Despite Economy, Ohio, U.S. Gun Sales Defy Gravity

Shooting Illustrated ^ | August 17, 2011 | J.R. Absher

[DogByte6RER]

Despite Economy, Ohio, U.S. Gun Sales Defy Gravity

The economy of Ohio is centered to a high degree on the manufacturing of a myriad of consumer products, perhaps to a higher degree than dozens of other states. As a result, one would think the current downturn in the national economy would be intensified in The Buckeye State.

Ohioans may not be dining out as much or buying new refrigerators and pickup tracks, but recently released figures from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) indicate they are continuing to purchase firearms at a record pace.

During the first seven months of 2011, the FBI conducted 247,847 background checks for firearm purchases at gun sellers in Ohio, an increase of 17.7 percent from the same period in 2010. Further, checks were up 9.2 percent from 2009 and 42.4 percent from 2008, according to NICS figures.

The number of background checks—along with federal excise tax totals—is considered one of the most accurate measures of gun sales. While not all checks lead to purchases, a very high percentage do.

On the national level, the quarterly Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Collection report released this week by the Department of the Treasury indicates firearm and ammunition manufacturers reported tax liabilities of $110.1 million in the first calendar quarter of 2011, an increase of 8.2 percent over the same period last year.

The quarterly report, which covers the time period of Jan. 1 through March 31, indicates $37.12 million was due in taxes for pistols and revolvers, $33.71 million for firearms (other)/ long guns and $39.27 million for ammunition (shells and cartridges). Compared to the same time period in 2010, tax obligations were up 18.5 percent for pistols and revolvers, up 7.19 percent for firearms (other)/ long guns and up 0.74 percent for ammunition (shells and cartridges).

Excise taxes on firearms and ammunition sales (also known as Pittman-Robertson funds) are paid quarterly by firearms and ammunition manufacturers, and earmarked for state wildlife conservation and habitat restoration programs. In the past 15 years, excise taxes on firearms have generated more than $3 billion for state wildlife programs, hunter education, shooting ranges and other programs.

[DogByte6RER]

As GDP, the stock market and Obama's approval ratings nosedive, gun sales skyrocket.

[aimhigh]

The article talks about recently released NICS numbers, but refers to January through March. Those are old numbers that have been out for many months. They used to release the numbers about a month after completion of the month. But they stopped issuing reports in April. Why.

Here’s the link that has the numbers up through April.

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/nics/reports/state-totals_1998-2010-2?12

What are they covering up now?

[SVTCobra03]

You can’t shoot zombies with refrigerators or pickup trucks.

[Lockbar]

Or flash mobs, either.

[umgud]

As GDP, the stock market and Obama's approval ratings nosedive, gun sales skyrocket.

Don't forget; More guns, more crime. Any day now we should be seeing the skyrocketing stats on gun deaths...... any day now /s

[HiTech RedNeck]

Given the easing of gun regulations (the USSC showed up late to the 2nd Amendment party, but better late than never), the desire for better anti-crime/self protection measures, and the utility of hunting should other food sources become scarce, it’s hardly a paradox at all.

[DogByte6RER]

Lots of zombies these days ...

[HiTech RedNeck]

Would it have to do with who’s shooting, or being shot by, “Holder’s people”???

[GOPJ]

How many of us live in neighborhoods that could stop a flash mob? That’s driving sales...

[Quickgun]

Lots of folks are getting a pretty good idea of what the future probably holds.....

[LouAvul]

Because Americans are beginning to realize the only way a cop can stop a crime is if it happens at a dunkin donuts.

[max americana]

But you could use your pick up truck to plow thru zombies.

[STJPII]

Kentucky gun sale are through the roof.

[SVTCobra03]

“But you could use your pick up truck to plow thru zombies.”

Good point. Make mine a 2012 Ford Raptor.

[Last Dakotan]

How many of us live in neighborhoods that could stop a flash mob?

North Dakota.

[Nachum]

The list, ping

Let me know if you would like to be on or off the ping list

http://www.nachumlist.com/

[Godwin1]

Fear of growing urban violence is driving this. In Chicago Saturday there was another racially motivated mob-attack/robbery committed by seven Black teens. And, over the weekend, at leat eight non-racially motivated shootings, including two fatalities one a 14 year old boy. Rahm Emmanuel said he would improve public safety in Chicago. But it is worse now than under Boss Daley.

[Tupelo]

The reason Ohioans are buying guns is the same reason other intelligent people are buying them. FEAR. Fear of the the mugs, thugs and pugs that are slowly taking over. eg, Flash Mobs, shootings at athletic events and on and on. We also know that the bad guys are also stocking up on arms ,only not through licensed dealers or gun shows. Then there is fear of what the Federals are going to try to do to us with things like: the ATF running guns to the the drug cartels and the DEA buying drugs from them.
So out of fear for our families and ourselves, we are arming ourselves as much as possible.

[paratrooper82]

“. . . we are arming ourselves as much as possible.”

Never admit or deny anything!

[Peet]

As GDP, the stock market and Obama's approval ratings nosedive, gun sales skyrocket.

Don't forget also that we're looking at the possibility of seeing Romney as republican nominee for president.

One fundamental difference between zer0 and Romney is that though zer0 would like to ban guns, the Mittster has actually signed an assault weapons ban. A permanent one.

Do not forget that!

Thank you for your time and have a nice day...