During times of unrest in America, gun sales have historically spiked, and a new study analyzing 20 years of data shows the pandemic in 2020 led to a record-breaking year for gun sales in Alabama, nationally and in 39 states – including Oklahoma.

Annual sales figures had been relatively steady in Oklahoma for the first part of the 21st century, but sales rose rapidly in 2012 and have remained near that level for most of the past decade. Nationally, a record 23 million guns were sold in 2020, a 60% increase from 2019.

According to a study by SafeHome.org, “Guns in the U.S.: 20 Years of State and Federal Data” (using data from 2000 through October 2020 from the FBI, U.S. Census Bureau, CDC, among others),  the unprecedented spike in 2020 can be attributed to the worst pandemic since 1918, and social and political unrest, not seen since the 1960’s and the Civil War, respectively. It also marks the continuation of a 20-year trend of more guns in America.”

Findings in Oklahoma:

• Oklahoma ranks in the top 20 for gun sales in 2020
• 2020 Total Sales: 407,824 (20th)
• 2020 Per Capita Sales: 0.143 (9th)
• 2000-2020 Total Sales Change: 142% (31st)
• 2000-2020 Per Capita Sales Change: 104% (26th)

National Findings:

• Gun sales in 2020 increased by 158% from gun sales in 2000. 
• Since 2000, gun sales have risen in every state, the majority increasing by triple digits.
• 25 states had record sales months in 2020 —16 of them in March when coronavirus lockdowns began.
• 16 states had record sales months in December 2012, the month of the Sandy Hook shooting, and six states in December 2015, the month of the San Bernardino shooting. 

To view the study, visit SafeHome.org.