Guns and Ammunition Soar During COVID Crisis
The coronavirus pandemic is prompting an increase in the sale of guns and ammunition nationwide.
The numbers hold up at Bill’s Gun Shop and Range in Robbinsdale too.
Bill’s Gun Shop and Range is located in five areas throughout the midwest including Robbinsdale.
Bill’s owner John Monson said they’ve sold hundreds of thousands of ammunition in just one week. As for the retail side, the shop sold three times more than average.
Monson doesn’t mince words. He blames it on the COVID-19 hysteria.
“People are saying maybe I should take that opportunity to go get that gun I’ve always thought about while I’m locked in at my house, so I can protect myself,” Monson said.
He added that the peak sales are coming from mainly new people that have never bought guns or ammunition.
Seeing that some cities have suspended gun permit purchases, Monson said residents are now feeling the urge to purchase before they can’t.
Enacting New Social Distancing Measures
While the rush continues at gun shops, Monson explained that they also have to practice social distancing.
On the training range part of the shop, Bill’s has limited one person per stall, every other stall. Monson said there will be no more than 10 people in a bay.
Hours at Bill’s also changed. Prior to COVID-19, the shop opened 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. everyday. New hours are from 10 – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Monson explained that staff will use those extra hours to restock and deep clean daily.
In Osseo, the range, classes and events at the Osseo Gun Club have been closed until May 1. The retail store is open from 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
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