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.
