New data revealed that Americans have bought an estimated 21 million guns so far in 2020 as an unprecedented political and social climate sends gun retail rocketing.

ABC News reports the figures from an FBI background check by The Trace, noting they mark a 73 per cent increase on the same period last year.

The surge comes as the nation faced a year of unprecedented social and political unrest in the form of the coronavirus pandemic, economic recession, civil unrest, and a divisive presidential election.

"When Covid initially hit the streets in the United States of America, business really started to take off," said Brandon Wexler, owner of Wex Gunworks in Delray Beach, Florida told the outlet.

"Almost, as far as an analogy, [like] prepping for a hurricane in South Florida."

Efforts in recent years to halt gun violence through intensified gun-control measures have faced significant roadblocks due to the polarising nature of the discussion on both sides.

The issue has also been forced to take a backseat during this year's election alongside other high-profile policy as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Democratic President-elect Joe Biden has vowed sweeping new restrictions on guns as soon as he takes office on 20 January, a move some experts say has only driven sales higher.

"I don't know what these laws will be passed, but that's got people [thinking] to 'buy my gun now or I'm not going to be able to get it again,'" Robert Boyce, a retired NYPD chief of detectives told ABC News.


Article Accredited to: The Independent