Gun Sales Surge Before Restrictions

by
posted on August 25, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
17-nrz-003_carry-life_main_2-10.jpg

Firearms sales in California surged 26% in June, the last month before stricter gun-control laws mandating background checks for ammunition purchases went into effect. A total of 76,684 guns were sold in California in June, up from 61,060 in June 2018, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Ammunition sales were also reportedly way up.

Meanwhile, the number of background checks called in to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in Washington State, according to the NSSF’s adjusted numbers, for June 2019 were 118% higher than June 2018. The reason: June 2019 was the last month before gun-control restrictions brought by Proposition I-1639 went into effect July 1.

Latest

The Armed Citizen
The Armed Citizen

The Armed Citizen® February 18, 2026

A man in his 70s was in his home in Jacksonville, Fla., shortly after lunchtime on Nov. 18, 2025, when an intruder broke in through a back window and demanded his keys and valuables.

The “L” in NRA-ILA Refers to Legislation, But Litigation is also Critically Important

Latest legislative news from inside the NRA Institute for Legislative Action

Video Interview: Buck Sexton Calls Gun Control a “Manufactured Delusion”

Buck Sexton, the radio host and author, has a new book out titled Manufacturing Delusion—How the Left Uses Brainwashing, Indoctrination, And Propaganda Against You. As Sexton is an ardent Second Amendment advocate and an NRA-certified firearms instructor, we decided to ask him if gun control is a manufactured delusion.

President’s Column | NRA 2.0 Transformations

As reported on Oct. 31, 2025, the NRA announced a major internal reorganization to modernize and increase efficiencies. This reorganization marked the first step in our effort to modernize and improve operations.

Standing Guard | The NRA Stands And Fights For Freedom

Every company, great or small, needs a realignment now and then. But, when a company has been around for nearly 155 glorious years, straightening the course can take a full reformation.

DOJ Civil Rights Division’s New Second Amendment Section Hits the Ground Running

Just over a year ago, a hostile federal executive branch had gun owners under siege on all fronts.

Interests



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.