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Why doesn't the economy affect gun sales?
- Thread starter hanleyfan
- Start date
Yep. Couldn't agree more. Never thought of it that way. That's all you see on TV or Movies----shootouts galore! Or should I say gore! I bet the guys who make fake blood for movies are millionaires now. OH, I forgot everybody's expecting zombies to show up on their doorsteps.!!!!!
Certain sales are flat, others aren't - I suspect OP you may have to better define "outrageous prices", because if someone WILLINGLY paid the asking price, then it isn't outrageous, gouging or anything similar
Not necessarily. We make the assumption that buyers are rational and have equal knowledge. That isn't the case.
buck460XVR
New member
i suspect that when the economy is good then people want to buy firearms. i also suspect that when the economy is bad the people need to buy firearms.
That would be my guess. When times are bad, there are more folks that are desperate. Desperate folks do desperate things making them bad guys. More bad guys means more folks feel a need to protect themselves. That along with the fact that the pro-gun atmosphere here in the U.S. is at a all time high means for high demand and high prices.
oneounceload
Moderator
Certain sales are flat, others aren't - I suspect OP you may have to better define "outrageous prices", because if someone WILLINGLY paid the asking price, then it isn't outrageous, gouging or anything similar
Not necessarily. We make the assumption that buyers are rational and have equal knowledge. That isn't the case
Again, rational in WHOSE mind? There are folks who think nothing of spending a thousand or more for a decent meal out - and in their income level it is no big deal. If that same person spends a few extra on a gun because taking the time to shop around to save $50 actually COSTS him several thousands in his time, again, it is no big deal
I know several folks who shoot a lot, especially small bore shotgun where the ammo is expensive - yet they do not reload because they value their time at $500 per hour and they can't reload and recoup that loss - again - monetary value is relative and just because someone is better off than you financially and isn't bothered by spending a little more for something right now does not make them or their thinking irrational
Not to insert a negative note in the thread, but exactly what are gun sales anyway and where do you get your information? There are other factors besides the economy.
For one thing, I wouldn't be surprised is half the people buying guns already own guns. They're the ones who bought up all those $75 SKS rifles years ago and are just about done buying up all the Swiss rifles. Another factor is what happens to be new at the moment. There have been some interesting models introduced in the last year or two. That always helps with sales, something new, sometimes just something in a different color. Bought any pink guns yet? How about green?
Older contributors like myself (it stings to say that) remember when things didn't cost so much and it is easy to say something has an outrageous price tag, especially when your own income has been dropping. When and if I ever retire, all hope is gone for anything else.
For one thing, I wouldn't be surprised is half the people buying guns already own guns. They're the ones who bought up all those $75 SKS rifles years ago and are just about done buying up all the Swiss rifles. Another factor is what happens to be new at the moment. There have been some interesting models introduced in the last year or two. That always helps with sales, something new, sometimes just something in a different color. Bought any pink guns yet? How about green?
Older contributors like myself (it stings to say that) remember when things didn't cost so much and it is easy to say something has an outrageous price tag, especially when your own income has been dropping. When and if I ever retire, all hope is gone for anything else.
As for why all of the first time buyers just listen to the news. Cut backs at many police and sheriffs departments. People read and hear stories of small towns disbanding their police department and the local sheriff dept. has just laid off 6 officers. People get scared they find the money to buy protection, for most that means a gun.
Onward Allusion
New member
hanleyfan
Why doesn't the economy affect gun sales?
The economy DOES impact gun sales, except it has an inverse relationship. The crappier the economy, the more guns get sold. This is even more true in mid-size cities where the gun laws are more realistic and the police departments have less budget during hard times. Crime goes up in smaller towns because it's more difficult to get caught, hence the citizen wanting a gun for protection. There are also political considerations, but I won't go there...
Master Blaster 2
Moderator
Can't sell guns on E-bay. People can buy guns on GunBroker. Guns are selling well.
What are your accessories? With most plastic stuff you are still making 20% on accessories after selling it for 50% off MSRP. Are you competive with the on line stores?
What are your accessories? With most plastic stuff you are still making 20% on accessories after selling it for 50% off MSRP. Are you competive with the on line stores?
Supply and demand.
If Obama is re-elected you can be sure guns will be over regulated at best and ownership greatly discouraged (understatement of the year). More likely gun ownership will not be allowed as happened in England. Therefore people are buying up guns and ammo.
My older neighbor said that during the depression in the 20's she traded one .22 cartridge for a whole chicken and more than likely the .22 used used to get a deer. A .22 without a gun is worthless and so ...
The other consideration is that CD's give about .9% return and certian guns, like Colt Pythons, are doubling in value. Two years ago I bought a like new (but lightly used) in box Custom Shop Python for $950 and was recently offered $2900 for it which I accepted.
If Obama is re-elected you can be sure guns will be over regulated at best and ownership greatly discouraged (understatement of the year). More likely gun ownership will not be allowed as happened in England. Therefore people are buying up guns and ammo.
My older neighbor said that during the depression in the 20's she traded one .22 cartridge for a whole chicken and more than likely the .22 used used to get a deer. A .22 without a gun is worthless and so ...
The other consideration is that CD's give about .9% return and certian guns, like Colt Pythons, are doubling in value. Two years ago I bought a like new (but lightly used) in box Custom Shop Python for $950 and was recently offered $2900 for it which I accepted.
BlueTrain wrote:
That's a really good question. My first take was "oh no, I've heard from several sources that gun sales were through the roof." But honestly, I don't know - I've only heard this. Thus I'm prompted to do some research.
I'll try to dig around and find some actual data on it. IIRC, I'd heard that some of this was based on data from the NICS system, and that a lot of the gun buyers were 'new' buyers and not just repeat customers.
My suspicion, OP, is that it has to do with Obama promising to work on gun control "under the radar," coupled with "fast and furious," and add in the threat recently that there would be a gun-grab in his 2nd term - viola - instant gun sales, in spite of a troubled economy.
Not to mention ... well, other ominous signs that the good old US of A is headed down a path where it appears the Constitution will be but a memory in the minds of old people. But that's another topic.
Not to insert a negative note in the thread, but exactly what are gun sales anyway and where do you get your information? There are other factors besides the economy.
That's a really good question. My first take was "oh no, I've heard from several sources that gun sales were through the roof." But honestly, I don't know - I've only heard this. Thus I'm prompted to do some research.
I'll try to dig around and find some actual data on it. IIRC, I'd heard that some of this was based on data from the NICS system, and that a lot of the gun buyers were 'new' buyers and not just repeat customers.
My suspicion, OP, is that it has to do with Obama promising to work on gun control "under the radar," coupled with "fast and furious," and add in the threat recently that there would be a gun-grab in his 2nd term - viola - instant gun sales, in spite of a troubled economy.
Not to mention ... well, other ominous signs that the good old US of A is headed down a path where it appears the Constitution will be but a memory in the minds of old people. But that's another topic.
Not to mention ... well, other ominous signs that the good old US of A is headed down a path where it appears the Constitution will be but a memory in the minds of old people. But that's another topic.
That is an ominous statement, indeed. What I am now wondering is what, if any, actions can be taken to truly prevent that from happening, or if we are faced with a juggernaut.
gaseousclay
New member
If Obama is re-elected you can be sure guns will be over regulated at best and ownership greatly discouraged (understatement of the year). More likely gun ownership will not be allowed as happened in England. Therefore people are buying up guns and ammo.
hogwash. this was the same meme used in '08 and everyone still has their guns.
I don't think patterns of gun ownership make much difference in how good a place is to live in, based on my visiting and living in other countries and other states. Although I'd rather live in Germany, I wouldn't mind living in England at all, if it weren't for the language problem. I could barely understand them when I was there.
Okay, yes - I know, I know, this article is from HuffPo (/shame) but it does include stat on the increase in gun sales.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/04/gun-purchases-2011_n_1185282.html
(Posting link per my quote of poster "Blue Train")
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/04/gun-purchases-2011_n_1185282.html
(Posting link per my quote of poster "Blue Train")
"gyvel" wrote:
Personally I think we're faced with the juggernaut.
Are you familiar with Claire Wolfe? I think she's wrong - it's way too late, on both counts.
That is an ominous statement, indeed. What I am now wondering is what, if any, actions can be taken to truly prevent that from happening, or if we are faced with a juggernaut
Personally I think we're faced with the juggernaut.
Are you familiar with Claire Wolfe? I think she's wrong - it's way too late, on both counts.
Here's a handy chart from the NSSF. It's based on the number of NICS checks performed, which is a vast underestimation.I'll try to dig around and find some actual data on it.
In many states, buyers with a carry permit are exempted from the NICS check, so those sales are not tracked. Nor are private sales, or those taking place at gun shows in many areas.
Let's do lose the whole "OMG! Politician ____ is going to tear up the Constitution" veer.
For what it's worth, I was part of last year's statistics. But it doesn't reflect that I disposted of firearms in trade.
If some states except carry-permit holders from background checks, it said that Kentucky performs a regular monthly background check on permit holders. Sounds like a lot of work.
Here's a devil's advocate sort of question. As I see it, part of the problem is with people who have otherwise been law-abiding citizens (except for traffic issues, which apparently people do not see as crime--but see threads about police stops) crossing the line and doing something illegal. I don't just mean illegal, I mean bad.
If some states except carry-permit holders from background checks, it said that Kentucky performs a regular monthly background check on permit holders. Sounds like a lot of work.
Here's a devil's advocate sort of question. As I see it, part of the problem is with people who have otherwise been law-abiding citizens (except for traffic issues, which apparently people do not see as crime--but see threads about police stops) crossing the line and doing something illegal. I don't just mean illegal, I mean bad.
There are only two kinds of people who buy guns. Those that don't own a gun, and those who already do.
First time buyers are a varied market, ranging from younger folks buying their first hunting gun to oldsters deciding its finally gotten too dangerous in their neighborhood, and they need something for protection, and everyone inbetween.
Those of us who already own a gun (or more) are buying guns we want, to fill a desire, use or percieved need.
While its frequently mentioned about buying guns because of the fear of not being able to get them later (political), there is another factor, one I haven't heard mentioned yet.....
Some of us are buying guns now, not because we fear we won't be able to get them later, but because we are concerned we won't be able to AFFORD them later!
That is one of two things, prices stay relatively the same, and our "disposable income" drops, or our income remains stable, but the price goes up, significantly.
There are tons of guns I passed on, when they were "cheap", because I wasn't interested (mostly Combloc stuff). And while I'm still not interested, if I were, I'd have to pay 2 or 3x what I could have had them for, then.
So, I'm buyting things today, that I might want someday, so I don't pay 2,3,5,or 10x later. And, the beauty of guns is, when I get tired of them, I can recover most, or in some cases all of the value of the money I paid.
Then there is the ever present paranoia that there may come a time when guns are more useful/worth more than money. If that ever comes to pass, even for a limited time, tis way better to have more than you need than not.
We are constantly hearing about economic doom and collapse. I direct your attention to the parable of the chicken, the Krugeraand, and the cartridge box...
First time buyers are a varied market, ranging from younger folks buying their first hunting gun to oldsters deciding its finally gotten too dangerous in their neighborhood, and they need something for protection, and everyone inbetween.
Those of us who already own a gun (or more) are buying guns we want, to fill a desire, use or percieved need.
While its frequently mentioned about buying guns because of the fear of not being able to get them later (political), there is another factor, one I haven't heard mentioned yet.....
Some of us are buying guns now, not because we fear we won't be able to get them later, but because we are concerned we won't be able to AFFORD them later!
That is one of two things, prices stay relatively the same, and our "disposable income" drops, or our income remains stable, but the price goes up, significantly.
There are tons of guns I passed on, when they were "cheap", because I wasn't interested (mostly Combloc stuff). And while I'm still not interested, if I were, I'd have to pay 2 or 3x what I could have had them for, then.
So, I'm buyting things today, that I might want someday, so I don't pay 2,3,5,or 10x later. And, the beauty of guns is, when I get tired of them, I can recover most, or in some cases all of the value of the money I paid.
Then there is the ever present paranoia that there may come a time when guns are more useful/worth more than money. If that ever comes to pass, even for a limited time, tis way better to have more than you need than not.
We are constantly hearing about economic doom and collapse. I direct your attention to the parable of the chicken, the Krugeraand, and the cartridge box...