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Are gun shops in U.S. 'essential' businesses during a pandemic?

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By LISA MARIE PANE and JIM VERTUNO

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Gun stores are not essential during a pandemic or at any other time.

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

8 ( +16 / -8 )

@Sneezy

Charlie Daniels of the NRA begs to differ:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh8vFNynb_w

-8 ( +6 / -14 )

Charlie Daniels of the NRA is wrong.

12 ( +17 / -5 )

Charlie Daniels of the NRA is wrong.

And an idiot gun nutter, but he does make decent music.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

Gun stores are essential for people afraid of their own shadows.

1 ( +9 / -8 )

I’ve never needed one in my life so how essential can they be?

4 ( +10 / -6 )

I’ve never needed one in my life so how essential can they be?

But, you’re not American! (You’re also falling into the logical fallacy trap of conservatives that states, “If it worked/works for me, it must work for everyone.”)

3 ( +7 / -4 )

In 'Murica, if the CCPvirus doesn't kill you, some itchy trigger finger nutter will. It would seem that more than 250 years later and it's still the old wild west. Sad really when you think about it.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

I've heard machine guns can kill the virus, we should arm ourselves and be prepared.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Japan buys masks and toilet paper. America buys guns. Interesting

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Are gun shops in U.S. 'essential' businesses during a pandemic

That is a philosophical question. If there is a rumour that a particular drug is effective against Corona, and you have it but don´t have a gun and your neighour does not have it but does have a gun, they could be an extremely essential business for some. So it really depends what situation you imagine.

For the extremists on either side, they are probaby seen as essential all the time or never, depending on the camp.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Actually keep in mind in all seriousness that in the last century the US was one of only a few countries that did not descend into dictatorship like most of Europe and Asia thanks to citizens being armed and able to keep the government in check.

Your premise is that the US military couldn’t steamroll armed citizens. You sticking by that?

3 ( +8 / -5 )

While I see the importance of having firearms, It's better for shops to close for now. Responsible gun owners and those who are prepared are most likely stocked up anyway. Those who will be panic buying are usually those ill-prepared and paranoid anyway. You'll just run the risk of having more people, albeit irresponsible and irrational gun owners, who will try to use them to get what they want. The pandemic or any natural disaster is already bad as it is but people would usually make the situation a lot worse.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Gun nuts in lockdown with cabin fever.

Not good.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

That is a philosophical question. If there is a rumour that a particular drug is effective against Corona, and you have it but don´t have a gun and your neighour does not have it but does have a gun, they could be an extremely essential business for some. So it really depends what situation you imagine.

Woah, sounds like your neighbour buying a gun from a gun store is dangerous, we should probably close them.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Jimizo

Gun nuts in lockdown with cabin fever.

Don't forget the alcohol.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Look at that picture, is bringing your pet chihuahua to a gun shop essential?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Guns, alcohol, toilet paper..... Prepped for the coronavirus apocalypse.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Just say a few statements that make gun owners afraid and they will hand over their money at will.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

If it ever really comes to a STHF situation then yes, you'll want some form of self-defense, especially if you've stocked up and people will try to rob you of your supplies.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Hell yeah! Gotta protect the bog roll stash.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Well, as a gun supporter, collector and gun rights activist, I don’t think in this climate and given the uncertainty we have for the future, I would definitely think if you are a gun owner or thinking about being one is two make sure you get all the necessary hardware you need or if you think you need to purchase more for your safety, then that’s your right to do so especially if you live in an are that is more prone to violence and where this disease is ravaging everyone.

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

Hell yeah! Gotta protect the bog roll stash.

Judging by how nervous gun nutters are, I doubt they’d make it to the bog on time.

Guard the baby wipes and Persil.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Well I would have to say the gun auction site I visit daily has had some great deals since the virus did hit. I ended up getting a Marlin 1895 in 45-70 .45-70 Government issued last night for USD $550.00. I've had my eye on for while now. I do allot horseback riding on my Mothers Farm back in Massachusetts and my last long gun side horse mount took a dive and cracked the butt. So, its a replacement. When I go home try to help Mom a bit with some feral hunting on horseback as well trying to control the local ground hogs that run a muck through her gardens and crops. Raccoon's too. The water moccasins are an issue seeing the Squannacook River river hosts allot of water moccasins. The river is running through our land smack dead center through the farm. Our dogs have been bitten multiple times.

Right On to the article.

In other places, officials are stopping background checks for concealed carry permits. Elsewhere, city leaders have invoked emergency powers allowing bans on gun sales.

This is good move! There is going to be undesirable element trying exploit the situation with virus raging in some areas.

In recent weeks, firearm sales have skyrocketed. Background checks — the key barometer of gun sales — already were at record numbers in January and February, likely fueled by a presidential election year. Since the coronavirus outbreak, gun shops have reported long lines and runs on firearms and ammunition.

All well and fine. But I am sure some of these sales and guns are in the wrong hands of some very bad people with bad intentions. Not fear monger but it is what it is.

“If you keep it open, there’s the risk of first-time buyers who are largely buying out of fear and panic and untrained,” said Chipman, now senior policy adviser for Giffords, a gun control advocacy group.

There it is right there. My biggest fear. seem some real idiots trying operate a fire arm with no training and a mismatched firearm for the level of skill.

“I always knew people were going to want to protect themselves. What I was concerned about was the look in their faces, they are covered in fear,” Prince said. “If I give them the ability to have a firearm, it gives them a fighting chance to defend their family.”- The end of the world is not coming. To have an ablity to protect you family with the use of fire arm is your right as an American. However take training go toy your local range and safety classes. Use trigger locks and hide-way gun safes if you have kids. separate cartilages and clips from guns. Be smart.

The range that is part of his store is considered nonessential and has been forced to close, meaning new gun buyers can't use it to train on how to handle their firearm.- Critical mistake!

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

If I was living int he US I would want a small armory in my house to protect myself from looting things are going to get crazy there

Agreed, I'd tool up too to protect my stuff / grab other peoples stuff. Could get like Mad Max over there, should make for great Youtube.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Judging by how nervous gun nutters are, I doubt they’d make it to the bog on time. 

Guard the baby wipes and Persil.

If Democrats EVER get into power...yeah, there’s more than enough reason to get nervous especially when you hear fools like O’Rourke saying he would confiscate all legal firearms...idiot, it’ll never, ever happen.

Persil? We don’t have that in the States, we use Tide.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

Them Dems are already in power in the House. Smh.

Uhh . . . Illegal firearms are confiscated every day in the US, so yeah, it does happen. Dear lord!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Its absolutely essentially during time like this unless you want to be defenceless in a country that never grew out of the wild west days

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Look at that picture, is bringing your pet chihuahua to a gun shop essential?

Obviously. You need to get a firearm painted to match your pet’s outfit!!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

No Persil in America?

*Henkel North America’s premier laundry detergent brand, Persil® ProClean®, revealed its new stain-fighting commercial during Super Bowl LIII®. Watched by over 100 million viewers, the 15-second spot, ran during the 2ndquarter and saw the return of Persil®detergent’s “The Professional,” played by actor Peter Hermann. Hermann also starred as “The Professional” in the Persil Brand’s spot for Super Bowl LII®.*

https://www.henkel-northamerica.com/press/press-releases-and-kits/2019-04-02-persil-proclean-goes-deep-in-super-bowl-liii-commercial-906540

5 ( +6 / -1 )

The Democrats have power in the house, but they don’t have power in the presidency or the Senate and considering a recent events, it looks like they’re not gonna get the Senate either and they may even have trouble holding onto the house if that means they have to confiscate guns

No Persil in America?

Most People use Tide.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

When the police stop responding to emergency calls and prisoners are being released from jails to ease overcrowding, it doesn't seem unreasonable to want a weapon to protect yourself. We can argue whether that should include a gun or if a machete would suffice but there's no denying that when the social contract breaks down and we're back in the state of nature, you are your own 'first-responder'. Most Americans will have vivid memories of the LA riots and hurricane Katrina where the fragile social order collapsed and it was every man for himself.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Toshihiro:

Responsible gun owners and those who are prepared are most likely stocked up anyway. Those who will be panic buying are usually those ill-prepared and paranoid anyway.

I am agnostic about the whole gun debate, but that is a good point. Imagine the toilet paper hoarders in a gun shop...

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Of course gun stores are essential - they're essential if you're over-50, insecure, weak-willed, easily scared, prone to conspiracy theories, and watch nothing but the fear-mongering far-right media...

They need their guns to protect themselves from the government, which in this case is their Sainted President, and to protect themselves from Bob and June next door who were over for barbecue last week but will be crazed nuts stealing food and water next week...

After Sandy Hook, it became clear to everyone that gun nuts prize their guns over their kids...

1 ( +5 / -4 )

When the police stop responding to emergency calls and prisoners are being released from jails to ease overcrowding, it doesn't seem unreasonable to want a weapon to protect yourself. 

Bingo.

Progressives: Empty the prisons! Don't arrest illegals! Don't stop people for minor crimes!

Also progressives: America is a Wild West! Police are too brutal!

And yet also progressives: You don't need a gun!

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

When the police stop responding to emergency calls and prisoners are being released from jails to ease overcrowding, it doesn't seem unreasonable to want a weapon to protect yourself. We can argue whether that should include a gun or if a machete would suffice but there's no denying that when the social contract breaks down and we're back in the state of nature, you are your own 'first-responder'. Most Americans will have vivid memories of the LA riots and hurricane Katrina where the fragile social order collapsed and it was every man for himself.

100% correct! Lived through that and that was enough for me, so I could care less if people outside of the country thinks I’m crazy or Americans are crazy, I’m absolutely fine with that, I only care about my rights, the 2nd amendment and the rights of all law abiding US citizens.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

Your premise is that the US military couldn’t steamroll armed citizens. You sticking by that?

Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq. You sticking by that?

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Empty the prisons! Don't arrest illegals! Don't stop people for minor crimes!

I only care about my rights, the 2nd amendment and the rights of all law abiding US citizens.

They're scared, feel helpless and powerless...

And so they cling to their guns...

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Guns are totally essential for shooting viruses first so we can take them in for questioning later.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Maybe it's not a bad idea. If the crazies kill each other (or themselves by accident), there will be more hospital beds left for the other patients.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

They're scared, feel helpless and powerless...

And so they cling to their guns...

With what I have or most people, not only do we NOT feel helpless, we feel better, happier and we can take a load off the police.

Guns are totally essential for shooting viruses first so we can take them in for questioning later

No, but it keeps the looters away, think of it like bug or bear spray packed with more punch.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

They're scared, feel helpless and powerless...

And so they cling to their guns...

With what I have or most people, not only do we NOT feel helpless, we feel better, happier and we can take a load off the police.

You're not trained to take a load off the police - just ask them. They consider you more of a threat.

With the exception of real gun enthusiasts, most people in the US own guns because they're scared and feel powerless...they think guns give them power.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

You're not trained to take a load off the police - just ask them. They consider you more of a threat.

No, I’m trained and I have every right in my state to protect myself, my property and my family

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_doctrine

With the exception of real gun enthusiasts, most people in the US own guns because they're scared and feel powerless...they think guns give them power.

Some people might think like that, most don’t and whatever the reason, it really doesn’t, what matters is that we have the 2nd amendment and proud to honor it and keep it and we have a lot of liberals that hate Trump, but love the 2nd amendment, so either way and in this situation, we will do what we need to do to protect what we have in the event things get out of hand and people start to loot.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

You're not trained to take a load off the police - just ask them. They consider you more of a threat.

No, I’m trained and I have every right in my state to protect myself, my property and my family

Graduate from a Police Academy? Maybe FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center)? If not, you're not trained.

With the exception of real gun enthusiasts, most people in the US own guns because they're scared and feel powerless...they think guns give them power.

Some people might think like that, most don’t and whatever the reason, it really doesn’t, what matters is that we have the 2nd amendment and proud to honor it and keep it and we have a lot of liberals that hate Trump, but love the 2nd amendment, so either way and in this situation, we will do what we need to do to protect what we have in the event things get out of hand and people start to loot.

See, they're scared and feel weak and hopeless - and think a gun will make them powerful.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

The second amendment guarantees Americans the right to bear arms for purposes of self defense. But it’s not just them that are buying up guns and ammo.

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/03/coronavirus-queues-outside-gun-city-as-kiwis-panic-buy-firearms-amid-covid-19-lockdown.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8133153/Australian-gun-owners-follow-lead-coronavirus-panic-buying-ammunition.html

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-triggers-panic-buying-guns-hungary-200324083646819.html

https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/opinion/panic-buying-guns-ammunition-canada-2179107

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Graduate from a Police Academy?

Nope, just grew up with a family that liked collecting guns and go out and shooting them in the dessert and later took classes.

they're scared and feel weak and hopeless

That’s, libs can put whatever labels they like, I feel the exact same way about them, weak, hopeless and toothless policies.

.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Pathetic... As I said, back in the day when the NRA was more about sportsmanship and responsibility they were well respected, but since then has devolved into gun lobbying, superPAC, fanatacism creating people like the above commentor.

@Bass Nobody's gonna take away the 2nd amendment (in its proper form) in the US, but you've whipped yourself up into a fanatical frenzy about Dem/libs (takin' away my gunz 2nd amendment) again which makes you sound like the worst kind of "responsible" gun owner who could suddenly suffer from sudden "mental instability" at any time...

Some of your political oppenents on the other side legally carry firearms as well, so why don't you both go somewhere and shoot out your differences, that's excactly what it sounds like you want to do all the time.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Nobody's gonna take away the 2nd amendment (in its proper form) in the US, but you've whipped yourself up into a fanatical frenzy about Dem/libs (takin' away my gunz 2nd amendment) again which makes you sound like the worst kind of "responsible" gun owner who could suddenly suffer from sudden "mental instability" at any time... 

No, not at all, but I’m no dummy, of course I know they won’t be coming immediately, but like with everything the Democrats legislate it’s always in small incremental steps, ban assault weapons, then ban how many bullets you can buy or if some starts using a semi or a bolt action in a crime, then we need to ban those or punish the dealers in some fashion, I’m sure they’ll find a way and see where this is going? I’m not a fool as most gun owners are not fools. And as I keep telling you guys on the left, you can call us names, ridicule us, it doesn’t matter and we don’t care, we have the exact opposite feelings about liberals and their whacked ideas, we laugh and shake our heads at them as well. Either way, we do as we please and right now we don’t trust the Federal government to be there when we need it, some people it might work, but for others that have to fend for themselves it won’t.

Some of your political oppenents on the other side legally carry firearms as well, so why don't you both go somewhere and shoot out your differences, that's excactly what it sounds like you want to do all the time.

No, but I doubt Pelosi or Schumer or even Omar won’t come by talking that nuttiness. Lol

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Graduate from a Police Academy?

Nope, just grew up with a family that liked collecting guns and go out and shooting them in the dessert and later took classes.

Then you're not qualified to "take a load" off the police.

they're scared and feel weak and hopeless

That’s, libs can put whatever labels they like, I feel the exact same way about them, weak, hopeless and toothless policies.

They're your words - you said you own guns because you're scared of "looters"...

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Actually keep in mind in all seriousness that in the last century the US was one of only a few countries that did not descend into dictatorship like most of Europe and Asia thanks to citizens being armed and able to keep the government in check.

Just like Canada!

 

...right?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Then you're not qualified to "take a load" off the police

My 2nd amendment tells me otherwise as well as the city and county they’re registered in.

They're your words - you said you own guns because you're scared of "looters"...

Not scared, no reason, but any looter should be.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Are they going to shoot it out with the virus?

Only in the U S A.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Are they going to shoot it out with the virus?

No, the looters depends on how stupid they are.

Only in the U S A.

Thank God.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

....of course I know they won’t be coming immediately, but like with everything the Democrats legislate it’s always in small incremental steps, ban assault weapons, then ban how many bullets you can buy or if some starts using a semi or a bolt action in a crime, then we need to ban those or punish the dealers in some fashion, I’m sure they’ll find a way and see where this is going?

"The guv'ment wants mah gunz! They iz gunna take 'em all aways frum me!... eventually." Thats called PARANOIA... And since you specifically target a political majority you oppose just makes you sound even more dubious.

I’m not a fool as most gun owners are not fools.

The perspective you presented above leaves that up for debate. There is a reason I want more stringent gun laws/background checks and requirements in this country so that people who aren't quite sane in the head or responsible enough, can't get their hands on them. I don't have a problem with the 2nd amendment, but I'm the kind of person that believes if someone abuses their right, they should lose their right. When in comes to firearms.

And as I keep telling you guys on the left....

I've always been an Independent/unaffiliated/moderate. Left/Right is meaningless to me except to watch folks like you go on your fanatical partisanship rant which you obviously can't seem to stop yourself from doing. You just went straight up rabid man. Anyone who is not your idea of a "hard rite kristian consurvative" must be a lefty... Yeesh. It's never going to be black or white, grey is a color too.

you can call us names, ridicule us, it doesn’t matter and we don’t care, we have the exact opposite feelings about liberals and their whacked ideas, we laugh and shake our heads at them as well. Either way, we do as we please and right now we don’t trust the Federal government to be there when we need it, some people it might work, but for others that have to fend for themselves it won’t.

I'm just calling you out about your own whacked ideas and questioning your sanity as a so called "responsible" gun owner. You mean CITY or STATE government not Federal right? The FBI/National Guard is not the first department contacted when it comes to local law enforcement situations.

If you actually did mean the Federal Government, then just make sure to keep stockpiling an armory and form your little militia like all the other fanatics and you'll be golden... because surely you can defend yourself effectively against any battle trained professional government (foreign or domestic) or mercenary group that has actively been exposed to armed confli... oops you've just been felled by a trained sniper in their squadron. Got experience dealing with grenades? CQC?

Here's a question Bass. Have you yourself, ever had to USE your firearm to protect yourself or your family? Like someone breaking into your home, or someone else drawing a weapon on you for anything? Because in either event you'll eventually have to contact local law enforcement in the long run. If you're by yourself at the time, you have to call afterwards. But if family members or friends are nearby, someone has to contact the emergency number immediately during the situation.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Actually keep in mind in all seriousness that in the last century the US was one of only a few countries that did not descend into dictatorship like most of Europe and Asia thanks to citizens being armed and able to keep the government in check.

As a gun owner and gun collector, but also a student of history, this is about the most preposterous thing I’ve ever heard. This isn’t 1789. If the US government decided to go full dictatorship, a bunch of guys with small arms wouldn’t stand a chance. They and their families and their neighbors would all be dead before they ever heard the Hellfire launch. And they’d all be counted as ‘insurgents’. The original intent of the 2nd amendment wasn’t for personal defense, but national defense. The founding fathers did not envision America having a standing army, so arming the citizens was meant to act as a national militia.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

"The guv'ment wants mah gunz! They iz gunna take 'em all aways frum me!... eventually." Thats called PARANOIA...

If the Socialist income distribution 2nd amendment gun haters in, there’s a lot to be paranoid about..

The perspective you presented above leaves that up for debate.

Watching Joe Biden fumble around and see the bind the Dems are in with him we feel the same way, theres No debate about that.

I don't have a problem with the 2nd amendment, but I'm the kind of person that believes if someone abusestheir right, they should lose their right. When in comes to firearms. 

I believe we are lucky that Democrats can’t do anything when it comes to the 2nd amendment.

*Here's a question Bass. Have you yourself, ever had to USE your firearm to protect yourself or your family? Like someone breaking into your home, or someone else drawing a weapon on you for anything? *

Irrelevant and besides the issue. I skipped the rest of the boring talk. I as an American do have the right to purchase a firearm legally, I don’t have to give anyone the reason or motif why. I passed all necessary checks, licensed and trained most of my life, I like guns, I can buy them, I follow the law. Nothing else matters, everything else is just angry left wing noise because, I’ll still have my firearms tomorrow, so...

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

I have confidence and my fear level is low without a gun. Guns are more for people who can't function in society without the ability to instantly kill someone else. They are prisoners to their fear and guns are the only answer.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I have confidence and my fear level is low without a gun. Guns are more for people who can't function in society without the ability to instantly kill someone else. They are prisoners to their fear and guns are the only answer.

And when a looter comes to your house in the worst of the pandemic and society collapses, they’ll know you’re a prime target to snag from. Personally, I was never the gambling type.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

And when a looter comes to your house in the worst of the pandemic and society collapses, they’ll know you’re a prime target to snag from.

Yeah, because that happens outside the movies.

Personally, I was never the gambling type.

Having a gun in your home drastically increases the chances of someone in that home getting shot. So you are gambling. The gamble is that at best no one gets shot, worse, someone does get shot, or even worse, society collapses, though that would of course justify your purchase of a gun. If there were still an Internet after society collapses, you could brag about it.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Bass: And when a looter comes to your house in the worst of the pandemic and society collapses, they’ll know you’re a prime target to snag from. Personally, I was never the gambling type.'

Pure fear. Enjoy your prison, I'll enjoy my confidence.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

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