Surge in local gun sales mirrors national trend

tdn.com ^

[Red in Blue PA]

Wally Wentz, owner of Gator’s Custom Gun Shop in Kelso, said customers have been clamoring for variations of the AR-15, AK-47 and handguns with a magazine capacity of more than 10 rounds, adding he has never seen such a surge in gun sales in 25 years.

“I can’t even describe how busy it has been,” he said.

Prices for guns and ammunition have shot up along with demand, Wentz said. A $300 box of bullets was priced at $600 last month, now they’re sold out everywhere. He added that he sold a Saiga 12 gauge shotgun for $1,500 last week that would have sold for $800 a couple of months before.

“When (wholesalers) pay more, we pay more and the customer pays more,” Wentz said. “But we’re making every effort to not be scalpers or take advantage of the opportunity.”

Law enforcement officials have noticed the upward trend as well but have said they’re not concerned about the increased gun ownership because of requirements for background searches and other checks and balances. Longview Police Sergeant Mike Hallowell said buyers seem to be evenly distributed between first-timers and those who already own firearms.

Concealed weapons permits have also climbed alongside gun sales. Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office received 192 concealed pistol permit applications last month, up from 88 in December 2011.

“It has slowed down a little bit” in January, said Chief Civil Deputy Lisa Uhlich. “But we’re still above average.”

Gun retailers say they don’t see demand falling for at least another six months.

“I didn’t expect this,” Wentz said. “And I don’t think it’s going to calm down until there’s legislation. Until that uncertainty is cleared up, I don’t see this ending anytime soon.”

[P.O.E.]

PA Ping!

If you see posts of interest to Pennsylvanians, please ping me.

Thanks!

[BCW]

I know where I live in Indiana - teachers and other school officials are and have already applied or gotten their concealed weapon permits - the local law enforcement stated that the idea of banning guns - seizing guns - will not happen in Indiana because it’s a gun loving state - and people in the community are talking about securing and staying armed to protect what is there’s and is supported by law enforcement.

By reason, if a property owner and parent takes the time and aids in “deterrence” then there will not be criminal activity...that’s just the way it is. Schools that have armed personnel do not have incidents like Sandy Hook.

[Caipirabob]

Surge in local gun sales mirrors national trend

[Liberal logic] Of course they are buying these guns so they have something they can give away when they are confiscated...

[Eye of Unk]

Just to show something here, often necessity is truly the mother of invention.This one has two barrels in 9x19 and one in .45acp. They have working models in many configurations and calibers. In Brisbane Australia a company called Metalstorm has designed working models of multiple rounds fired electrically in multi barreled pistols and rifles. One such is the Metalstorm VLE. From a country that has severely restricted gun ownership. Just imagine the broad expanse of invented ways to improve firearms should Obama declare them illegal to own, phasers anyone?