Texas’ new ‘constitutional carry’ law expected to spur more gun sales

At Adelbridge & Co. Firearms at 7080 San Pedro Ave., owner Jonathan Hirsch said he’s many potential gun buyers hadn’t wanted to pay a permit fee, sit through a training class and wait weeks or months to receive their licenses.

“I’m certain that more people are taking advantage of the new law,” Hirsch said.

Brandon Rhea, who stopped by the store Thursday to buy a gun holster, said neither he nor his wife have a permit to carry a handgun and are excited about the new law, which kicked in Wednesday. One of his reasons for not getting a permit was because he would’ve had to take time off work.

“Things seem to be getting worse,” said Rhea, 38. “I feel safer now that I can carry.”

On ExpressNews.com: Texas becomes largest state so far to enact a ‘constitutional carry’ gun law

Andrew Kerns, another customer and a gun enthusiast who has a permit, anticipates an initial spike in gun sales and holsters due to the law. Women who may have been too intimidated to take a class could benefit from it, he said.

He supports Second Amendment rights. He’s also adamant that gun safety training and obtaining a license are important.

“Don’t just go buy a gun,” said Kerns, 43. “The responsibility is great.”

Gun purchases have been increasing for several years but spiked in 2020.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation estimates that about 21 million background checks for buying firearms were conducted in 2020 in the U.S., an increase of 60 percent from 13.2 million in 2019. That also broke the previous record of 15.7 million in 2016.

About 8.4 million people purchased a gun for the first time last year, according to the industry trade group. Buyers are also more diverse, with more women and African Americans purchasing firearms.

On ExpressNews.com: New ‘constitutional carry’ law expected to help push Texas gun sales even higher

Guns, ammunition and accessories have been flying off Hirsch’s shelves during the pandemic.

“Buying guns gives people a sense of security,” he said. “They feel insecure and they need to take security into their own hands.”

Kerns, the customer, said economic concerns and political turmoil have caused “general uneasiness” and safety worries. There’s also an element of panic buying, he said.

And ammunition has been hard to find.

“When I see it, I buy it,” he said.

Hirsch expects the ammunition shortage to worsen because of the Biden administration’s recent sanctions on Russia.

The State Department said last month that permit applications for importing firearms and ammunition from Russia “will be subject to a policy of denial” as punishment for Russia’s poisoning of opposition leader Aleksey Navalny last year.

“It’s going to put big price and supply constraints on the domestic market,” Hirsch said.

New rules

Under Texas’ new law, many residents aged 21 and over can carry handguns openly or concealed in public without needing to take training classes or pay for a license. Those already prohibited from owning a firearm, such as people convicted of felonies, are still barred from possession.

The legislation, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June, is a victory for gun rights advocates and a major concern for critics worried about an uptick in gun violence.

On ExpressNews.com: Gov. Abbott signs ‘constitutional carry’ bill allowing Texans to carry handguns without a permit

Texas Gun Sense, an Austin-based gun safety group, opposes the legislation on grounds that it puts residents’ safety at risk, does not require training and will harm firearms instructors’ businesses. Executive director Gyl Switzer said she’s also worried about suicide and domestic violence rates.

“We’ve got more guns and people who may be untrained and don’t know how to store guns,” she said.