Source: http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=9332249
(Also video in link)
Many Virginians are flocking to gun stores. Everything from assault rifles, to pistols are flying off shelves.
The FBI fielded nearly 50% more requests for background checks on gun purchasers last week, compared to the same week a year ago.
"This is a Galanti Sporter. It has a folding stock, plus it has a 30 round magazine," said David Hancock.
It's an assault rifle. Now one of the more popular guns for sale at Bob Moate's Gun Shop. In fact, store owners across Virginia are having a hard time keeping them in stock.
"Every since the election, with the Democratic majority, now people are very panicked, concerned about their rights being taken away at some future point," said Hancock.
A spokeswoman for Virginia State Police says this time of year gun sales typically go up as people prepare for hunting season. But Hancock says sales on what he calls "big booming handguns" and assault weapons are up 15 to 20%.
"People are just afraid a lot of these things are gonna be banned, so they're trying to buy them now in the anticipation that they might not be able to buy them later," said Hancock.
President-elect Barack Obama has said he supports banning concealed carry laws, but during his run for president, assured Americans time and again that he would support Second Amendment rights.
Enrollment in safety courses is up too, as people learn how to use their new guns safely and apply for concealed carry permits.
Perry DeMay is a sports-shooter and card carrying member of the National Rifle Association. He says the economy is driving gun sales.
"We're in a very bad economy at this time, and people are in fear, and maybe they want some home protection and things like that," said DeMay.
DeMay says President-elect Obama is a friend to gun owners.
"I am completely confident in President-elect Obama protecting my Second Amendment right to own and bear firearms," said DeMay.
No matter what's driving Virginians to buy more gun power, gun store owners aren't complaining.
(Also video in link)
Many Virginians are flocking to gun stores. Everything from assault rifles, to pistols are flying off shelves.
The FBI fielded nearly 50% more requests for background checks on gun purchasers last week, compared to the same week a year ago.
"This is a Galanti Sporter. It has a folding stock, plus it has a 30 round magazine," said David Hancock.
It's an assault rifle. Now one of the more popular guns for sale at Bob Moate's Gun Shop. In fact, store owners across Virginia are having a hard time keeping them in stock.
"Every since the election, with the Democratic majority, now people are very panicked, concerned about their rights being taken away at some future point," said Hancock.
A spokeswoman for Virginia State Police says this time of year gun sales typically go up as people prepare for hunting season. But Hancock says sales on what he calls "big booming handguns" and assault weapons are up 15 to 20%.
"People are just afraid a lot of these things are gonna be banned, so they're trying to buy them now in the anticipation that they might not be able to buy them later," said Hancock.
President-elect Barack Obama has said he supports banning concealed carry laws, but during his run for president, assured Americans time and again that he would support Second Amendment rights.
Enrollment in safety courses is up too, as people learn how to use their new guns safely and apply for concealed carry permits.
Perry DeMay is a sports-shooter and card carrying member of the National Rifle Association. He says the economy is driving gun sales.
"We're in a very bad economy at this time, and people are in fear, and maybe they want some home protection and things like that," said DeMay.
DeMay says President-elect Obama is a friend to gun owners.
"I am completely confident in President-elect Obama protecting my Second Amendment right to own and bear firearms," said DeMay.
No matter what's driving Virginians to buy more gun power, gun store owners aren't complaining.
