There’s an important lesson from current events that we should all take note of, and prepare for.
If you’ve been paying attention to the recent protests, you’ve noticed that our freedom of speech has bubbled to the top, and it’s louder than ever before. It doesn’t really matter which issue is being debated or if you personally agree with the subject matter. People just want to be heard. The same goes with the topic of gun ownership. In the next few months, there will be many opportunities for opposers to the Second Amendment to be loud and have their voices heard. However, the same is true for supporters of the Second Amendment. Our voices WILL be heard, and I expect that others will listen, perhaps more now than ever before. They may or may not agree with us, but it is our duty to be respectful of others’ opinions. It’s in our best interest to teach good lessons of gun ownership and to clearly explain why we adhere to the second amendment. We will break through to some but not to all. Let’s remember that with respect and an open mind, others will listen.
To say that 2020 has been a crazy year would be quite an understatement. From the pandemic to the protests, to the upcoming election, this is going to be a year that will not be forgotten. Due to the bit of chaos that has surrounded us, our industry has reaped some obvious benefits with very strong sales. Personal protection, due to fear seems to have driven many purchases. According to the SCOPE DLX data, firearms shipments are up 59% year to date, compared to the previous year and up 30% year to date compared to the three-year average. Likewise, ammunition sales are up 118% year to date compared to last year and 78% compared to the three-year average. This is a very welcomed increase after a challenging few years trying to navigate the “New Normal” under the Trump Administration. The good news is we are only halfway through 2020, but the bad news is we are only halfway through 2020. With COVID-19 cases on the rise in some parts of the country, there is no telling what may happen in the second half of the year. Will states shut things back down? Will a vaccine be available? Will we have a football season? Will communities be able to move forward together to overcome civil unrest? There are many unanswered questions for the second half of 2020, but all we can do is keep moving forward.
Speaking of the second half of 2020, we’re keeping our eyes on Texas events and staying informed by the Gaylord Texan on local directives pertaining to the NASGW Expo. There have been increases in cases in Texas recently, so we are watching those developments very intently. Despite those spikes, we are moving forward with planning and preparing to host the Expo with business as usual. To help our members stay informed, you will see a new tab on the Expo website (nasgwexpo.org) for COVID-19 Resources. We are pulling together links to directives and local travel resources. We can’t control the situation in Texas, but we can help everyone stay informed. If, for some reason that the NASGW Expo cannot move forward, our leadership and the BOD are working on plans and policies to handle those circumstances.
Let’s be grateful to the many people who have purchased a firearm for the first time. They have been listening, and they now understand.
I just had three close friends from the state of California contact me about how to begin the process of purchasing their first firearm. We’re doing something right. Patience, understanding, and respect. We all want the same thing.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay informed.
Until next time,
Laurie Lipsey Aronson
President and CEO Lipsey's
NASGW Chairwoman