THE National Rifle Association has released an advert promoting the use of guns for defense during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a video released Saturday, the caption reads: "Americans are flocking to gun stores because they know the only reliable self-defense during a crisis is the 2A."

4 Carletta Whiting argues the only way ‘vulnerable’ Americans like herself can defend themselves during the coronavirus crisis is to buy guns Credit: Twitter.com/NRA

4 The NRA Credit: Twitter

The video - narrated by NRA member Carletta Whiting, a self-described disabled breast cancer surviver - argues the only way ‘vulnerable’ Americans like herself can defend themselves during the coronavirus crisis is to buy guns.

"I am one of the millions of Americans who is vulnerable to the deadly coronavirus," Ms Whiting says.

I hope I survive the coronavirus ... What's in my control is how I defend myself if things go from bad to worse. Carletta Whiting, NRA member

"I hope I survive the coronavirus ... What's in my control is how I defend myself if things go from bad to worse."

The advert then continues to describe "how quickly society breaks down during a crisis" overlaid with footage of riots and violence.

"I'm disabled and I literally need this firearm for the three points of contact to defend my home and my family," Ms Whiting says.

"Without my firearm I'm defenseless."

The NRA advocate acknowledges the recent panic-buying and stockpiling of household items but argues such endeavours are futile if Americans aren't defending their property for "when everything goes wrong".

"Never is the second amendment more important than during public unrest," she explains, before noting that the sales of guns and ammunitions has recently "skyrocketed".

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An article posted on the NRA website and written by editor in chief Frank Miniter also reads: "As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, people aren’t just emptying store shelves of toilet paper, bread and milk. They are also buying guns, lots of guns."

Mr Miniter adds: "Looking for security in uncertain times is a natural reaction ... being prepared isn’t just the Boy Scout motto; it is actually a basic part of the American character."

The video has received an outpouring of reactions - from the enraged to those supporting gun rights.

Dianne Broussard replied over Twitter: "A measurement of corruption: the degree an organization will go to prey on the most vulnerable at a time of national crisis, in order to financially profit from both the crisis and that vulnerable population."

Another man said: "Pro tip: you can't shoot your way out of a pandemic."

However others were quick to defend the NRA's message, with one commenter saying: "It's not for fighting the virus, it's for protection from looters and other criminals who run rampant in times like these."

4 Ms Whiting says without her firearm she is 'defenseless'

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