Gun Sales and Stocks Continue to Boom During Obama Presidency
- Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:13pm by
Christopher Santarelli
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Maybe President Obama would have been a better gun salesman than leader of the free world.
We’ve previously reported on the odd correlation of firearm sales and concealed handgun permit applications booming to all-time highs since the 2008 election, and Business Insider notes Saturday that the climb looks to continue, reporting that Ruger stock has nearly tripled since last summer and is now up 14 percent from Wednesday.
BI notes that since Obama took office, Ruger is up nearly 10x.

Ruger Stock Since Obama Took Office (Business Insider)
In addition to Ruger, we reported on similar statistics last February showing “the Obama effect” on the firearms industry:
- Winchester’s sales of ammunition have gone from $431.7 million to $572 million, an increase of 33%
- Federal excise taxes collected on the sale of new firearms and ammunition has risen 48.3%
- January 2012 was the 20th straight month of increases in NICS background checks compared to the same month in the previous year
- December 2011 saw over 1.41 million NICS background checks run, the most ever for a single month
- The few states which regularly report concealed carry permit numbers have seen increases in active permit holders ranging from 46% to 161%
Gun shop owners tell Fox News that the boom has spiked in recent months, with this, Ruger had to suspend new orders after taking orders for more than 1 million guns in the first three months of the year:
“Industry experts and gun shop owners alike say the factor driving gun sales is the Nov. 6 election. There was a similar spike before President Obama was elected to his first term, and many gun buyers are saying they fear Obama’s re-election could mean more regulations on firearms. Obama famously told fundraisers in 2008 that many Americans ‘cling to guns or religion,’ and gun enthusiasts believe he is not fully behind the Second Amendment.
‘It’s definitely the election year,’ Jason Hanson, a former CIA officer and personal security specialist, told FoxNews.com. ‘People feel that Obama will serve second term and with it their gun rights with taken away, so they are stocking up.
‘They’re also worried that the economy is not getting any better and that they need to protect themselves,’ Hanson added.”
Fox goes on to note that Smith& Wesson shares are up 125 percent over the past year. Josh Horwitz, executive director of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, tells Fox that the gun industry does work to promote the perception of spiking gun sales due to fear of Obama enforcing stricter gun laws during a second term.
“There’s no doubt [National Rifle Association President] Wayne LaPierre is out there every day saying that President Obama has a secret plan to take away your guns,” Horwitz said. “They want to gin up sales.”
Ammo.net produced a cheeky graphic last month illustrating trends between firearm sales and President Obama, “The Greatest Gun Salesman in America.”






















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Comments (96)
JohnQTaxpayer
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:01pmI would prefer not to have to use the firearms and ammo I have, it would be much better for this republic if they rust and turn to dust
However I pity the fools that think that means I am not willing to fight to the death for the survival of this republic and our constitution.
To our oppressors aka Politicians and Governments
Now as you urinate on the small remaining flame of the torch of freedom, lit by our forefathers, “we the people” do hold you accountable, for you had many other nobler choices, you chose to enslave the people.
“We the people” will come for you, just as others have come for their destroyers in the past, and you will pay for your deception, corruption, treachery, abuse, thievery and incompetence.
I do not stand alone; you forget, I am “We the people”
JQT
Report Post »stevefim5
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:11pmAmen, JQT. I am with you.
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:30pmMillions stand with you…I do
Report Post »ICRedifURBlue
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:58pmI will not comply……….I am with you JQT……….
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 12:01amLocked, Loaded and READY!!
Report Post »Rick_Walker
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 12:21amAye. You have my sword, JT.
Report Post »Rick_Walker
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 12:22amI’m with ya, brother.
Report Post »ahull15
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 12:22amFrom my cold, dead hands
Report Post »rawmilker
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 1:31amAnd I JOHNQ!
Report Post »db321
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 4:01amJQT – An American Patriot reporting for Duty SIR!
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 8:09amI never owned, or thought of owning firearms till 2008, let alone a carry permit!
Report Post »Now the weapon is never not on my person and more then one.
bigben357mag
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 9:38amI will not be silenced, I will not be quiet, I will not go silent into the night! I will stand for my liberty! I will not be oppressed, surpressed, or imprisoned by government!
Report Post »Rugertotingdad
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 12:53pmAmen. I stand ready as well. Few things in life to me are worth giving my life for, this county is one of them.
Report Post »ICEDRAGONNITE
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 6:17pmAs are 140,000,000. other American Patriots. “We The People”.
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 6:44pmIf I remember correctly, the same phenomena occurred during B.J.Clinton’s administration.
Report Post »Cabreramiggs
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:00pmWhy do I believe that this president will take away our gun right?….well, I have in the past bought guns. I have NEVER been denied by DOJ. Well, last week I attempted to purchase my California AR(yes I know) and was denied. I currently perusing as to why I was denied since I never have in the past . This is why I believe it’s starting to happen.
Stock up everyone ! Our military and goverment will be rolling in our streets soon enough!
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:24pmHe will not….There is a line in the sand………..From my cold dead hands…
Report Post »EP46
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 6:11amWe need you to let us know the outcome of this…WHY? Please update us when you have more info.
Report Post »Ishmot2
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 10:51pmIt’s time to do more!
http://www.federalobserver.com/archive.php?aid=1874
Read it you will understand.
Report Post »Just in time
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 10:47pmJust like a rubber, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Maybe BHO will make it manditory for insurance companys to cover guns too. Because it’s a heath issue.
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:59pmMaybe there are a few of us who smell smoke coming from the Reichstag.
Report Post »balrog25
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 2:00pmI often say, watch the early episodes of the “World at War” series. Too many parallels to discount.
Report Post »Dougral Supports Israel
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:57pmThere is a lot of uncertainty in America and across the world. The Middle east is on fire, Europe may yet collapse and there are forces in America that are calling for the destruction of our existing way of life so that it can be replaced with a new world order. Our own president has promised to “fundamentally transform” us. With all this chaos it’s not surprising that so many of us are clinging to our religion and our guns. Obama obviously doesn’t think so well of this but there is real comfort in knowing that you have the chance to defend your family and home if need be.
The government should see this as a good thing. Decent citizens preparing for hard times are an asset to their communities. They would be a nucleus of stability in an otherwise unstable environment. If enough law-abiding citizens possess guns then the chaos and instability that recently gripped Greece will not happen here.
Today I bought my first new gun in almost 40 years. I am joining a range. My wife has agreed to learn to shoot. If we ever need to defend ourselves these skills will be invaluable, if not we will make new friends and have spent time learning new skills and having fun in the company of good people. Seems like a win/win proposition to me.
Report Post »KangarooJack
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:53pmI’ve prepared my family and my extended family for various Natural Disasters. Preparation-rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Hope for the best and prepare for the worse-those are my mottos.
As for guns? I’ve a really old single shot shotgun, but my aim is good! lol
Report Post »LeadNotFollow
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:41pm…
Report Post »Hope everyone is buying “made in America” guns and ammo.
American citizens sure need the jobs.
ROLANDTHEHEADLESSTHOMPSONGUNNER
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:59pmYou better believe buy USA guns and ammo. I’m 57 and am building 3 ar-15′s right now. First time I ever felt I will need to protect myself and my family. The way I see it, there‘s going to be a lot of killing and I’m going last. God Bless and save this Republic.
Report Post »TH30PH1LUS
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 12:14amDoing my part to stimulate the economy!
Report Post »I_Drink_Your_Milkshake
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 1:48pmSturm and Ruger have earned my loyalty and trust.
We may have the right to keep and bear arms,
Report Post »but it is on the owners to be responsible stewards of that right.
sooner12
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:35pm“These are the times that try mens souls.” The question is is how much longer.
Report Post »KLJOY
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:27pmat least he did something for the economy.
Report Post »TH30PH1LUS
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 12:11amGun manufacturers across the U.S. should be sending thank-you cards to the White House. It would almost be funny, if things weren’t looking so dire for America and for the liberties we hold dear.
Report Post »SpeckledPup
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:26pmeverytime we buy ‘a case of soup’ we pick up shotgun shells and other ammo. the entire family is well-armed and well-trained and well-prepared. out here where we know who is in every vehicle that goes by, it’s all pro-America — and anti-obama.
Report Post »JamesA
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:05pmAr15.com will tell you all about ar’s and scopes, plus much much more
Report Post »jray
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:54pmBuying guns and joining militias everyone is doing it! The time for hugging our enemies into changing is over its not working Glenn. I love your show an wish you would go cable with it but your lds mindset of loving your enemy into submission is not working Glenn (im also lds) and we will lose everything if we dont act. It is time for revolution and for the people to start getting the military and especially the generals to turn on obama and arrest him for treason and long with his minions. Sheriff Joe has proven that the obama birth certificate is a fraud so stop belittling it because the proof is staring you right in the face. Stop only worrying about the political aspect of it when probably more then 70 percent of your audience believes he has committed treason and his birth certificate and selective service card is a fake. The time for talking and well wishing is over and its now time for we the people to act. You are looking for George Washington Glenn, well you be him and help lead this revolution!
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:51pmOh we are so shocked. My husband, who is NOT a hunter or ever owned a gun (last time he used them was in the military) — but he went out last year and bought two.
FYI – for anyone who isn’t aware of this site, worth checking into – it is chock full of flabbergasting, supposedly true stories about Obama. Might want to send it to those who say they‘re not going to vote for our nominee if they don’t approve………
http://www.commieblaster.com
Report Post »momrules
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:49pmAmericans are worried and with good reason. Obama is not to be trusted and I for one believe outlawing guns is on his agenda. I also believe that he will never leave the White House even if he loses the election.
Report Post »If we even get to have an election.
Has anyone ever distrusted an American President as much as they do this one? I don’t think so………..
momprayn
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:02pmJust read an article by an alleged White House Insider who said last year this same thing – VERY interesting folks:
http://www.theulstermanreport.com
(It’s in the article about the shooting of the boy in Fla.)
Report Post »stevefim5
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:14pmI share your concerns, Mom….
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 8:12am@ Momprayn – the Ulsterman Report says what I have been preaching for a while. Sweet-Old-Barack intends to appoint himself KING. If he allows the election to happen and loses, or if he wins (god forbid) he will never leave the White House.
They are demonstration in NYC, Chicago and Philly over the shooting in FL. Soon it will spread to Detroit, Wash DC, Cleveland, LA and other cities. Add agitators from the New Black Panther Party, Nation Black Liberation Front, Nation of Islam and SEIU to the mix and you have the ingredients for an explosion. This is goin to make the Martin Luther King Riots and the Rodney King uprising look like family picnics.
Sweet -Old-Barack has shown himself to be a racist ans race riots are his plan for Martial Law and will be an excuse to arrest anyone who opposes his dictatorship.
Stock up on Food and Ammo and prepare to defend your loved ones against the coming take over.
OMG 2012
Report Post »TRONRADIO
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:42pmLuke 22:36….”If you do not own a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” Christ wrote the book on self defense. Gotta love it!
Report Post »1casawizard
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:11pmWhat was that, sell your cloak and buy a Glock? What is going on does not surprise me. The distrust of government is driving the sales of guns and ammo. bamster wants riots in the streets. He wants/needs/chaos on every level just like a 60s protester. Our CIC is a divider, not a supporter of our country. Watch out, for he will speak for things that he will be totally against. He is not for U.S. He is for anything but.
Report Post »garyM
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:41pmAnyone notice the Romneyite media is not talking about the Louisana primary as they do when Romney wins? What a crock! Foxnews has been almost silent along with THE FLAZE!
Report Post »TRONRADIO
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:43pmGood point, Gary. Why is there no BLAZE chat tonight??
Report Post »Apple Bite
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:35pmAbout the only thing to thank Obama for…haa.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:34pmThe fears are more than justified; with Obama preparing for his takeover sooner than later.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:43pmThe Marxist heathen just needs riots to break out,possibly from ows freaks then he can demonstrate how a Marxist brings the populace under control.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:50pmOr because of a race war and it looks like one is ginning up.
Report Post »EP46
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 6:18amSnow…you know they will aid and abet a civil war before they will give up power. Give the youth enough drugs and guns and then sit back and fiddle while America burns.
Report Post »brntout
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:31pmI‘d like to see a certain gun stock that rose during ’Fast and Furious”,or is that why stocks are up ’cause they are needed as an integral part of a gun/rifle.
Report Post »cuinsong
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:31pmWhat else do you need to know? The people in the WH want to take our guns and change our form of government into something else! That’s treason, in case you were wondering?
Report Post »Their song is “The End Times” http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_10381143
oriondma05
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:30pmQuestion for gun owners.
I have an AR-15, but is it enough to have just FMJ ammo? I’ve looked at ballistic tip and hallow point and the steeper price has me wondering.
Also, I only have iron sights. Anyone feel it’s worth spending an extra $500-1000 for sights? If so, recommendations please.
Thanks.
Also thinking about buying a firearm for my parents for self protection, looking to spend $500. But must be utilitarian – protection, hunting, etc. Shotgun, AR-15, pistol? Thoughts?
Report Post »Airb0rne4325
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:48pmMossberg 12G. Can’t go wrong. Cheap, dependable, multiple rounds (buckshot or slug for deer, #6 shot for squirrel/rabbit, #8 shot for birds). Easy to use.
AR-15 type weapon site. Trijicon has the Acog with different magnifications. EoTech has the 502 and you can get the flip to side mag scope to go with it. Both will run you close to $1000. Both are excellent and are used on the battlefields today. Expensive, but you get what you pay for.
Report Post »oriondma05
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:52pmThanks man.
Report Post »AnimalsAsLeaders
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:56pmWhat are you planning on shooting?
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:57pmWhat is the different….They will just drop a bag of tacos on you
Report Post »JamesA
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:11pmTry AR15.com will tell you everything you want to know about Ar’s. The Mossberg 590 12ga. rules for home defence. Your 223/556 will go through walls ie, kids rooms, neighbors house ect. Otherwise it is a great firearm. Stock up on mags though and a speed loader.
Report Post »proliance
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:11pmIf you’re concerned about self defense use good, lightweight hollow points in your AR. Use your less expensive FMJ rounds for plinking.
You want a round that will expend as much of its energy in its target (human body or wild animal) as possible when it comes to self defense. First because a round that passes through an object hasn’t used its energy on its intended target, and secondly, a FMJ will pass through a human body along with several walls, car door, refrigerator, etc. before expending itself.
I can get technical and ask you to check the rifling on your barrel. But basically, the faster the twist the lighter weight bullet you can use. Most AR’s today use a 1/7 twist so they may have a hard time stablizing a 40 gr. bullet.
Report Post »drago
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:13pm@Oriondma05.
Report Post »Xm855 62 grain penetrators,not much in the animal or human world in the US that can defeat them,otherwise UMC 55 grain fmj’s,cabelas usually has a good price, 89 $ for 250 rounds.
Mapache
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:42pmI recommend an Eotech or Aimpoint. You can get reasonable red dot sites from other sources but you need to take the weapon with mounted sites to range to zero it. The red dot and holographic sites give quicker target acquisition and time is everything when confronting zombies. There are some available frang rounds such as PDX .223. use fmj for training and have a 30 rd mag loaded with 15 rounds of frangible (15 so the spring does not stay too compressed) and change magazines every month. Quality ammo can be obtained from cheaper than dirt but make sure you buy USA made ammo appropriate for your weapon and beware of surplus Russian and other country rounds which may not meet specs or be dirty. Don’t want a misfire in a gunfight as there are no makeup tests.
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 10:15pmI have a stock of 5.56 AP just in case. Picked it up at a show here a while back. Surplus Lake City stuff. But don’t feed it into a 223!!! A 5.56 will shoot 223 just fine but 5.56 in a 223 will over pressure and blow out the chamber.
Hollow points work fine unless your target is wearing body armor then you need AP. Likely as not they won’t have ballistic plate armor. The stuff will also punch through windshields and disable engines. FMJ is a bit anemic against cars.
Might want to think about an AR-10, M1A1 or an HK in 7.62 too. 7.62 has it’s advantages.
Report Post »oriondma05
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 10:20pmThank you all for the advice.
In response to question about what I am going to shoot:
Mostly the AR will be self defense and hunting. The same for the weapon for my folks.
I will look into the hunting round at Cabella’s.
Kinda scary.. getting so close to the “time when it comes”..
I’ve been spending all my money on getting out of debt. I guess I should start refocusing attention to prepping. I see these shows with people that have underground bunkers, 1-2 years worth of food, weapons galore.
I want to be someone that is prepared. But I live in a small apartment and I’m 700 miles away from “home”.
I guess one day we’ll all find out whats really gonna happen.
America was a great idea at one point. A country where people could just go about their business, live their lives. It’s kinda sad that now a days you have to buy dehydrated food, survival gear and look over your shoulder all the time.
Report Post »Celeste.Christi
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 10:27pmGet your parents 2 Mossberg 590s. 9 Shots (8+1) with 2 3/4 shells. Stock them with Fiocchi 00 (Double Ought) Low Recoil 9-pellet (nickle plated) shells. I did this for my parents. They’re in their 70s and are very confortable with the 590. Easy to use, affordable (about $400 each) and a proven zombie stopper.
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 10:32pmBTW optics. A laser/flashlight combo on the bayonet lug can be had for under 50 bucks. As for glass on top well I don’t need to be replacing batteries when TSHTF. I have a bunch of target pistols that I have red dot sights on and inevitably I don;t get them turned off and the battery goes dead in the case. now when I go to a match I have plenty of time to cuss and replace a battery. I don’t want to take that sort of chance with a battle rifle. I did install a fiber optic front sight on the AR. Glows bright in daylight and even in low light conditions. In the dark then the laser/flashlight with a pressure switch under my right thumb.
For your folks I’d try to find enough in the budget for either an 870 Winchester or a 500 Mossberg shotgun AND a Taurus 38/357 revolver. But I am a pistol shooter/competitor and feel naked without a handgun.
Report Post »oriondma05
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:20pmThank you all once again. I appreciate the advice.
It‘s kinda sad that we’ll only ever meet on some obscure comments section on theblaze. It’d be nice if we were all neighbors and in this together.
When SHTF, I’ll hopefully be in New Hampshire. Best of luck to all.
Report Post »I_Drink_Your_Milkshake
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 2:18pmAR-15′s while great weapons are intended for a battle feild, where colateral damage is an afterthought. A 12ga as noted above is an excellent HD weapon that nearly anyone can handle and hit a target with. If setting idle for HD it would be loaded with more expensive PDX ammo, there are multiple variations of it and is effective in 410ga as well(but way too expensive).
Report Post »If survival is the plan a .22 rifle is essential as small game will be tablefare.
12ga autoloaders/pumps seem like the way to go but if you need more than 2 shots in a gun fight, you’re probably losing.
I perfer the simplicity of a SBS/OU 12ga. If you look at the cost of 00/000 buckshot they become rather cost prohibitive to stockpile, and aren’t effective over 75yds IMHO.
Birdshot is cheap, and can readily be coverted to slug via cutshells as the old timers did prior to buckshot.
In any case you need to have an all of the above strategy, short range HD, mobile retreat pistol, intermediate lay down the lead -AR-15/mini-14 etc. .22 small game taker, and lasty a precise longer range large game reach out and you caliber bolt action 30-06,270,308
brntout
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:27pmThey left out the crime rate being up in that headline.
Report Post »EP46
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 6:37amAccording to the FBI despite increases in gun sales, gun crimes continued to decrease in the United States for the fourth straight year in 2010. At the same time that firearms murders were dropping, gun sales were surging.
Report Post »RebelYell1862
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:22pmI buy a box of ammo for one of my firearms every payday. Last week I bought a Beretta assault shotgun. Fine weapon. Getting ready. “DEO VINDICE.”
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:15pmHow about… Canons & Rockets?
Report Post »possom
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:48pmgot’em straight from mexico.
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 10:48amDixie Gunworks has replica Civil war cannon. They are expensive, require a four man crew to service and you need to brew up your own “projectiles”. Great for reenactors but not practical for much else. Set piece battles are highly unlikely in the sort of conflict that is libel to erupt so artillery would be of little value to either side.
Rockets? Well if Hamas can cook up homemade rockets that can keep southern Israel running for the bomb shelters I think some enterprising Americans can come up with something effective.
BTW I know you are being sarcastic but you underestimate the people in “flyover country” at your peril.
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