Arizona's gun-buying binge: By the numbers
In the aftermath of last weekend's shootings, residents of the Grand Canyon state are buying firearms at record rates. Here's a look at the arms race
After Jared Lee Loughner allegedly killed six people and wounded 13 others in Tucson last Saturday, the national discussion turned again to gun-control, albeit with little expectation of change. Saturday's rampage has already had a tangible effect, however: Americans, and particularly Arizonans, are buying more guns. (Watch an al Jazeera report about rising gun sales.) Since Saturday, sales of glocks (the weapon Loughner reportedly used) and other firearms have surged in the state — a reaction that's consistent with the aftermaths of other much-publicized shootings such as 2007's Virginia Tech attacks. "When something like this happens," says one Arizona gun-store owner quoted by Bloomberg, "people get worried that the government is going to ban stuff." Here's a look at Arizona's gun-buying binge by the numbers:
260
Handguns sold in Arizona on the Monday after the January 8, 2011 shooting
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164
Handguns sold on a corresponding Monday in January, 2010
$499
Price for a Glock at two popular "Glockmeister" stores in Arizona
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Glock 19
The model Loughner allegedly used in his attack, one of the past week's most popular purchases
65
Percent increase in gun sales in Ohio last week, as compared to 2010. Illinois saw a 38 percent jump; New York's sales ticked up by 33 percent.
5
Percent increase in total American gun sales the week after the shooting, compared to 2010
2
Score, out of 100, that Arizona receives on the Brady Campaign's scorecard for state gun laws
2004
Year the Federal Assault Weapons Ban expired, making it legal for Loughner to purchase the clip he allegedly used in the shooting
33
Rounds Loughner was allegedly able to fire before reloading
49
Percent increase in background checks by gun owners conducted the week before Barack Obama was inaugurated — a reaction to fear that he would push for safety reforms
60
Percent increase in request for handgun permits Virgina saw in 2007, the year of the Virgina Tech massacre
Sources: Bloomberg, New York Daily News, CNN, CBS News
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