Study: Gun sales to women and minorities are on the rise
Aug 9, 2023, 7:00 AM
FILE - An array of pistols are shown in the Dan Wesson display as guests browse firearms at the National Rifle Association's Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Indianapolis, April 16, 2023. A study from Rutgers University shows that gun sales to minorities and women are on the rise. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
SALT LAKE CITY — Gun sales across the United States have been on the rise. A study from the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers University claims sales to women and minorities are also increasing.
The study seems to show those groups are purchasing weapons for self-defense.
Chris Bertram, retired deputy chief with the Unified Police Department, tells KSL NewsRadio that gun sales often increase when people feel insecure.
“I think, unfortunately, now is the time when certain people in certain areas, urban areas especially,” he said. “May not feel as safe.”
Bertram says oftentimes fear is what motivates a person to buy a gun.
“I definitely saw that when I was on the job,” he said. “And we had people who were victims of crime, both violent crime and property crime, that didn’t own a firearm, they would immediately talk about ‘I think I am going to buy a firearm to feel safer.'”
Clark Aphosian, president of the Utah Shooting Sports Council, says he is seeing a lot of people seeking knowledge on how to use a firearm.
“I’m still teaching classes, perhaps not as many concealed carry gun classes,” he said. “But a lot of tactical training classes for people that have their firearms.”
While they don’t keep specific records on groups who are buying firearms, a couple of gun stores along the Wasatch Front tell KSL NewsRadio they believe they have seen an increase in sales to minorities and women.
Mark Jones contributed to this article.
Read more:
