownership are hot topics that everyone seems to have an opinion on. But what aren’t well covered during these debates are the facts regarding the firearms market or the positives gun ownership has on society. To really understand the issue regarding gun regulations, it helps to look at a much larger picture in regards to the current state of firearms in this country.

Firearm Sales are on the Rise 

During the past five years, the gun and ammo manufacturing industries have seen a lot of volatility; as well as a lot of growth. The civilian market is responsible for a lot of this growth. It’s easy to wonder why the sale of guns keeps going up despite growing sentiment that is frequently shown on the news.

Following landmark mass shootings such as at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in October 2017, the market sees a surge due to consumer concerns about stricter gun laws in anticipation of bans. The market also sees growth in exports, primarily due to rising geopolitical tensions and instability. Regardless of what you see on the news about gun control and whatever the legislatures may land on in terms of regulation, there’s one thing clear: the firearms market is as healthy as it has ever been and will likely expand in the years ahead.

Responsible Gun Owners Need to be Advocates

How can responsible gun owners calm the nerves of Americans with little regard for their second amendment rights? Explaining the positive ways that firearms help society is a good place to start:

• Law enforcement departments are often understaffed with personnel who are overworked. Even as officers diversify the equipment and firearms they take into the field, they can only do so much. Having ready access to a gun can often mean life or death to people where relying on emergency personnel to respond isn’t practical.
• Rural areas are seeing more threats from dangerous animals. Firearms are the best tool in these situations to protect family, pets, and livestock from predators that wander onto your property.
• The best deterrent against robbery, home invasion, and similar situations is to have a trained, knowledgeable firearm owner.

Being armed with these facts can help you demonstrate how responsible gun ownership works so that you can be a role model for gun carry rights and a positive voice in the industry.

The Growing Subculture of the Firearms Market

Unlike with other products, the firearms market isn’t limited to traditional storefronts. Passionate gun owners have made firearms a career. Gun trade shows are growing in numbers as interest is self-protection increases. A variety of products from handmade leather IWB holsters to rigs and other accessories have given many people a way to earn a living with products they’re passionate about.

Understanding Permits will Increase Sales

Where does all this leave the industry? As the firearms market gets more diverse and concerns about personal safety increase we will likely see sales go up, not down. This is particularly true because much of the gun conversation has focused on a different aspect – carry permits – instead of removing firearms completely.

How to obtain a carry permit can vary between states and jurisdictions. Anyone interested in getting a firearm needs to make sure they diligently research to find the best permit for their situation. This can help people understand the situations why carrying a gun is important, along with proper care and maintenance of firearms too. The more people educate themselves regarding proper gun usage and how to responsibly carry will only translate into better sales and a healthier firearms market in the future.

About the Author: Brian Claywell is a freelance writer and blogger based in Austin, Texas. With a love for hunting, hiking, and the great outdoors in general, he spends much of his time writing outside. In his free time, he enjoys spending time at his local shooting range.