The LGS that we hang out in has been extremely busy. Just they other day, they sold a record 80 guns in one day. Mainly shotguns, and AR platform rifles.
Many buyers wanted handguns. Just about everyone mentioned Covid-19, or the current situation in the country with panic buying and wanting to protect themselves and their resources.
But in NY you cant even ask to see a handgun without showing a permit. Many couldn’t believe “how stupid” the law was. And after having the purchase/permit process explained to them,
(in NY, where I live, you must apply for a handgun permit with the local PD. Wait about 4-6 mos for a background check. Once you receive your permit, go to store, do NICS, buy gun. Leave gun at store, take receipt to Pistol license section at PD, have it added to your permit, then go back to store to get gun)
They were even more upset and crying about the stupid laws after being denied the ability to walk out with a handgun.
72 were first time gun buyers/owners.
I know we’re not supposed to use identity politics. But according to one of the guys behind the counter, based upon looks, mannerisms, and conversation with said buyers, most would’ve fit into the “activist, liberal types, mostly from affluent areas”. His words. Although they were a little more animated.
He said it was very interesting to see what he believed, were people who were “probably” on the opposite side of the gun ownership debate pior to this pandemic, who were more upset with being told that they can’t have what they wanted, that there were actual laws that needed to be followed and it didn’t matter who they were, or who they knew.
Yesterday, when they pulled up to the store, there was a line of people waiting.
