Gun dealers throughout Nevada say they are seeing a surge in sales of firearms and ammunition. For many of them, their seeing a rise in the number of first-time buyers.

"People that have never owned or even thought of owning a firearm before are sincerely concerned about their safety and welfare and are looking for defensive tools," Jay Hawkins, Training Compliance Manager for Reno Guns & Range said. "In particular, firearms for self protection."

Hawkins says demand is so high that the store almost ran out of some its inventory, and it is waiting for other items to arrive.

"Luckily, we've been able to restock and have some inventory available but it was very close to having nothing available," Hawkins said.

Bizarre Guns is also seeing a spike in overall sales and from first-time buyers. Greg Golden is the owner of the store and says he had a good supply before the surge. Many say the increase in demand is a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

"A lot of people are scared right now with the epidemic, of course as the rest of us are, and considering food and water and essentials and protection for their loved ones and their businesses, etc," Golden said.

The Nevada Department of Public Safety is seeing a higher number of background checks, too. From March 1-11, it conducted an average of 428 background checks per day. From March 12-30, it conducted an average of 788 each day. That is a 54 percent increase, totaling 19,683 background checks with one day left in the month. The extra volume is slowing down the process.

"Right now, we're looking at five to seven days for what would normally be one to three days for a background check," Hawkins said.

Nonessential businesses are closed until at least April 16. Gun stores are allowed to stay open because of a state law. NRS 414.155 prohibits the government from halting gun sales during an emergency.

"People legitimately have a need or feel they have a need to be able to protect themselves," Hawkins said. "Thus, making a gun store an essential business."

"We fortunately, in Nevada, have a revised statute to protect us exactly from that, from being shut down," Golden said.

Golden also owns Bizarre Guitar, which is closed during the nonessential business shutdown and he is making changes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. No more than 10 people are allowed in Bizarre Guns at one time. His employees are also taking safety measures.

"We're taking every precaution there is to prevent the virus from spreading and extremely, like every three or four hours, disinfecting everything with bleach and masks and the whole nine yards," Golden said.

Reno Guns & Range is allowing one customer per employee, to reduce the number of people who can contact each other. There is a limit to how many people can use the range at once. Customers can only use the range for educational or testing reasons but not not for recreation.

"We have terminated all of our group classes and group events," Hawkins said. "We have removed all of the rental, what could be considered recreational or entertainment firearms."

 

 

 

 

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