October 28th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

The number of gun purchase applications processed in Maryland this year is about 48% higher than the total number of applications processed last year, according to data released by state police.

Between Januray 1 and Oct. 23, the Maryland State Police Licensing Division processed 79,269 applications.  MSP processed 53,726 applications in 2019

The numbers in Maryland appear to be following a national trend. A recent University of California study found that during the spring of this year — which marked the height of the coronavirus pandemic – nationwide gun sales increased by more than 64%.