California gun sales spiking in 2016

[lostinblue 1,989]

California gun sales spiking in 2016

California has seen a surge in gun sales in recent months, with background checks hitting new highs, continuing trends that began after last year's terrorist attack in San Bernardino.

KPCC obtained data on firearms sales from the California Department of Justice, which tracks them through a system known as the Dealer's Record of Sale.

As of April 15, the data show more than 44,000 firearms sold in Los Angeles so far this year, and another 21,000 sold in both Orange and Riverside. Nearly 20,000 firearms have been sold in San Bernardino County.

Sales are outpacing last year's, particularly for the Inland Empire counties.

County 2016 gun sales (through Apr. 15) 2015 Gun Sales CountyLos Angeles 2016 gun sales (through Apr. 15)44,303 2015 Gun Sales132,376 CountyOrange 2016 gun sales (through Apr. 15)21,664 2015 Gun Sales63,393 CountyRiverside 2016 gun sales (through Apr. 15)21,435 2015 Gun Sales61,121 CountySan Bernardino 2016 gun sales (through Apr. 15)19,956 2015 Gun Sales56,378 CountyVentura 2016 gun sales (through Apr. 15)7,220 2015 Gun Sales22,014

The sales reflect both handguns and long guns, such as rifles. The numbers could all tick up, as there are pending sales in each county.

Local retailers say they saw the surge start after the mass shooting in San Bernardino, in which 17 people were killed.

"Everybody and their mother was coming out and just getting firearms," said Vince Torres, who owns the Bullseye Sport gun store in Riverside.

Business is still above average, Torres said. "But it's not as strong as it was December, January, February and through March." The store's hold message features Torres thanking customers for their patience in recent months.

He said he has no plans to swap out the hold music, which also plays an excerpt from "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic."

Torres attributes the sales bump to the San Bernardino shooting and President Barack Obama's executive order on gun control in January. He said he's trying to keep customers updated on a handful of gun control bills in Sacramento.

Between those bills and rhetoric on gun control in the presidential campaign, Torres predicted, "we're probably going to have a stronger summer than we usually do."

Federal data on background checks reinforces the trends on firearms sales in California.

In December 2015, gun dealers requested background checks on 253,946 potential buyers in California—the first time that number has gone above 200,000 since the FBI started keeping track in 1990. Every month since has seen at least 200,000 requests for background checks.

However, the FBI cautions that background checks are an imperfect measurement of actual sales—not all sales require background checks and not all background checks result in sales.

http://www.scpr.org/news/2016/04/27/59895/california-seeing-records-numbers-of-people-wantin/

[smilesammich 10,727]

not all sales require background checks

so so stupid. why? what's wrong with background checks. don't they protect everyone?

[Jacque67 7,328]

California sounds great;)

[lostinblue 1,989]

_{holders of a California entertainment firearms permit are exempt from the requirement of a background check, due to a loophole in federal law. For further information, see the Licensing of Gun Owners and Purchasers in California section.}

[smilesammich 10,727]

_{holders of a California entertainment firearms permit are exempt from the requirement of a background check, due to a loophole in federal law. For further information, see the Licensing of Gun Owners and Purchasers in California section.}

has to be something else, i just looked up the permit and from what i can tell the reason entertainment firearms permit holders are exempt seems to be because the application for that permit requires a background check and fingerprinting before it will be issued.

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/efpapp.pdf

[lostinblue 1,989]

has to be something else, i just looked up the permit and from what i can tell the reason entertainment firearms permit holders are exempt seems to be because the application for that permit requires a background check and fingerprinting before it will be issued.

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/efpapp.pdf

I have a CC permit. It required a finger print set sent in and a background check . along with interviews of my references.. I purchased a handgun a few weeks ago and I had to have a have a "background " check done

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is a U.S. system for determining if prospective firearms or explosives buyers' name and birth year match those of a person who is not eligible to buy .

[smilesammich 10,727]

I have a CC permit. It required a finger print set sent in and a background check . along with interviews of my references.. I purchased a handgun a few weeks ago and I had to have a have a "background " check done

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is a U.S. system for determining if prospective firearms or explosives buyers' name and birth year match those of a person who is not eligible to buy .

oh, are you in california? all this stuff is state specific isn't it?

[Sousuke 1,214]

I'm in California. All private sales have to go through a background check. There is only really one exception and that is antique guns.

I bought one firearm from a private party 2 years ago. We had to meet at an FFL where we both filled out forms. I paid him cash and never saw him again. I then waited 10 days and collected the firearm from the FFL.

Also had to pay the FFL a state mandated 35 dollar fee.

Edited April 28, 2016 by Sousuke

[Neonred 3,871]

In FL there is no waiting time if you have your CC permit, otherwise it is a three day wait. Also FFL fees vary. My guy charges $20.

[marianath 27]

The laws differ also County by County..

California has one of the most strict gun laws around... sucks...