Gun Sales Increasing In The Upper Cumberland

Some Upper Cumberland gun stores have seen sales steadily increased since COVID-19 began.

Outdoor Junction’s Steve Carter said sales have at least doubled in the last month.

“[It’s] for protection,” Carter said. “Any time there is a fear, an unknown, out there-nobody living right now has ever been through anything like we’re facing. Nobody knows what to expect. We have a very good law enforcement in our area and I’ve praised them in all aspects, but they can’t be everywhere at once.”

Carter said tax returns and turkey season keeps his shop busy during this time of year, but has accelerated from the pandemic. Ammunition and hand guns are some items flying off the shelves. Carter said it’s been difficult to order supplies since most of the products are made in China.

Crossville’s Molon Labe Armory employee Robert Lawrence said they’re selling about 10 guns a day.

“Our nine millimeter shelf is about empty, and that’s one of the biggest things we’ve been selling for the past few weeks,” Lawerence said. “Nine millimeter, 380, and 410 shot gun shelves and 12 gauge-that’s definitely a big hit right now.”

Lawrence said this has not been a normal year and foresees the steady increase in sales to continue.

Jamestown’s Hood Line and Trigger owner Todd Steven said the shop’s sales are normal. He said products arrival has been delayed in some cases because of staffing issues with manufacturers.