Black Friday Sets New Record on Gun Sales

Firearms have become a staple for Black Friday shoppers. The FBI received more than 203,000 background check requests on gun purchases on Black Friday this year, breaking the previous record of 185,000 that was set in 2016.

With fears that the Obama administration would tighten gun control, firearm manufacturers increased production. As a result, many manufacturers were sitting on an inventory surplus so they lowered their prices, resulting in higher sales. However, since the Trump administration took over, gun sales have slumped. This is largely because the prospect of tighter federal gun control has faded.

Black Friday’s record setting sales could indicate an uptick in gun sales for the rest of the year. The retail gun market is rapidly changing with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s merging, and Dick’s Sporting Goods experiencing soft sales in the hunting business.