Along with the increased sales of hand sanitizers, face masks, and flu medications, recent analysis shows that ammunition is another preparedness commodity that’s seeing an uptick in sales due to rising concerns about the Coronavirus. According to a Yahoo Finance article, Ammo.com, an online ammunition retailer, has seen a significant increase in sales and conversions since February 23, a little over a month after the US confirmed the first case on US soil.
Ammo.com reports that the surge in ammunition sales corresponds with the public concern about the COVID-19 virus. According to Google Trends, February 23 marks the beginning of the rise of American interest. The site says that according to its measurement matrix, the term “coronavirus” has quadrupled, increasing from 22 to 100.
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, was first detected in Wuhan, China. (Source: AP)
Compared to 11 days prior to February 23 (February 12 to 22), and the 11 days after (February 23 to March 4), Ammo.com’s transaction rate increased by 68% and the conversation rate increased by 45%.
Alex Horsman, the marketing manager at Ammo.com said, “We know certain things impact ammo sales, mostly political events or economic instability when people feel their rights may end up infringed, but this is our first experience with a virus leading to such a boost in sales.” Horsman continued, “But it makes sense. A lot of our customers like to be prepared. And for many of them, it’s not just facemasks and TheraFlu. It’s knowing that no matter what happens, they can keep themselves and their families safe.”
Ammo Sales
When it comes to actual sales, Ammo.com’s increase varied among calibers and brands. Calibers that saw the largest increase include:
- 40 cal (S&W) ammo: 410%
- 223 ammo: 194%
- 7.62×39 ammo: 114%
- 9mm ammo: 101%
- 12 gauge shotgun shells: 95%
- 5.56×45 ammo: 69%
- 380 ACP (Auto) ammo: 43%
- 45 Auto (ACP) ammo: 35%
- 308 Winchester ammo: 32%
- 22 Long Rifle (LR) ammo: 29%
Ammo Brands with Higher Sales
The brands to see the most increase in sales since the Coronavirus panic began include MBI ammo at 179% increase and Federal ammo at 176%.
Other Brands who have seen significant growth include:
- Fiocchi ammo: 122%
- Remington ammo: 116%
- Winchester ammo: 107%
- PMC ammo: 101%
- Tula ammo: 90%
- Hornady ammo: 79%
- Wolf ammo: 79%
- Sellier & Bellot ammo: 20%
States Experiencing Increased Ammunition Sales
North Carolina and Georgia show the largest increase of ammunition sales, at 179% and 169% respectively. Pennsylvania also shows an increase at140% and Texas at 128%. Other states seeing inccreased ammo sales include:
- Florida: 76%
- Illinois: 67%
- New York: 48%
- Ohio: 40%