Economy lags, gun sales don't - St. Petersburg Times

The economy is in turmoil and consumer spending lags, but Americans continue to buy guns.

Firearms and ammunition sales rose by 8 to 10 percent this year, according to state and federal data analyzed by the Washington Post.

Why? Economic concerns and fears that Sen. Barack Obama, if elected president, could tighten gun laws lead the discussion.

There are no scientific studies linking gun sales and economic conditions, said Gary Kleck, a researcher at Florida State University's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, but people often buy firearms during periods of uncertainty.

Spikes in sales of weapons often coincide with concerns about personal safety or government actions to limit access to firearms, Kleck told the Post.

Comments on this article

by tom	Nov 2, 2008 3:12 PM
firearms generally don't depreciate in value...maybe instead of losing $$ in stocks, homes, cars... buy guns! At least a gun can be used to put meat on table, unlike a stock certificate.

by Lee	Nov 2, 2008 3:11 PM
The threat of a recession and a black man being elected president really brings out the paranoia in some people.

by Billy Joe	Nov 2, 2008 3:09 PM
Visions of Bar'k Hus Obama leave me with paralyzing terror. Obamesession has left me with anxious fever; I canna sleep, my back is suffering from spasms. I don't buy guns. I go to my acupuncturist and eat Valium. A hermit, I leads a monastic life.

by Jill	Nov 2, 2008 3:03 PM
Obama says the Constitution's subject to change. He has shown contempt for reporters and gives the boot to a free press. And the press love and worship him. Imagine how he will treat us gun owners who fail to kneel before the One. It's clinging time!

by Sean	Nov 2, 2008 3:03 PM
Joe the plumber:Your confused and stupid get a life.

by Snoopama	Nov 2, 2008 3:02 PM
I nose how to get dem guns even if he do make it tight. Steal em by Homey invasion.

by Frank	Nov 2, 2008 3:02 PM
You might have asked a gun owner rather than some FSU criminology researcher. It isn't about tighter gun laws; it is about Obama increasing taxes on gun sales--and everything else.

by JH	Nov 2, 2008 2:59 PM
That's pretty much what Obama said about folks in Pennsylvania. We'ze just dumb rednecks, clingin' to our guns and bibles. Dhimmicrats, so much drama. One things for sure, less people are buying the St. Pete Times. Tired, old, 60's propaganda.

by Paul	Nov 2, 2008 2:58 PM
I am proud to be one of the contributing 8 to 10 percent and still have the ability to defend my dwindling rights, which seem to be what is really in recession today. Whatever the outcome, remember to keep your eye on the front sight!

by Jay	Nov 2, 2008 2:58 PM
I never worry about people trying to take my guns away. I'll be dead and out of ammunition before that happens.

by johnms	Nov 2, 2008 2:17 PM
For those buying guns for protection, it your right, buy them if you wish. For the "stupid" talking about shooting, gun rights getting taken away and "riots" breaking out, get a life. Buy a gun for real reasons, not stupid, uninformed "redneck" ones

by john	Oct 31, 2008 10:07 PM
Do not trust osama,He wants to take your guns away and we should all fear a government that wants to disarm the people.Vote McCain.

by Pat	Oct 31, 2008 10:05 PM
It's really not difficult to figure out why gun sales are up..Thanks to pres. Bush, The economy is at it's worst since the depression 80 years ago and the entire history of the U.S. Crime is skyrocketing, people are desperate

by Troy	Oct 31, 2008 9:26 PM
Well with Bush and the Repubublican trade deals which send all our jobs overseas, it is going to be survival of the fittest. And a gun helps level the playing field. Blame Bush.

by FRANK	Oct 31, 2008 9:25 PM
I THOUGHT WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE

by Dale	Oct 31, 2008 8:59 PM
All I ask is for everyone to take a look at any and every couontry run by a black present or ruler. That is all you need to do to vote for McCain

by Kris	Oct 31, 2008 8:59 PM
In these time were we as Americans do not know what is comming next, at least with a gun on can both protect themselves and thier Families as well as provide a good meal should times call for such a measure to be implimented. Lets hope not!!!!!!!!!

by Kevin	Oct 31, 2008 8:59 PM
Anyone remember 40 years ago, 1968. Also an election year with many parallels to this election. Civil Rights, an unpopular war going on, riots in the streets. Those who do not study history, are doomed to repeat the past. Live and learn the hard way!

by Steve	Oct 31, 2008 8:59 PM
It doesn't matter who is elected,the American people will stand-up and fight for their rights!..They see where are country is heading!!.it will not be easy to take are guns away!..

by Dan	Oct 31, 2008 8:58 PM
I knew that this particular article couldn't possibly fail to bring out the biggest pinheads on this website, and that's really, really saying something. No wonder the rest of the world thinks we're a bunch of drooling Neanderthal morons.

by Charlie	Oct 31, 2008 8:58 PM
joe the plumber, I'm in agreement, all great civilization have crumbled from within, its is up to the people to ensure that when ours inevitably does we set the foundation for the success of a new one through a true revolution like our forefathers.

by Charlie	Oct 31, 2008 8:58 PM
I'm a gun owner & a democrat. I don't fear bans on guns. We have the 2nd amendment, the NRA, and the ability to say if guns are illigal, then I'm a criminal... you want my guns here they are come give it your best shot, I certainly will do the same

by MIKE	Oct 31, 2008 8:58 PM
The liberal press loves stories where anyone, innocent or otherwise is killed by a firearm. When have you last heard about a life saved by someone having a firearm to defend themselves? It happens all the time. DUH!

by Eric	Oct 31, 2008 8:58 PM
why cant i own a barret .50 cal?

by Miles	Oct 31, 2008 8:58 PM
Fact is Fact no mater what you do people will all ways find a way to git them,and plz dont post stuped comments on like the being a "Revolution".

by Dan	Oct 31, 2008 8:57 PM
If god forbid, there is another large terroist attack on this country the first people who will die are the ones that have no way to protect their families . The police can not protect you, they will be protecting their own families, VOTE McCAIN !!

by Darrell	Oct 31, 2008 8:57 PM
Some of your responses have been about the mayhem that might occur if Obama is elected. I fear the possible anarchy if he isn't. Black America might react like they did following MLKs assassination. We could have wide-spread civil unrest.

by Brian	Oct 31, 2008 8:57 PM
When seconds count, the police are only minutes away. Defend yourself before Obama strips your gun rights.

by libertarian	Oct 31, 2008 8:57 PM
maybe all you obama/mccain people should get a clue and vote for the only party that really cares about your freedoms. democrats want to take your guns and money, republicans want to tell you how to live your life. vote libertarian!

by Mary	Oct 31, 2008 8:57 PM
My 2 cents: If Obama gets elected, more rights than the constitutional 'right to bear arms' will be stripped away...be afraid America, be VERY afraid - and VOTE!!!

by Tony	Oct 31, 2008 8:56 PM
Black on white crime will skyrocket if Obama Husien get elected. African Americans thug culture will see this as an entitlement. This not to say the average AA will do anything of the sort. But we as a country should be very worried about obama.

by fred	Oct 31, 2008 8:56 PM
When government decisions made by self serving politicians create the problems we now face...why should law abiding citizens trust and/or believe anything these same politicans say. Buying guns isn't the answer....voting everyone in office out....IS.

by AM	Oct 31, 2008 8:55 PM
Everyone who has tried to pull a gun on me were disabled by my boots and bare hands.

by Marty S.	Oct 31, 2008 8:55 PM
I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy!

by Wolf	Oct 31, 2008 8:55 PM
To all of the Gun Tottin' (Palinism) rednecks out there: How many of you have actually killed someone, or even injured someone, with your guns? Seems kind of gutless to me to own a gun and not use it.