Merchants of the Right

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Gun sales have surged dramatically, breaking records from March to July 2020. This book examines the intertwining crises in the U.S. during that year—the pandemic, police violence, and the elections—and how these events prompted many Americans to seek security through firearms. While the idea of using guns for safety is not new, the context of 2020 complicates this notion. The author highlights the perspectives of gun sellers, who navigate the tension between guns as symbols of safety and the real-life crises they are believed to address, often because individuals feel they have no alternatives. Through in-depth interviews with over 50 gun sellers and analysis of pro-gun media, along with historical and legal insights, the author explores the politics of gun rights as a lens into the broader challenges facing American democracy. The narrative begins with the National Rifle Association's evolution into a political entity in the late 20th century, identifying three critical tools in this transformation: armed individualism, conspiracism, and partisanship. Each chapter delves into these tools, illustrating how gun owners and advocates use them to defend their rights and navigate political tensions, ultimately revealing the growing disdain for liberal democracy among conservative Americans and its implications.