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WGLT's reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, which began in McLean County in March 2020.

Gun Sales Surge In McLean County Amid COVID-19

Groceries and toilet paper aren’t the only things Americans are racing to buy during the COVID-19 shutdown.

They’re buying guns too.
Two firearms dealers in McLean County say they’ve noticed a significant surge in firearms sales since coronavirus provisions have upended our lives and fueled survival instincts for some.

“I would say that nearly every day has beaten Black Friday numbers,” said Stephen Stewart, owner and president of C.I. Shooting Sports in Normal.

Stewart said business hasn’t been this brisk since President Barack Obama’s first term. That’s when many gun rights advocates stoked fear the Obama administration would curtail gun rights, driving many Second Amendment supporters to their nearest gun shop.

“This is different in the fact that this rush we are experiencing is about people wanting to have a firearm to protect themselves in case mass hysteria were to break out, rioting, things like that, burglary, looting,” Stewart said. “That’s what this is about.”

Stewart said 80% of those coming into his store recently are first-time buyers. They already had their FOID card, but never got around to buying their first gun until now.

He said a majority of customers have been purchasing pistols for home protection.

Gun dealers are allowed to stay open as an essential business which Stewart admitted he didn’t expect to hear.

“I was shocked whenever (Gov. JB Pritzker) mentioned we would be on the essential list,” Stewart said. “He’s right. We are essential in a lot of ways. People need to feel protected.”

Smiley’s Sports Shop in Bloomington closed voluntarily because it couldn’t keep most guns and nearly all of its ammunition in supply. It’s open for pickup orders only.

Owner Dan Smiley said business was brisk for about a week and half until the shelves went bare. He said keeping inventory has become harder in recent years as the demand for firearms diminished during the Trump administration.

“There’s been a glut of guns here the last couple of years since the president we have now is pro gun, so the gun-buying craze kind of slowed down, so the gun companies all slowed down making stuff,” Smiley said.

“What inventory everybody had is (gone) and now nobody has got any, so now they are going to have to try to make some,” Smiley said, adding most gun manufacturers are smaller companies that could take months to replenish the supply.

Smiley said some buyers became motivated to buy after Champaign passed an executive order March 13 giving its mayor the authority to ban guns and ammunition, among other powers.

“When they made that announcement, that did get a lot of people afraid they were going to shut it off where I can’t buy one,” Smile said.

Bloomington, Normaland McLean Countygovernments have each passed their own ordinances but made clear their emergency powers do not include limiting the sale of possession of firearms.

C.I. Shooting Sports also offers firearm training, which they’ve shut down because of social distancing.

Stephen Stewart said the store encourages gun buyers to get the training before they use their weapon, and he said most do.

“People in this town are reasonable. They know they need the training and I think they are going to come back and get it,” Stewart said.

Stewart added about 40% of his gun-buying customers are women.

We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WGLT will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WGLT can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.

Eric Stock is the News Director at WGLT. You can contact Eric at ejstoc1@ilstu.edu.
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