Gun Sales Drop

[howdy]

Two comments in this article bother me: http://www.click2houston.com/news/texas ... t/28199256" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"The number of Texans seeking federal permission to purchase firearms has dropped 18 percent this year as fears of tougher regulations subside."

AND:

"One of the possibilities is people are getting their guns somewhere else," said Special Agent Nicole Strong.

Does she think the 18% drop off was caused by people buying illegally?

But then maybe I am being too sensitive

[RoyGBiv]

Gun sales dropped because people who wanted guns were buying like crazy the past few years. Now that they have what they feel they need, of course sales will decline vs. the busiest years ever for gun sales.

Silliness.

[troglodyte]

Sounds like I need to get busy and buy some more guns.

[Teamless]

another reason "Permissions" have declined, is that with a CHL, they dont need to call the Fed's when I buy a gun.

[Charles L. Cotton]

While the article may or may not be accurate in terms of numbers, sales of 910,000 firearms through FFL's during an 8 month period is huge. It may be down 17%, but I suspect it's well above average sales for that 8 month period in most years. BTW, the alleged quote from Alice Tripp is not accurate, but that comes as no surprise.

Chas.

[Charles L. Cotton]

another reason "Permissions" have declined, is that with a CHL, they dont need to call the Fed's when I buy a gun.

You are correct. The number of Texas CHL's have soared in recent years and it's likely they account for a large percentage of sales by FFL's.

Chas.

[PUCKER]

I can only offer 2nd-hand perspective - a buddy of mine works the gun counter at Cabela's (he does the 4473, check out, etc), he mentioned last night that they have been busy, busy, busy - he is only part time but he is almost full time hour wise now...and things will be picking up with hunting season, Christmas, etc. And yes, regarding CHLs...that makes it easier (especially his job!) and quicker.

[anygunanywhere]

All of my last 6-7 purchases have been FTF, not from retailers or through FFls.

There are still plenty of firearms changing hands.

Anygunanywhere

[C-dub]

Down 18%? Big whoop. Wasn't it up like 300-400% for a year or so? Gun stores couldn't keep anything in stock for more than a day for months. Still way up compared to 8 years ago and then add in the CHL exclusion thing and whamo.

[MechAg94]

When someone asks you where all the .22 LR went, reference these gun sales increases of recent years.