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U.S. gun sales surge in October 2024, mirroring 2020 election-driven spike

History repeats as political uncertainty sends Americans to gun stores. Will November’s results shift—or solidify—this trend?

In this picture I can see a gun in the book and I can see text on the papers.
In this picture I can see a gun in the book and I can see text on the papers.

U.S. gun sales surge in October 2024, mirroring 2020 election-driven spike

Firearm sales in the U.S. saw a noticeable rise in October 2024, matching levels from the same month in 2020. The increase comes as election season intensifies, a period historically linked to higher gun purchases. Data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) shows 1,299,312 transactions last month alone. October traditionally brings a surge in firearm sales, driven by political debates and discussions around the Second Amendment. This year’s figures nearly mirrored those of October 2020, when a highly contested presidential election took place. The NSSF’s estimates, however, exclude transfers in states with alternative permitting systems, as these do not require separate NICS background checks. The October figures highlight the influence of election cycles on firearm purchases. With November and December approaching, further data will reveal whether this trend continues or shifts. For now, the numbers reflect a familiar pattern tied to political and seasonal factors.

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