Uncertainty "tends to make firearms sell, for sure." Gun sales are on pace for a record year May 19, 2021 / 8:19 AM / CBS News Firearm sales spike across the U.S We've seen many products become popular during the pandemic, including puzzles, home improvement items and exercise equipment. One item continuing in big demand: guns. Their sales are on pace for a record year, reports CBS Miami. Gun stores nationwide are seeing an increase in customers. The FBI said there were almost 16 million background checks for firearm purchases from January through last month. That's a 31% increase compared to the same time last year.