The recently held presidential elections had varying effects on businesses, supply, manufacturing, and the economy as a whole. However, reports have now revealed that the election, and president-elect Donald Trump’s win, apparently also influenced the country’s overall gun sales trend.
According to reports, several gun retailers had initially prepared themselves for a possible democratic win during the elections. With the thought of a Democrat being in power once again, retailers quickly stocked up their inventory of firearms and ammo, expecting a surge in the demand due to fears of additional background check requirements and tighter gun control laws.
In the weeks prior to the presidential election, there was indeed a high demand for firearms, more specifically for assault rifles. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton previously stated in her campaign that she would eventually ban these types of weapons if she would be chosen.
However, with Trump’s win, the fear of additional firearm restrictions and background checks quickly fell; along with gun stocks. Major firearm manufacturers in the United States reported a drop in their stocks, with Smith and Wesson experiencing a 16 percent drop after the elections. Sturm Ruger also dropped 12 percent, it largest dip since 2014.
Despite the effects on manufacturers, retailers across the country have reported that they haven’t really experiencing any increase or decrease in their sales following the results of the elections. A lot of them were preparing for a surge, but that didn’t really happen.
Some reports have speculated that the unexpected trend may be due to the lack of urgency that consumers are currently feeling with Trump in power. Several gun shop owners also revealed that it’s now just business as usual, but that consumers who are coming into their stores now no longer have that sense of urgency. Some shops also noticed that there are less bulk purchases, with most now just buying ammo for the guns they already own.