Is the media frenzy over the recent mass shootings fueling gun ownership?

[gallo]

In the last month and a half, there have been a series of mass murders, cop killings, and people killing themselves and their families for no apparent reason other than they flipped and decided to take revenge on the world.

Needles to say, the media is all over the stories. Whereas this may be viewed as a negative among responsible gun owners because of all the antis that are screaming for more gun control, I'm wondering if the media may inadvertently be fueling gun ownership.

The hardcore anti-gun camp will continue to hold their ground and seek further gun control. The hardcore pro-gun camp will continue to support ccw and gun ownership more than ever. Between these two ends of the demographic spectrum lies the rest of the population Those that may be against guns but realize it is unrealistic to expunge them from society, and those who may be in favor of guns but don't own one or have one but haven't fired it in years. Could it be that these people in the middle that are not too adamant about guns one way or the other begin to see gun ownership as a pragmatic solution to the apparent insecurity being taunted by the media?

These people in the middle don't really pay much attention to the arguments on either side of the issue – perhaps because they are in denial of ever being a victim. However, all the media attention on the recent shootings is probably forcing them to consider different what if scenarios:

What if, my family and I are eating dinner at Mickey Ds and NutJob shows up?
What if, I am in a gun free zone and NutJob storms in?
What if, I am at work and NutJob walks in, gun in hand?
What if, ... and NutJob shows up?

I'm willing to bet that these people in the middle are easily manipulated by the events in their environment. When they felt it was safe or PC to be against guns, they took that side. But now that reality is hitting closer to home, and their perception of their immediate environment has changed, thanks to media's coverage of the recent shootings, these people may react by buying a gun and taking responsibility for their own safety.

Maybe this is wishful thinking from my part. What do you think?

 

[Zangetsu]

I would say that the shear number of these tragedies and their all too familiar course has gotten people to realize that anti gun legislation is not a solution to this problem. All but the most idealistic of people that I run into today seem to agree that gun control is not the answer. Now if only washington would agree...

 

[Kind of Blued]

Shootings tend to have a better chance of being reported while guns are otherwise in the news.

They have been, and they have been.

 

[Hoxviii]

I do know that due to the current frenzy one of my sisters has asked me to teach her to shoot and also wants input on what a good gun to get would be if she decides to get her CCW.

Surprised the heck out of me when she asked, she's never been an anti but never really pro either. Just "hostilely indifferent" (if that makes sense), but is beginning to change her world view.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Maybe this is wishful thinking from my part. What do you think?

No, I don't think it is fueling gun ownership and even if it was, the vast majority who would buy out of concern of being involved in a mass shooting will probably never become proficient with their guns.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

No, it is not fueling gun sales. Gun sales are being fueled by Obama and the fear of gun bans. Naive people will tell you Obama isn't interested in taking your guns, that he has bigger fish to fry. This is not true. Gun bans are still listed on his agenda at the Whitehouse.gov website. Hillary Clinton and Eric Holder have both called for bans within the last six weeks or so. Nancy Pelosi, who was on record a couple of months ago opposing more bans, now says she is willing to compromise to get a ban.

The news coverage of the shootings is trying to convince people that more gun control is a good thing.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

The gun grabbers finally have been hoist by their own petard. They've convinced the soccer dads that the world is filled with gun toting maniacs -- and that everyone can get a gun as easily as a box of corn flakes. But, the soccer dads realize, they personally don't actually have one -- so they must be the only one, they reason. Time to remedy that.

We really owe the grabbers a round of sarcastic applause. They've made millions of antis into gun owners, and I kid you not.

J'accuse!

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I think you have completely misinterpretted the gun buying panic. I think most of the gun buyers already owned guns, and are just adding more before a ban goes into effect. There are some first time gun buyers, but they are not the majority.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

Lone Gunman: "I think you have completely misinterpretted the gun buying panic. I think most of the gun buyers already owned guns, and are just adding more before a ban goes into effect."

This would make more sense but for the buying patterns. A guy who owns a collection of fine Smith & Wessons doesn't panic one morning and buy a Taurus. A guy who owns a couple of vintage 1911s and a Beretta doesn't wake up one morning and decide to add a Hi Point or a Glock to his collection.

"There are some first time gun buyers, but they are not the majority."

I'll take a minority; the more the merrier. Many, many soccer dads are now proud (if slightly nervous and untrained) gun owners, all thanks to the gun grabbers.

 

[TexasRifleman]

There are some first time gun buyers, but they are not the majority.

That one is hard to nail down I think. It's all anecdotal but most every gun seller I've talked to recently has mentioned the number of new owners they are seeing vs previously.

Like Duke says, the types of guns I've seen flying off the shelves don't seem to be things that people with a safe full of guns would be interested in.

The low cost entry level type autos and revolvers are moving faster than anything else at least according to conversations I've had here locally.

Again, hard to prove either way.

 

[98C5]

Several weeks ago, the VP of my employer knew I had guns and asked me questions about CCW options/suggestions. He is married with 3 kids and the recent news/economy has made him more weary of his surroundings. We talked for 20 minutes and he thanked me for the input. He just let me know that he and his wife have permits. They are taking classes and he is now a gun fan! His carry piece is a Glock 22.

What I like is that he and his family have become pro-active and that's what I wanted to convey to him.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Many, many soccer dads are now proud (if slightly nervous and untrained) gun owners, all thanks to the gun grabbers.

Unfortunately, many of these soccer dads also voted for hope and change. Then they realized that Obama might prevent them from owning guns in the future, so they went out and bought a gun.

These people are despicable, if you ask me. They are not friends of the 2nd Amendment. They simply want a gun for themselves, but not necessarily anyone else.

A gun owner who votes for a gun banner sucks.

 

[searcher451]

It depends on which side of the fence you sit regarding this particular issue.

The folks who are pro-gun and believe that the end is near are stocking up, have been stocking up, and will continue to stock up ... likely until the stock runs out or their money runs out -- whichever comes first. (Maybe they'll arrive at the same time?) As to the folks on the other side? Well, who can say for sure what the folks on the other side will ever do, beyond the fact that it won't make much sense and won't be for the common good?

 

[TexasRifleman]

These people are despicable, if you ask me. They are not friends of the 2nd Amendment. They simply want a gun for themselves, but not necessarily anyone else.

A gun owner who votes for a gun banner sucks.

I'll agree with the second line, but your first sentence I'm not sure of. Again, just one story but I know a fairly normal guy that voted for Obama vs McCain, reasoning we'll leave out.

But, after watching Obama for a few weeks he decided he made a big mistake, decided things were going to get worse, and decided he needed a gun.

He approached me about helping him find a shotgun for home defense and was very clear that he believes now he made a mistake with his vote.

He wasn't a gun guy at all before the election, but the economic worries have made him decide he needs a way to protect himself since he's "rich" (meaning he has a job) and it's now OK to hate the "rich".

In this particular case it's not that he was against guns til he decided he needed one, they had simply not ever even entered his mind one way or another at all.

I hope that's what we are seeing here. Not anti's that are deciding they are part of the elite and should be allowed to have a gun, but more like neutral citizens that never thought about it one way or the other are realizing maybe it's not such a bad idea.

That's my hope anyway.

 

[Gungnir]

Gun sales are being fueled by Obama and the fear of gun bans.

I think that for the common THR poster this is true.

However I think the "Gary Kleck Effect" is working for the general masses (i.e. perceived increase in violence leading to higher gun sales). Considering that the Main Stream Media is broadcasting these things, then Joe Public is sitting at home and thinking exactly like Gallo said, what if I'm in <location x> and some nut job comes in shooting.

 

[markfh]

I'd say it's one factor. Certainly the one's election was and continues to be the major factor.

In the last few months I've met and talked to more new gun owners at the range than in the past.

I've also had well over a dozen folks I know either friends or clients that have asked my opinion on what gun or guns they should purchase. Several of them recent and referenced wanting the ability to defend themselves in an event similar to what has been happening recently.

 

[gallo]

The reason I posted this thread is because I keep hearing people at the office, half jokingly, half seriously, that they are considering a gun in light of all the craziness going on. These are folks who prior to this probably did not give the gun control issue much thought. And yes, most probably voted for Obama. Weather these people are the ideal gun owner (no very informed on the 2nd amendment) it is a good start. At least it gives us an opportunity to turn them over to our camp next time we see one at the range.

 

[mfcmb]

One datapoint: My wife, who does not own or carry a gun now, but who always carried when she lived in Alaska (and once had to shoot a bear who was a threat to children in a neighbor's yard), is far more concerned about the rising crime rate, the nationwide plague of "tragic shootings" and the consequent increasing fear for the safety of our family, than in any interest in RKBA or the current political climate.

 

[runrabbitrun]

My girlfriend works in a county health department.

A few weeks ago a real strange dude came in.
He went right into the back (passed reception)
and sat in my G/F's office talking to her.

He was on something for sure.
Seems like he was coming off of a meth binge or something.

The situation could of turned horribly wrong in an instant.
This is a gun FREE zone.

The people, all females in the office, are now considering trying to
get the policy changed to allow CCW's in the building.

These ladies all realize that they are completely defenseless if some nut comes in
and does as we have seen recently.

They are INDEED worried and are becoming somewhat activist for their own safety.
(At least they are talking about it now)...

With that said and considering other recent talks I've had with other locals.
I'd say YES, people are waking up to the reality that the best defense is indeed
someone, anyone in the building with a loaded gun, that may save lives.

I'd say the tide is turning, so expect MORE BS from the antis as they continue to
go down the path of other fringe groups (who are withering away)
who want to impose their world views (via restrictive laws) on the rest of us.

 

[Hungry Seagull]

The Media only goes into a ... ya know I dont buy it. None of it.

Questions such as the following...

What if family eating dinner at D's and nutjob shows up?

Why are we there? Stay home and learn to cook dinner.

What if im in a gun free zone and nutjob storms in?

No such place as gun free zone, unless enforced by armed security. Such as Airport Boarding areas or Federal Bases.

What if Im at work and nutjob walks in gun in hand?

Well, that would be your employer's problem. They dont pay me enough to deal with it. Bye.

What if... nutjob shows up?

That is where Home Defense and CCW comes in. Depending on the situation it will work out one way or the other.


Just because there are nuts out there does not automatically mean reaching for a gun to solve the issue.

I think that the media enjoys a good frenzy because it is easy to run down to the scene of a massacre and write a report or film a camera/Broadcast breathlessly live while the LEO's are surrounding the place.

The Media thrives on that. Such drama.

Now....

Think about this for a moment.

Room full of lawfully armed people filling out paper work. Nutjob walks in, opens fire. Return fire silences the problem pernamently. Maybe one or more might get hit.

But not a massacre. Therefore no real incentive for Media to have a frenzy. It actually become ho-hum and boring as Agricultural Bushel Rates at 2 AM in the morning.

(Those are not necessarily boring, just very useful to a select few whose living depends on the pricing.)

Take away the frenzys and make it all ho hum and eliminate the nuts as they show up in the world from time to time and life goes on.

 

[Zoogster]

No, it is not fueling gun sales. Gun sales are being fueled by Obama and the fear of gun bans. Naive people will tell you Obama isn't interested in taking your guns, that he has bigger fish to fry. This is not true. Gun bans are still listed on his agenda at the Whitehouse.gov website. Hillary Clinton and Eric Holder have both called for bans within the last six weeks or so. Nancy Pelosi, who was on record a couple of months ago opposing more bans, now says she is willing to compromise to get a ban.

The news coverage of the shootings is trying to convince people that more gun control is a good thing.

That is exactly correct. It is the politicians and the bad economic times (which also means more crime and people in general being more concerned and worried, not happy and content in thier fake little fairy tale bubble) fueling gun sales.

I would argue the media encouraging fear and worry from the economic trouble would fuel more sales than any covered killings.
The media spin on killings is slanted at decreasing ownership. The naive non-gun owning person listening to the news thinks the gun, or access to the gun was the problem. Essentialy making the gun the problem. So purchasing more guns with that mindset would be contributing to the problem according to the media.

I think you have completely misinterpretted the gun buying panic. I think most of the gun buyers already owned guns, and are just adding more before a ban goes into effect. There are some first time gun buyers, but they are not the majority.

I disagree. I thought that at first, but it does not make sense if you visit gun shops or talk to people in the business. There is massive sales of handguns, so many in fact several stores with over 100 models on display for years (and multiple of each displayed in stock) now have 20%-30% as many.
I walked into a few gun stores recently and they have sold many handguns and the stores look half empty. Many of the customers in the shops were buying handguns, not rifles.
Knowledgable long term gun owners following up on the politics know the immediate target of ban type legislation would not likely be handguns. The dramatic increase in handgun sales would not be in anticipation of something like an AWB from that crowd, especialy in CA where magazine restrictions already exist.
So yes some of those may be people fearing a ban, but not the regular type of people with lots of firearms who stock up on supplies and know the laws.
Only the naive new gun owner would be buying up tons of handguns in anticipation of an AWB.
So there may be some of those, but I think there is many first time buyers. Many people that actualy want a gun, not a rifle they fear they won't be able to buy in the future.

So the type of people previously into firearms are not likely the mass purchasers of handguns right now. They are the scary looking semi-auto rifle purchasers.
But there is a huge swarm of handgun purchases as well, including the type .

This would make more sense but for the buying patterns. A guy who owns a collection of fine Smith & Wessons doesn't panic one morning and buy a Taurus. A guy who owns a couple of vintage 1911s and a Beretta doesn't wake up one morning and decide to add a Hi Point or a Glock to his collection.

Essentialy that point is correct. There is a lot of firearm types that someone who already has an extensive collection would not be in a rush to purchase that are being purchased rapidly.


So I think people of all walks of life are purchasing guns right now. Crime is rising, the economy is rough, people are worrying about finances, jobs, savings etc Worry tends to cause people to consider things like firearms more than the happy times. Even unrelated worry.
A lot of people with limited firearm experience are purchasing guns right now. I saw many in the gun stores. Customers that clearly knew little about guns eager to purchase.
Most of them were checking out handguns, not rifles. The rifle purchasers who came in often already knew what they wanted. It was the handgun purchasers who were unsure and browsing (but purchasing).