Category: Firearm Industry News

Coverage of events for Fear and Loading by Guy J. Sagi and breaking news of interest to firearm owners.

Posted on

ELEY Precision Club

ELEY Precision Club

From ELEY

ELEY is excited to launch its brand new ELEY Precision Club, allowing competitors from all over the world to compete against each other from the comfort of their local shooting club.

ELEY believe online competition provides the perfect opportunity for competitors to participate in global competitions and has an exciting ‘Masters’ series of events scheduled with the opportunity of becoming a ‘World Champion’. Not to mention, the amazing cash, ammunition and clothing prizes that are up for grabs.

Competition brings out the very best in us, not just because ELEY has the most successful ammunition in the world, but because we love to compete and connect with shooters across the globe. With an uncertain future, and the current global situation restricting travel, the ELEY Precision Club hopes to provide shooters with a fun, safe alternative for competing.

Michael Atkinson, brand manager for ELEY said: “ELEY is constantly striving to develop and revolutionise shooting sports. The ELEY Precision Club will provide shooters of all ages and abilities from a range of disciplines to compete on a global stage against other shooters internationally.”

The first competition to be hosted on the platform is the ELEY benchrest masters. Competitors will be shooting six targets, each with 25 bulls at a distance of 50m. Scores will need to be uploaded to the myELEY dashboard by the competition end date, 11:59pm 1st November 2020 (GMT).

You will need to register your interest on the Precision Club homepage. Once your dashboard is created, you will have instant access to any future ELEY online competitions.

Hosted by the myELEY.com platform, ELEY’s vision is to unite shooters by encouraging greater club interaction and securing a positive future for our sport.

To find out more about the masters series, or to enter the first benchrest match, head over to www.eley.co.uk/precisionclub.

Posted on

Leica PRS Riflescope Wins ‘Editor’s Choice’ Award

Leica PRS Riflescope Wins ‘Editor’s Choice’ Award

From Leica

Leica’s PRS 5-30x56i riflescope beat 13 other entries to win top honors in the Precision Riflescope category of Outdoor Life’s annual Optics Test. The PRS scope was also given the highly coveted ‘Editor’s Choice’ award. Now in its 17th year, the Optics Test took place over three months in Montana and were judged by a panel of four experts, including Outdoor Life Editor-in-Chief Andrew McKean and two PRS shooters.

What’s the difference between a wire and etched-glass reticle?

Judges commented: “Leica finally has a scope built for American shooters, and it’s a nearly perfect choice for engaging targets at extremely long ranges. This is the world-class riflescope that we knew Leica was capable of delivering American shooters. The test team raved about the velvety finish and handsome indexing on the 34mm Leica. Then there are the tasty controls. The elevation turret, with 10 mils of travel for each revolution and 32 mils of total adjustment, turns with authority and precision, with just enough resistance between stops. Both turrets have smart tool-less zero-resetting functions that allow shooters to change zero stops in the field. All the testers noted the reticle’s utility at every magnification. That’s a testament to the clarity of the optics and the rich contrast of Leica’s reticle; the first focal plane reticles in many precision scopes aren’t really useful at lower magnifications. Leica’s precision scope will compete well against other leading brands, and given all the durable utility in this jewel of an optic, you can expect to see more Leicas at PRS matches on this side of the pond in the coming years.”

Available in the following reticle designs:

·Leica PRS 5-30×56 i L-4A

·Leica PRS 5-30×56 i Ballistic

·Leica PRS 5-30×56 i PRB

Posted on

74 People Facing Federal Charges for Portland Demonstration

From ATF

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that 74 people are facing federal charges for crimes committed adjacent to or under the guise of peaceful demonstrations in Portland since at least May 29, 2020.

For more than 90 consecutive nights, Portland has been home to large demonstrations and protests against police use of force and anti-Black racism. On many nights, after peaceful demonstrations end, various public and private buildings have been the target of vandalism and destruction. Local, state, and federal law enforcement working to protect these buildings and ensure the safety of peaceful demonstrators have been subjected to threats and assaults from violent agitators while performing their duties.

“Violent agitators have hijacked any semblance of First Amendment protected activity, engaging in violent criminal acts and destruction of public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners are expeditiously working with local and state law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute these individuals that are disrupting the rule of law in our communities and physically attacking our law enforcement officers and destroying property. Violent agitators not only delay real reform, but make our community less safe by keeping law enforcement from responding to other critical calls for service.”

“While the FBI supports and safeguards Constitutionally-protected activity and civil rights, there is no permit for assault, arson or property damage and these are not victimless crimes,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “Among the victims of violent crime are business owners, residents and individuals exercising their First Amendment rights through protests or other legitimate forms of expression.”

“The nightly violence has to stop,” said Russel Burger, U.S. Marshal for the District of Oregon. “It is drowning out the voices of the many who are calling for change, and pulling police resources away from their primary mission of keeping this community safe. We must all come together to find a productive way to move forward.”

“As the nation’s primary source for fire investigative knowledge, ATF remains committed to investigating those responsible for committing arsons in our communities and holding them responsible for their illegal actions,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan McPherson. “As a reminder, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for arson. ATF takes these violent actions seriously and will work diligently to bring justice to the victims.”

“It is vitally important that all Americans have the ability to exercise their first amendment rights to freedom of speech,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Eben Roberts. “Unfortunately, much of what we’re seeing in Portland is the antithesis of that. Instead tragic events are being used as excuses for individuals with ill intent disguising themselves as activists to commit violent crimes against their communities and law enforcement officers. Progress can only be made if community leaders, law enforcement and the public come together in the name of social change, justice and peace.”

Since May 26, 2020, federal law enforcement authorities have arrested 100 people for crimes committed during local demonstrations. Seventy-four face federal charges, including felonies, misdemeanors, and citation violations. Crimes include assaults on federal officers, some resulting in serious injuries; arson and attempted arson; damaging federal government property; failing to obey lawful orders; and unlawful use of a drone; among others.

Charged defendants include:

  • Edward Carubis, 24, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 1, 2020;
  • Rowan Olsen, 19, is charged (photos available) with creating a hazard on federal property, disorderly conduct, and failing to obey a lawful order on July 2, 2020;
  • Shant Singh Ahuja, 28, of Oceanside, California, is charged with destruction of federal property on July 4, 2020;
  • Gretchen Blank, 29, of Seattle, Washington, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Andrew Faulkner, 24, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Christopher Fellini, 31, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Theodore Matthee-O’Brien, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Cody Porter, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Taimane Teo, 24, of Eugene, Oregon, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Benjamin Wood-Pavich, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Jacob Gaines, 23, a Texas resident, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 11, 2020;
  • Lillith Grin, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 12, 2020;
  • Benjamin Bolen, 36, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 13, 2020;
  • Kevin Weier, 36, is charged with attempted arson on July 13, 2020;
  • Wyatt Ash-Milby, 18, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Jerusalem Callahan, 24, is charged with damaging government property on July 21, 2020;
  • Zachary Duffly, 45, is charged with creating a disturbance on July 21, 2020;
  • Caleb Ehlers, 23, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Paul Furst, 22, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Jennifer Kristiansen, 38, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 21, 2020;
  • Ella Miller, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Marie Sager, 27, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Giovanni Bondurant, 19, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
  • Bailey Dreibelbis, 22, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Gabriel Huston, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
  • Joseph Lagalo, 37, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 22, 2020;
  • Taylor Lemons, 32, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
  • Joseph Ybarra, 21, is charged with arson on July 22, 2020;
  • David Hazan, 24, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
  • Nicholas Kloiber, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
  • Cameron Knutson, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
  • Carly Ballard, 34, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 24, 2020;
  • David Bouchard, 36, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 24, 2020;
  • Dakota Eastman, 30, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Josslynn Kreutz, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Ezra Meyers, 18, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Mark Rolycanov, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Pablo Avvocato, 26, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Douglas Dean, 34, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Rebecca Mota Gonzales, 37, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Thomas Johnson, 33, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Richard Lindstedt, 33, is charged with violating national defense airspace on July 25, 2020;
  • Nathan Onderdonk-Snow, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Stephen O’Donnell, 65, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Joshua Webb, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Jeffree Cary, 30, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • John Tyler Gabriel, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Noelle Mandolfo, 30, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Patrick Stafford, 35, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Travis Williams, 27, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Caleb Wills, 29, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Brodie Storey, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 27, 2020;
  • Edward Schinzing, 32, is charged (photos available) with arson on July 28, 2020;
  • James Hickerson, 54, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 28, 2020;
  • Ian Wolf, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order and creating a hazard on federal property on July 28, 2020;
  • Sabastian Dubar, 23, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Jordan Johnson, 32, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Evan Kriechbaum, 31, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Christine Margaux, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Gabriel Agard-Berryhill, 18, is charged (video available) with arson on July 30, 2020;
  • Isaiah Maza, 18, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 31, 2020;
  • Dakotah Horton, 24, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on August 17, 2020; and
  • Dakota Means, 20, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on August 24, 2020.

Eleven others have been issued citation violations. All defendants, unless noted, are presumed to be local residents.

Several of the charges being used to prosecute violent agitators carry significant maximum prison sentences. For example, felony assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Arson is punishable by up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.

It is important to note that while some federal charges require crimes be committed on federal property, others do not. Violent acts committed throughout the city of Portland under the guise of peaceful protest are being evaluated by local federal prosecutors for prosecution.

These cases are being investigated by the FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and Federal Protective Service. They are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Indictments, complaints, and informations are only accusations of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

To help identify actors who are actively instigating violence in the city of Portland, the FBI is accepting tips and digital media depicting violent encounters during demonstrations. If you have witnessed unlawful violent actions, we urge you to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant to investigations at fbi.gov/PDViolence.

Specifically, the FBI is assisting partner agencies by asking for the public’s help in identifying individuals who participated in or may have been a witness to criminal activity at the following locations:

  • Near or inside the Multnomah County Justice Center in downtown Portland on the night of May 29, 2020 or into the morning of May 30, 2020. Details here: Justice Center
  • Near the Chase Bank branch located at 811 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, shortly before 1 a.m. on May 30, 2020. Details here: Chase Bank

Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or (503) 224-4181. They can also be submitted online by visiting: tips.fbi.gov.

Posted on

ATF Offering Reward for Civil Unrest Arsonist

ATF Offering Reward for Civil Unrest Arsonist

From ATF

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Santa Monica Police Department announced a reward today of up to $5,000 for information related to the arrest of the person responsible for starting fires at several businesses in Santa Monica.

A fire was started at Santa Monica Tobacco, located at 1434 4th St., around 3:20 p.m., May 31. Another fire was also started the same evening at REI, 402 Santa Monica Blvd. around 3:40 p.m., by what appears to be the same female (seen above), during civil unrest. The suspect is a black female who has a tattoo of Africa on her left shoulder.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Santa Monica Police Department Detective D. Chabot at 310-458-2201 Ext. 6679, Sergeant C. Green at 310-458-8414, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-2249. This investigation is being conducted jointly by the ATF Los Angeles Field Division and Santa Monica Police Department.

Posted on

Winchester Law Enforcement Launches New Website

Winchester Law Enforcement Launches New Website

From Winchester

Winchester® Ammunition announces the launch of its redesigned website for its Law Enforcement products.
 
The new website utilizes cutting-edge technology and additional features including a mobile-first design. The site is also optimized for search engines and features a best-in-class experience, providing customers with an engaging user experience.
 
The website offers content that is easily accessible and features detailed information on its full line of high-performance ammunition products for law enforcement such as the new Ranger One® ammunition. Visit the new www.winchesterle.com for enhanced ballistics data, imagery and videos.

Posted on

Shoot Like A Girl Free Shooting Sports Event at Bass Pro Shop Little Rock

Shoot Like A Girl Free Shooting Sports Event at Bass Pro Shop Little Rock

From Shoot Like A Girl

 

Shoot Like A Girl’s Coast to Coast Tour is making its way to Bass Pro Shops in Little Rock, Arkansas this weekend for a free interactive event that introduces women to the shooting sports in a fun, safe and comfortable atmosphere. Both new and experienced shooters are invited to stop by the Shoot Like A Girl trailer in front of Bass Pro Shops on Saturday, August 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, August 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to learn about safe and responsible gun ownership and the many benefits of firearms from certified female instructors who are eager to share their passion for the shooting sports.

What to Expect

This unique experience is designed to empower women with confidence gained from aiming at a target and hitting their mark. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their families and young children to discuss and hear more about firearm safety.

Inside the range, attendees who are 16 years of age or older will be able to handle and shoot a handgun and long gun with guidance from instructors, using a state-of-the-art, military-grade firearm simulator which provides realistic recoil, impact and sound feedback. Archery coaches will also be onsite to assist guests with shooting bows.

Outside the range, at the Shoot Like A Girl gun counter, visitors of all ages are welcome to compare a variety of disabled firearms, including revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, shotguns and rifles. Additional products from corporate partners will be on display, including optics, conceal carry bags, holsters, TrueTimber camouflage gear, SABRE pepper spray products and much more. A full list of partners is available online.

No experience is necessary to participate in this free event, and all equipment is provided to guests upon arrival. Those unable to attend in Little Rock are encouraged to come out to any Shoot Like A Girl trailer event in cities all across the country. The Coast to Coast Tour dates are available online, and more are added regularly.

Updated Safety Measures

Shoot Like A Girl has implemented COVID-19 protocols in accordance with the CDC and will be practicing social distancing and utilizing a waiting line app which allows people to wait from anywhere near the premises. Attendees will be issued a full TrueTimber face mask (provided by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s), eye protection (provided by Birchwood Casey) and non-latex gloves (to keep). Inside the trailer, capacity will be limited to two instructors and two clients at any given time. CDC signs will be posted, and surfaces will be cleaned regularly. Hand sanitizer will also be available (provided by Leadslingers Whiskey) for use throughout the event.

Posted on

Colt’s Mfg. Contributes Gearbox Giveaway

Colt’s Mfg. Contributes Gearbox Giveaway

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is pleased to announce that Colt’s Manufacturing Co., LLC, has signed on as a Gearbox Giveaway sponsor in support of 2020’s National Shooting Sports Month®.

Colt, headquartered in West Hartford, Connecticut, is a leading manufacturer of handguns and rifles. Founded by Samuel Colt, who opened his first factory in 1836 after being awarded a U.S. patent for his first revolver design, Colt continues its legacy today by adhering to the motto “Still Making History.”

The 2020 National Shooting Sports Month Colt Gearbox Giveaway, valued at more than $2,000, includes:

1 Colt Python with 6-inch barrel

1 Python-branded gun mat

1 Python T-shirt

1 Colt ball cap

1 Colt firearm safety cable lock

1 Colt decal

200 rounds of Colt Defense .357 Mag. ammunition (produced by DoubleTap)

500 rounds of Colt National Match .357 Mag. ammunition (produced by DoubleTap)

“Revolvers are experiencing a surge in popularity, thanks to their timeless design, ease of operation and standalone reliability. Anyone who appreciates the attributes of the wheelgun will be thrilled to have their name drawn as the winner of this Colt Gearbox Giveaway,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Retail & Range Business Development.

“What better way to participate in National Shooting Sports Month than with the most iconic revolver of all time?” said Justin Baldini, Product Director for Colt. “Reintroducing the Python in 2020 was a fulfilling moment for Colt, and we encourage anyone new to the shooting sports to jump right in with this powerful piece of history. It’s a beautiful gun and a blast to shoot!”

National Shooting Sports Month, a celebration of the shooting sports and the firearm industry, takes place throughout the month of August. Firearms ranges and FFL retailers across the country have listed hundreds of events, classes, shoots and promotions on the calendar at ShootingSportsMonth.org. That calendar interacts directly with NSSF’s LetsGoShooting.org website, which consumers use to discover the August events taking place in their communities.

Posted on

SIG SAUER Electro-Optics OSCAR8 Spotting Scope Receives “2020 Editor’s Choice” Award

SIG SAUER Electro-Optics OSCAR8 Spotting Scope Receives “2020 Editor’s Choice” Award

From SIG Sauer

SIG SAUER Electro-Optics is pleased to announce the OSCAR8 HDX Variable Power Spotting Scope has received the Outdoor Life “2020 Editor’s Choice Award” for Best New Spotting Scope.

The prestigious “Editor’s Choice” honor from Outdoor Life magazine is given to the best new products of 2020, across multiple product categories, after a rigorous testing and evaluation process. The official award noted that the OSCAR8 27-55×80 Spotting Scope featured, “excellent optics in a hard-wearing package,” with “tight, responsive controls, from the removable angled eyepiece to the rubberized center-barrel focus, and the sunshade seemed to glide as though mounted on ball-bearing tracks.”

Andy York, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics President began, “the OSCAR8 offers hunters and shooters our highest-powered magnification capabilities, along with durability, versatility, and the latest advancements in glass, coatings and technology, resulting in a superior performance that can be counted on in the field.”

The OSCAR8 HDX Variable Power Spotting Scope combines extra-low dispersion glass with high light transmittance glass, a SCHMIDT-PECHAN prism, and fully multi-coated lenses to provide unmatched resolution, image contrast, color clarity, and image brightness. Also featuring Spectracoat™ anti-reflection lens coatings to reduce surface reflections across the entire visible spectrum for superior light transmission.

The OSCAR8 has a 45-degree angled eyepiece and comes equipped with a rotating tripod collar for multiple viewing angles, a variable power eyepiece (can be locked into place or removed to accept other variable or fixed power eye-pieces), fast focus adjustment, and an ergonomic rubber armor for durability to accommodate setup and built specifically for hunters and shooters that demand the best in all-weather performance and durability in the field.

“We are honored to receive this top honor from Outdoor Life and have our continued advancements in product development recognized by our peers,” concluded York.

Posted on

SASP Team Introduces New Shooters With First Shots Program

SASP Team Introduces New Shooters With First Shots Program

From NSSF

The NSSF’s First Shots and +ONE initiatives have aimed to introduce new groups and individuals alike to shooting sports. With August being declared National Shooting Sports Month, these resources have been utilized by the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation‘s SASP and SCTP members as a means to grow their teams for the upcoming season.

This youth shooting sports team has been focused on sharing their sport via First Shots events for several years and just put on their latest introductory event on August 22nd. Along with event partners Southeast Regional Park Shooting Range and Pima County Parks and Recreation, the WildGats put on a wildly successful event.

“We had a 127 sign up in one hour before we could announce that it was full,” said WildGats Head Coach, Bill Perkins. “Talking to our guests, I was surprised. At our first five events, we have had ~50% new shooters. When I asked for a show of hands at our latest First Shots event, ALL the hands went up in all three groups. We also saw very high participation by women. I would guess over 80% this year.”

Event staff greeted participants, with each group signing in and going through a quick temperature check. From there, new shooters were oriented by a First Shots powerpoint, staff introductions, gun safety rules, and future shooting opportunities.

From there, the University of Arizona WildGats athletes taught new shooters the fundamentals of grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger squeeze with visible laser SIRT trainers. NextLevel Training, Platinum Sponsor of the Scholastic Action Shooting Program, manufactures training tools, especially helpful for new shooters.

Once given an introduction, First Shots participants were taken to the live fire range, receiving 1:1 guidance with a Coach, Instructor or RSO.

Posted on

5 million new gun owners in 2020

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, updated retail survey-based estimates and concluded that nearly 5 million Americans purchased a firearm for the very first time in 2020. NSSF  surveyed firearm retailers which reported that 40 percent of sales were conducted to purchasers who have never previously owned a firearm.

NSSF tracks the background checks associated with the sale of a firearm based on the FBI’s National Instant Background Check System (NICS). NSSF-adjusted NICS checks for January through July 2020 is a record 12.1 million, which is up 71.7 percent from the 7.1 million NSSF-adjusted NICS January through July 2019. This equates to nearly 5 million first-time gun owners in the first seven months of 2020.

“This is a tectonic shift in the firearm and ammunition industry marketplace and complete transformation of today’s gun-owning community,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President of General Counsel. “These first-time buyers represent a group of people who, until now, were agnostic regarding firearm ownership. That’s rapidly changing, and these Americans are taking hold of their God-given right to keep and bear arms and protect themselves and their loved ones.”

NSSF surveys revealed that 58 percent of firearm purchases were among African American men and women, the largest increase of any demographic group. Women comprised 40 percent of first-time gun purchasers. Retailers noted that they are seeing a 95 percent increase in firearm sales and a 139 percent increase in ammunition sales over the same period in 2019.

Several factors are contributing to the sustained surge in firearm purchases. Sales spiked in March, with a record-setting 2.3 million NICS background checks conducted for a firearm sale, the same month the coronavirus pandemic struck. During this time, police warned response times would be tested while mayors and governors emptied prisons, including violent felons. Some of those were rearrested within days for committing another violent crime. After Memorial Day, protests turned to looting, riots and destruction, which continues today in several major metropolitan areas. Politically-charged calls to defund police also continue to spur sales.

This is also an election year and firearm sales typically rise during presidential election years. However, this year, Democratic candidates Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) are calling for stringent gun control measures, including forcible confiscation, banning entire classes of firearms from lawful possession, licensing schemes and repealing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which would expose the firearm industry to frivolous and harassing lawsuits.

Each month since March, NSSF-adjusted NICS background checks have set a record as the strongest ever recorded for that month.