Gun sales reaching new heights during the holiday season

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Gun sales have hit an all-time high this year as firearms have become a popular purchase for many over the holiday season.

In December alone, over 1.5 million inquiries to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System were made by gun dealers.

Almost half a million were done the last six days before Christmas.

Josh Fabor of Money Man Pawn says he believes people are purchasing for protection.

"They're concerned. Out there these days it can be a tough area, tough environment," says Fabor. "Especially if the perpetrator is going to have a gun, they want to protect themselves."

The one month record for background checks was set in November with the help of the one day record of over one-hundred thousands searches on Black Friday.

December has since beat that record with still a few days left in the month. According to the FBI, 1.3 percent of all those who try to purchase a gun are declined.

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