Hard and anecdotal data across the country points to firearm and ammo sales surging through February and March in the reaction to the coronavirus situation, as some police departments reduce non-emergency call responses. The sales boom has come up against closures of firearms dealers as non-essential businesses in several high-population states’ emergency declarations this week, prompting legal and lobbying challenges from advocacy and industry groups.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported that NICS data showed a 300% year-over-year spike in nationwide background checks for Mar. 16, while the average between Feb. 23 to Mar. 16 has doubled over 2019. According to ... Log in to view full article.