Boom: 5.4M first-time gun buyers, 33% women, blacks up 44%

First-time gun buyers continued to flood into firearms stores last year, broadening the once male and white market with women, blacks, Asians, and Hispanics.

Retailers reported that concerns about safety helped to drive 5.4 million first-timers into gun stores where many bought more than one gun, and a sizable number also signed up for gun handling classes.

Joe Bartozzi, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, said, “The surveys revealed that new gun owners are continuing to embrace their Second Amendment rights and nearly half of them are seeking out professional training. These trends show that not only is there still a strong interest in gun ownership but also that these new gun owners are interested in learning more about the safe and responsible handling, use and storage of firearms.”

He shared the new data as part of the industry group’s annual “Shot Show” in Las Vegas that draws tens of thousands to view new equipment and technology. It also kicks off the late winter season of gun and outdoors shows, with the next one being the National Rifle Association’s Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.