Chris Killoy, CEO of Sturm, Ruger & Company, said the spike in gun sales is unlike anything he’s seen before. This comes after July breaks another record for year over year sales.
“Having been in this industry for 30 years, I saw the surge in 1994 before the assault weapons ban took place,” Killoy told investors on Thursday. “This is probably the strongest level of demand that I’ve seen. One of the most significant differences is how it has impacted all levels of the channel and the impact on inventory at all levels.”
New gun sales posted a 133% increase in July, according to the Washing Free Beacon analysis of FBI data.
Momentum is showing no signs of slowing down, either, Killoy told WFB.
There have been over 10 million guns sold in 2020 thus far and first-time buyers make up a big chunk of that number.
The reason can be easily attributed to the environment, he says.
"This staggering increase in demand appears to be attributable to a few factors," Killoy said. "Number one, concerns about personal protection and home defense stemming from continuing COVID-19 pandemic; protests, demonstrations, and civil unrest in many cities throughout the United States and, lastly, the call by some for the reduction in funding and authority of various law enforcement organizations."
Killoy says they never lost a day of production and with the future of the COVD-19 virus being uncertain, it could last longer than even he expects.
For more on this story, check out the Washington Free Beacon anaylsis.