'Trump Slump': Gun Sales Down In Shifting Political Climate

[DonViejo]

By LISA MARIE PANE

January 22, 2019 7:06 am

When gunmakers and dealers gather this week in Las Vegas for the industry’s largest annual conference, they will be grappling with slumping sales and a shift in politics that many didn’t envision two years ago when gun-friendly Donald Trump and a GOP-controlled Congress took office.

Some of the top priorities for the industry — expanding the reach of concealed carry permits and easing restrictions on so-called “silencers” — remain in limbo, and prospects for expanding gun rights are nil for the foreseeable future.

Instead, fueled by the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, the federal government banned bump stocks and newly in-charge U.S. House Democrats introduced legislation that would require background checks for virtually every firearm sale, regardless of whether it’s from a gun dealer or a private sale.

Even without Democrats’ gains in November’s midterm elections, the industry was facing a so-called “Trump slump,” a plummet in sales that happens amid gun rights-friendly administrations. Background checks were at an all-time high in 2016, President Barack Obama’s last full year in office, numbering more than 27.5 million; since then, background checks have been at about 25 million each year.

Gary Ramey, owner of Georgian gunmaker Honor Defense, says the mood at last year’s SHOT Show, which stands for Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade, was subdued. He’s expecting the same this year.

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https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/gun-sales-down-shifting-political-climate

[Amishman]

1. They'll soar again once the MAGA crowd realizes how fucked they are in 2020

The right wingers in my wife's family are still in denial about 2020.

[not fooled]

2. Oh, geez

These kooks and their industry backers spent 8 years in a frenzy of fear because of the black guy, gunz selling like hotcakes.

But, now that there is an ACTUAL threat to America in the White House, inspiring legitimate fear that the country is in danger, the only problem they see is fewer $$$$$$$ flowing into their pockets.

[Amishman]

3. I wonder if we should be the ones buying

I fear the current political mess might not end peacefully

[dalton99a]

4. What they really need is a new product

Make a gun with a TV built-in and internet connection, like a smart refrigerator

[Runningdawg]

5. They are sending their gun money to Trump and the chump running the gofundme for the wall.