cuchulainn
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From the New Castle News
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1286&dept_id=215468&newsid=7476178&PAG=461&rfi=9
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1286&dept_id=215468&newsid=7476178&PAG=461&rfi=9
Gun sales up, but not because of war
By: Rick Elia, New Castle News March 22, 2003
The war with Iraq has not sent local residents scurrying for firearms, according to three local business owners who deal in handguns.
Wes Morosky, co-owner of Duke's Sport Shop in New Castle, said his business has been busy, but not from people buying weapons because of the war or the threat of terrorism.
"We really haven't had any due to that," he said. "The income tax checks are coming in."
Morosky said that, in contrast, after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, "people were buying cases of ammunition and stocking up like that."
Ray Ciampoli, who owns a gun shop in Neshannock Township, said, "We have seen an increase. Not as dramatic as people say it is, but we have seen an increase. This has been for the last two months."
He said the increase is "partially related" to concerns over the war and terrorism.
"There's no mad rush," he said. "Maybe there's a 10 percent increase in the sale of handguns.
"There are people buying firearms who have not bought them before, especially handguns. Firearms to women has picked up enormously."
Betty Newton, co-owner of Newton Guns in Wampum, said the bulk of her business is repairing guns. She said that has increased, but there has been "no big rush" and no indication it is due to the war or terrorism.
©New Castle News 2003