| Threat of nationwide gun control sparking sales of firearms, ammo |
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Posted: Monday, January 14, 2013 9:14 pm
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By KEVIN BOWDEN
Staff Reporter
Recent incidents of violent shootings across America have elevated the issue of gun control all the way to the White House. The elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn., the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., and last week’s school shooting north of Los Angeles are all drawing increased attention to the issue of gun control.
In Obion County, gun dealers are reporting all the attention being focused on the issue of gun control has been great for business. However, they are having major problems acquiring guns and ammunition for sale to customers.
On Friday afternoon, David Taylor counted 13 handguns in stock in his display case at Hill’s Hardware. Normally his display case contains around three times that many handguns.
Taylor has been involved in gun sales for 15 years and told The Messenger Friday, “I’ve never seen it like it is right now.”
Taylor said things began changing in gun sales “as soon as Obama won the election” and then after the Connecticut school massacre, “that’s when it hit.”
“I’m having to outsource and turn over every rock I can to try to find my customers product. I’m afraid it’s going to get worse,” he said.
Taylor estimated Hill’s Hardware has sold more than 200 guns from November to today.
“We could have sold more if we’d had them,” he said. “People are wanting stuff and I can’t get my hands on it.”
It’s the same story at L&A Firearms in Union City, where Josh Long said the day after the recent presidential election the demand for guns and ammunition jumped significantly.
Long said the price for a case of .223 shells increased from about $300 to about $1,000. Rifles that did run about $800 jumped in price to around $1,800.
“Everything now is harder to get,” said Long, addiing that many items are on back order for up to two years.
“We’re pulling people from hundreds of miles away,” he said. They are coming to Union City, but are discovering a shortage of availability when it comes to guns and ammo.
Like Hill’s Hardware, the gun display cases and shelves at L&A Firearms are running low. However, there is certainly no shortage of customers.
In the Midway community east of Union City, Final Flight Outfitters has also been experiencing problems in recent months securing guns and ammunition for its customers.
Cody Chilcutt, who works in the gun sales department at Final Flight, told The Messenger today the store has sold out of all 9 mm, .223, .308 and .22 long rifle shells.
“Our gun sales have increased tremendously,” Chilcutt said. But, he added, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to find guns and ammunition to sell.
Staff Reporter Kevin Bowden may be contacted by email at kmbowden@ucmessenger.com. Published in The Messenger 1.14.13 |
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