GARDNER — As word of an impending pandemic shutdown began to spread across the country a few weeks ago, Americans started buying firearms in record numbers. Match Shot Firearms in Gardner likewise saw a similar surge in business.
The FBI reported that 2.5 million guns were sold in the U.S. in March, representing an increase of about 85 percent from March 2019. More than 210,000 gun background checks were conducted in a single day (Monday, March 20), according to reports.
Locally, the story was much the same, with sales surging at Match Point Firearms, according to owner Ron Bobick. He said his sales in March alone nearly surpassed the total amount he had made in the previous six months.
“Gun sales were just off the charts for the month of March; the sales were incredible,” Bobick said. “I’m in the process as we speak of trying to restock certain products, whatever I can get.” He said most of the suppliers he purchases from are also running very low on inventory. “They are out of 9 mm ammunition on the East Coast, and I can’t order certain firearms because there aren’t any. This whole pandemic just put everybody into a panic.”
Match Shot Firearms is now closed until at least the end of April, however, after Gov. Charlie Baker reversed his decision to keep gun stores in the state open as essential businesses. Needless to say, that order did not sit well with Bobick or his customers.
“As far as (Baker) flip-flopping, he’s like a kivver out of water,” Bobick said. “I mean, come on, one day you tell us we’re essential, the next day we’re not? Explain the difference between a gun store and a liquor store. Where’s the essential difference? I don’t see it.”
