During the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve seen an incredible increase in purchases of guns and ammo, as well as a huge increase in the desire for concealed carry permits by people all over the Country.
Data has come out to show us a little surprise: Many of the states that have seen a high demand for concealed carry permits are liberal-leaning.
The [Brookings] institute analyzed Gallup data and found a negative relationship between people with conservative views and gun permit applications from February to April 2020 but saw a positive correlation between the permits and liberal-leaning states during that same time frame, according to the report, “How COVID-19 is changing the gun debate.”
“While gun ownership is frequently mentioned as one of the hot-button issues that divides America, COVID-19 seems to be changing the tenor of the discussion. Though states with populations that predominately identify as conservative are more likely to own guns, this does not mean gun purchases have increased the most in these states during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report states, later adding: “[G]un permits have increased the most during the COVID-19 pandemic in states that tend to be more liberal, both in terms of citizen ideology and political party of state governor.”
via foxbusiness.com
Of the 10 states with major increases, 4 of them are considered blue. With that, Rhode Island topped the list with a 400% increase in permit applications. Maine topped the liberal-leaning list and saw an over 300% spike in permit applications, according to the report.
According to a report from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, America welcomed 2.5 million first-time gun owners in the first half of 2020. The reason: Uncertainty. With coronavirus kicking off the first wave of purchases, it was fueled even more by civil unrest that spanned from coast to coast.
With the increase, the seasoned gun community has a job: offer your help and guidance for these new gun owners. We want everyone to be as safe as possible, and that’s something that won’t ever change.
