Another Story on Surging Gun Sales

Over the weekend, CNBC had this story, noting increasing gun sales and posing the question of whether it was an Obama effect as in 2008.

Speculation has focused on fears of a coming regulatory crackdown on gun ownership. Liberal administrations tend to be anti-gun and so, the thinking goes, an Obama re-election would set the stage for stricter gun purchasing requirements. Hence, people are buying now in anticipation of difficulty later.

It's no secret to the gun owners that the firearms industry is the only industry that has flourished during Obama's first term.  Every year since mid 2008 has seen increased firearms sales, based on the number of background checks processed by the NICS and sales reported by the manufacturers.  While NICS checks is an indicator of sales, it gives an incomplete picture as someone purchasing more than one firearm at a time would only undergo one background check for the sale.

While some attribute the rise to the election or economic concerns, others believe there are other drivers, like greater acceptance of firearms ownership.  Either way, the firearms industry remains the only bright spot in the economy after four years of Obama.