Firearm sales jump 39 percent in December, 19 percent in 2012

Background checks for individuals purchasing firearms increased in every state in December – and in 48 of the 50 states and in Washington, D.C. for full-year 2012 – according to data compiled by the FBI.

Compared to the total number of background checks completed from January through December of 2011 all but two states saw net increases in gun sales in 2012. …

Washington D.C. saw the largest year-to-year increase with sales jumping 49.7%. Wisconsin followed with 45.4%, then New Jersey with 42.5%, New Hampshire with 40.9% and Rhode Island with 39.3%.