Report says as many people have bought guns since 2020 as there are people in Florida.

The United States has witnessed a remarkable surge in the number of new gun owners exercising their Second Amendment rights, a trend that has equaled the population of Florida since 2020. According to a report by the National Sports Shooting Foundation (NSSF), over 22.3 million individuals have become first-time gun owners since 2020, reflecting the increasing interest in gun ownership across the country.

There are several factors contributing to this surge in new gun owners. Concerns for personal safety, rising crime rates, the reluctance of some prosecutors to effectively address criminal activities, and perceived threats to gun rights under the Biden administration are some of the key drivers behind this trend. As a result, more Americans are choosing to exercise their right to keep and bear arms for various reasons.

In 2020, first-time gun owners accounted for approximately 40% of all buyers, which was significantly higher than the usual percentage of 20-24%. This upward trend continued in subsequent years, with around 8.4 million new first-time gun owners in 2020, followed by 5.4 million in 2021, and approximately 4.2 million in 2022. The numbers saw a slight increase in 2023, totaling 4.3 million new gun owners.

Although the final figures for 2024 are yet to be confirmed, initial data suggests that there have been over 6 million new gun owners this year, as indicated by the total FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) verifications processed for firearm sales.

The impact of this growing number of new gun owners extends beyond personal self-defense. As these individuals become more engaged in understanding and exercising their Second Amendment rights, they are likely to influence future elections by considering how government policies may infringe upon their constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

It is important to acknowledge the diversity of reasons that drive individuals to become first-time gun owners. Whether it is for self-protection, sport shooting, or political considerations, the increasing number of Americans embracing gun ownership reflects a broader societal shift towards valuing and defending individual freedoms.