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To: ALL MEDIA For Immediate Release June 5, 2006	For more information contact: Steve Wagner (203) 426-1320
Gun Sales Rise as Crime and Accident Rates Fall NEWTOWN, Conn.—New statistics show that firearm and ammunition sales are on the rise, coinciding with steady downward trends in gun crime, suicide and accident rates, in the U.S. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the shooting, hunting and outdoor industry, has released U.S. Dept. of the Treasury figures indicating that 2005 retail sales of firearms and ammunition rose 2.6 percent for a total volume of $2.1 billion. For the year, approximately 4.7 million new guns were sold, bringing the estimated number of citizen-owned firearms in the U.S. to more than 290 million. The number of American households with at least one firearm is now estimated at nearly 110 million. Of the various firearm types, the sharpest gains were seen in retail sales of handguns (pistols and revolvers). Handgun sales rose 3 percent while long-gun (rifle and shotgun) sales rose 1.8 percent. Ammunition sales rose 3.5 percent.
U.S. Statistics Source Last Year* Trend Firearm & Ammunition Sales U.S. Dept. of the Treasury Up 2.6% to $2.1 billion Up 27.7% since 1998 Firearms Produced for Retail Sale Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) 2,947,008 22.8 million total since 1998 Firearms Imported for Retail Sale U.S. Census Bureau 1,845,366 10.7 million total since 1998 Right to Carry Laws National Rifle Association (NRA) Passed in 2 more states Now in 40 states; 9 added since 1998 Firearm Crimes Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Down 2.4% to 339,280 Down 7% since 1998 Firearm Suicides Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Down 1.1% to 16,907 Down 1.8% since 1998 Accidental Firearm Fatalities National Safety Council Tied previous year’s all-time low of 700 Down 19.2% since 1998 Accidental Firearm Fatalities, Age 14 & Under National Safety Council Down to all-time low of 60 Down 50.4% since 1998
* Most recent year for which statistics have been compiled; may be 2005, 2004 or earlier Combined 2005 sales of firearms and ammunition generated $224.3 million in excise taxes earmarked for wildlife and habitat conservation projects, through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. Since inception, the act has raised more than $5 billion for conservation. As NSSF-member companies and conservationists laud the latest sales numbers, their applause coincides with more good news about American society in general. According to figures from government and independent sources, firearm crimes, suicides and accidental fatalities, including accidents among youth, are all trending downward. “Reductions in gun crimes and accidental fatalities have been documented for many years, even as gun sales and ownership in our country continue to rise,” said Doug Painter, president of NSSF. “However, today’s anti-gun organizations rake in lots of cash by perpetuating the myth that more guns equals more bad news. Clearly, there is no relationship between gun ownership and firearm misuse.” Painter credited many different organizations and programs working together to ensure that gun owners are safe, active, responsible and aware of their 2nd Amendment rights. NSSF’s highlight programs include: Project ChildSafe. Has provided more than 30 million free firearm safety kits, including gunlocks, since 2003. Don’t Lie for the Other Guy. Educational program to help firearm dealers curb illegal gun purchases, and warns potential violators of the penalties for making a “straw purchase.” Safety Education. A variety of materials in print, video and electronic formats help deliver safety messages to America’s gun owners and students. Recruitment Programs. NSSF responsibly reaches out to new hunters and shooters through initiatives such as Scholastic Clay Target Program, Scholastic Rifle Program, Families Afield, First Shots, STEP OUTSIDE, and others. Formed in 1961, NSSF is celebrating its 45th birthday in 2006. The organization recently reached important new milestones, topping 3,000 members and hosting the largest annual trade show (SHOT Show) in the history of the firearms industry. -30-