People want peace of mind right now more than anything else. Few things provide that better than a firearm. There were more than 8 million first-time gun buyers last year, with more than 21 million background checks performed. FFL dealers help provide that peace of mind by selling legal firearms to those that want them.
A recent story from USA Today noted that “the proportion of protests at which people are armed doubled from February to June, and more are planned for the rest of the summer.”
In full disclosure, they cite a study performed by the admittedly anti-gun group, Everytown for Gun Safety. In it, they examined 560 instances in which individuals – whether the protesters themselves or people who opposed them – brought firearms to demonstrations. In roughly one of every six, or 16%, of those demonstrations, “violent or destructive activity” ensued, the researchers found.
“The crux of this phenomenon and report is simple: When firearms are involved, demonstrations are more likely to lead to bloodshed,” said Justin Wagner, director of investigations at Everytown for Gun Safety. However, It’s important to understand and note that the violent or destructive activities described in the study were carried out by armed and unarmed protesters alike. Moreover, those who were responsibly armed did not go out looking for a fight. Instead, they were prepared to respond appropriately if harm came their way, whether from an armed or unarmed assailant.
If 2020 and 2021 so far have taught us anything about protests and violence, it’s that there is no such place where it cannot erupt. The “it would never happen here” mindset is a deadly one, as previously peaceful places were rocked to the core with unprecedented protests, violence, and destruction.
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Big Numbers
This led to a huge surge in gun sales in 2020. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) noted that there were 8.4 million first-time gun buyers last year, with a total of 21 million background checks conducted. The number of checks is up 60% over 2019 and 34% over the previous record year of 2016.
So far in the first half of 2021, the pace hasn’t slowed, with nearly 9.8 million background checks completed for the sale of a gun in the first six months of the year. It’s unlikely that the second half of the year will be any different, so it’s entirely possible that we could have another record-setting (or at least record-tying) year on our hands.
Money to be Made
Another study from the NSSF noted that the total economic impact of the firearm and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $63.5 billion in 2020. That’s an astounding 232% increase! Beyond that, the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose from approximately 166,000 to over 342,330, which amounts to a 106% increase in that same period. One thing is clear: there’s money to be made in guns, both by the FFL dealers selling them and by the employees hired by the FFL dealers. It’s truly a win-win situation.
Help Out and Cash In
So what does all of this mean for FFL dealers? People want peace of mind right now more than anything else. Few things provide that better than a firearm. It also means that there’s never been a better time to be in the gun business. With so many new gun owners, repeat buyers, and concern over civil unrest, protests, and riots, you’d have no one but yourself to blame if you have an FFL and are unable to make money in this environment.
Join FFL123 to get started on your journey to being a profitable FFL. Our guides walk you through all the necessary steps to getting your FFL. In fact, we’re so confident that our process will work for you that we offer a 150% money-back guarantee.
