Delaware one of 4 states experiencing major drop in gun sales: Report

Since peaking during the pandemic in 2020, firearm sales have been decreasing across the country for three consecutive years.

Delaware's restrictive gun sale laws appear to be one of the reasons gun sales have decreased in the First State. An analysis of gun sales across the United States found that the state is among four that are experiencing the most substantial decline in gun purchases this year compared to last year.

Using data obtained from the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), Safehome.org , a home security company, examined recent gun sales nationwide. In an online report , the company said national gun sales decreased by 4% from 2022 to 2023. The District of Columbia, Delaware, New York and Louisiana experienced the most significant declines.

According to the report, Delaware saw an 18% drop in firearm purchases over the past year. The company attributed this decline to legislation, financial constraints and public opinion.

The report specifically pointed to the passage of legislation that bans high-capacity magazines and certain semi-automatic weapons and mandates handgun training before purchasing firearms. In the report, Safehome.org said these regulations "may have discouraged potential purchasers due to increased complications."

Reflecting a broader national trend the report found the other states significant declines in gun sales:

• District of Columbia: 32%
• New York: 15%
• Louisiana: 15%

More: Tracking gun violence in Delaware

States with high gun sales

Views on gun ownership often vary based on location. People in rural areas are about twice as likely as those in urban areas to believe that owning a gun increases safety.

Safehome.org's analysis found that gun sales increased between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2024, in four states — North Carolina, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Florida, compared to the previous year.

More: Gun control ordinances passed in wake of gun store break-in using flatbed truck

The company's report revealed that Texas, Florida, and California lead in overall sales, representing 22% of all guns sold in 2024. Montana, Wyoming and Alaska show the highest per capita purchases, a trend linked to their strong gun culture and lenient firearms legislation.

You can c ontact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware one of 4 states experiencing major drop in gun sales: Report