Sales of guns, armored backpacks jump in wake of school massacre

SALT LAKE CITY — The reaction to the Connecticut school shooting can be seen in gun stores and self-defense retailers across the nation: Anxious parents are fueling sales of armored backpacks for children, while firearms enthusiasts are stocking up on assault rifles in anticipation of tighter gun control measures.

A spike in gun sales is common after a mass shooting, but the Connecticut tragedy has generated record sales in many states. Colorado set a single-day record for gun background check requests the day after the Connecticut mass shootings, and some online retailers are removing assault rifles from websites in part because of diminishing supplies.

Nevada saw more requests for background checks in the days after the shooting than any other weekend this year. Some gun shop owners are even holding back on sales, anticipating only more interest and value after President Barack Obama on Wednesday tasked his administration with creating proposals to reduce gun violence.

At least three companies that make armored backpacks designed to shield children caught in a shooting also are reporting a large spike in sales and interest.

The body armor inserts fit into the back panel of a child’s backpack, and they sell for about $150 to $300.

The armor is designed to stop bullets from handguns, not assault rifles like the one used by the Connecticut shooter. The manufacturers say that while they don’t guarantee children won’t be killed, they could still be provide protection.