Gun Sales in the Age of Trump

By Erika Haas

The 2016 election was great for gun sales…and then Donald Trump won.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, one of the nation’s leading firearm manufacturers, recently reported a 21-percent drop in its second-quarter sales, adding that its profits have been cut in half. Not to mention, its stocks fell 10-percent on Thursday; within the last year, it’s fallen a staggering 21-percent.

According to CEO Christopher Killoy, the drop is a side affect of the unusually high gun sales in 2016.

Last year, gun shop owners doubled their stock as Americans flocked to their stores in anticipation of President Clinton *shudder* and stricter gun laws. However, when Donald Trump won, these gun shop owners were left with a massive inventory, since Americans no longer felt as though time was running out to get their firearms.

“I think there was a big hangover coming out of the election cycle that had to be worked off,” Killoy said.

So far, gun-related background checks – the best indicator for gun sales – are down nine-percent overall this year, says CNBC.

However, there is still some good news. While sales are down from last year – a record-breaking year for gun sales and concealed carry permits – they’re still …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms