Black Friday gun sales surged last week. According to the latest FBI data, the purchases shattered previous records.

The agency reported 214,913 firearm background checks conducted on Friday alone. This marks an increase of over 11,000 checks, or 5.5%, compared to the previous record set in 2017. 

This surge in firearm purchases on the busiest shopping day of the year is driven by concerns about personal safety, rising crime rates, and calls for gun control.

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Black Friday Gun Sales tied to background checks

The FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System received 203,086 requests on Black Friday in 2017, surpassing the previous record of 185,713 requests in 2016. 2023’s numbers of 214,913 background checks represent a notable increase.

 A background check is required of anyone who purchases a gun in the U.S.  And is a strong indicator that a gun sale is being made.

National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) President Joe Bartozzi commented on the FBI's findings, noting that the background checks align with the organization's observations throughout the year.

 Bartozzi emphasized the consistent strength of firearm sales, averaging over a million per month for more than four years. This demand suggests a broader societal response to concerns about personal safety and a desire to exercise Second Amendment rights.

Future Trends 

A genuine concern for personal safety fuels the record-breaking sales of firearms. 

NSSF Spokesman Mark Oliva highlighted that self-defense remains a primary motivation for gun buyers. He pointed to the escalation of violent crimes in 2020 and 2021.

 Rising crime rates in various states, including a 34% increase in murders in Washington, D.C., have heightened anxieties, leading individuals to take proactive measures for protection.

Oliva pointed out the alarming crime rates and ongoing discussions among city officials in several metropolitan areas to reduce police forces. Americans are no longer relying solely on government officials for protection.

Over half of the firearm sales in any given year are handguns, which Oliva attributes to their popularity for personal safety and recreational shooting, excluding hunting purposes.

Despite increasing calls for gun control and bans, experts predict that firearm sales will continue to rise. Annual background check data indicates that sales typically peak during the year's final months. This coincides with hunting seasons and holiday sales.