mauserme Posted June 28, 2020 at 12:49 PM Share Posted June 28, 2020 at 12:49 PM https://freebeacon.com/issues/new-gun-owners-could-sway-future-elections/ New Gun Owners Could Sway Future ElectionsGun groups say millions of new gun owners could create 'an even more formidable voting bloc' Stephen Gutowski - JUNE 28, 2020 5:00 AM The record-breaking gun sales during the coronavirus pandemic could bolster candidates that support the Second Amendment in 2020 and alter the course of American gun politics for the foreseeable future. Several of the country's leading gun-rights groups are working to convert many more first-time owners into new gun-rights voters in the run-up to the 2020 election. Amy Hunter, a spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association, said that the group's success could change the political landscape at the local, state, and national level. "The NRA believes voters who recently purchased guns for self-defense will join other Second Amendment voters and be an even more formidable voting bloc," Hunter told the Washington Free Beacon. "They're educated, passionate, and they know anti-gun politicians are the biggest threat to their fundamental right to self-defense." New buyers are learning for the first time how public policy shapes their ability to exercise their rights. Larry Keane, spokesman for the industry's National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), said that firsthand experience can change how voters look at gun control and Second Amendment legislation. "Particularly when people are purchasing these firearms because of concern about personal protection, the notion that anti-gun politicians who would strip us of our rights, would ban the most popular rifles being sold in the United States today is something that they should be taking into consideration" in the voting booth, Keane said. "I hope and I think that they will." After surveying retailers, NSSF estimates that 40 percent of those buying guns beginning in March were first-time owners. Analysts estimate about 6 million guns have been sold in that time period, with each month setting a new sales record. That would translate to as many as 2 million Americans becoming new gun owners over that time. ... Keane said recent sales spikes are proof that many Americans who have traditionally stayed out of the gun debate are open to owning guns, especially when they feel their personal security is at risk. The coronavirus pandemic saw "an entire generation of fence-sitters [get] off the fence" to purchase weapons. He said NSSF members have reported complaints from new customers facing the realities of trying to acquire a firearm in a state with strict gun-control laws. "One of the things we've heard repeatedly from retailers over the last several months, going back to the onset of the pandemic, was first-time buyers shocked by all of the laws that they were required to comply with, including, for example, California's 10-day waiting period," he said. "And it was not uncommon for retailers to tell us these customers would say things like why do I have to wait two days? I'm a law-abiding citizen. I need a firearm now.'" ... Robert Preston, an administrator for the Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association, cautioned the effect could end up a wash, rather than tipping the partisan balance. He acknowledged that gun owners "have always been a significant voting bloc" in the crucial 2020 swing state of Pennsylvania, but said that their voters have done more at the local and state level than in statewide races. The state has largely remained "conservative" in its approach to gun issues, but that has not stopped voters from electing governors and presidents who favor gun control. "As for new gun owners, it could help. However, there are many folks who own guns, whether new or old to guns, that would still vote for an anti-gun candidate because of other issues that are of more concern to that voter," Preston said. ... Gottlieb said those new gun owners could surprise a lot of people come November. "With legions of new gun owners ready to protect these newly discovered rights, it could be a pretty scrappy election year with lots of surprises," he said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTHunter Posted June 29, 2020 at 01:53 AM Share Posted June 29, 2020 at 01:53 AM There was a posting I saw a few days ago about a relatively new pro-gun association meant predominately for African-Americans - https://naaga.co/. Over the last 2-3 years, their membership has exploded so this may add to those numbers of pro-2A/gun owners who have come to realize the hypocrisy of the antis. More power to them ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45Badger Posted June 29, 2020 at 10:29 AM Share Posted June 29, 2020 at 10:29 AM Not sure anything will change for this election cycle but my confirmed progressive, highly educated, emerging libertarian step-brother in Boston de coded he wanted a gun for home protection after a break-in on his street. He’s begun applying for MA carry permit (almost the same as a FOID as it is required for gun possession but has a pile of optional restrictions that determine range of use). It requires instruction, testing and an interview with LEO. He’s Been OK with the process so far but as he explores his opportunities and restrictions on buying a gun, he’s beginning to realize that the process is nuts. I brought a pile of guns to family compound in Maine last weekend so he could try them out. Turns out that he is very good (freakishly consistent and accurate) with both handguns and shotguns. And he likes it. I suspect MA liberal will be joining the ranks of shooters. Not sure when or if it will change his votes but great that he is recognizing some of the silliness in elaborate gun control schemes. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanc Posted June 29, 2020 at 02:09 PM Share Posted June 29, 2020 at 02:09 PM It's not just new gun buyers. In the last week, 2 people that voted for Obama told me they're voting for Trump in November. They're both anti-gun but feel things are going too far: 2 of the last people I thought would have said that. The chaos the Democratic party is promoting has pushed them from the "center" (their words) to the right. I try not to talk politics with either of them (a neighbor and hunting property owner). They know I'm conservative and they volunteered that info as part of friendly conversations we were having. I wasn't trying to convert either of them, they each brought it up as they were trying to make sense of what's going on now. In the past month, I don't know how many solid Democratic voters have said they're switching parties. If it's just 1%, that's a 2% swing in the right direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTHunter Posted June 30, 2020 at 08:43 PM Share Posted June 30, 2020 at 08:43 PM Good for you Badger ! I hope your step-brother can get through the process. Which type of handgun does he prefer, pistol or revolver? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InterestedBystander Posted June 30, 2020 at 09:23 PM Share Posted June 30, 2020 at 09:23 PM They could...they should...but will they? I certainly hope so! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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