Guns sales up nationally, trend is different locally

July 26, 2012|John - By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com), Click here to follow John on Twitter | John - By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com), Click here to follow John on Twitter

MISHAWAKA – Indiana State Police say they haven't seen any significant increase in the number of gun licenses issued since the Colorado Shooting tragedy.

But dealers say people are buying guns.

"It's really hard to pinpoint what our demographic is," said Brad Rupert, General Manager at Midwest Gun and Range. "It's everyone from the guy who turns 18 to the widower, widow."

Rupert said interest is up. Sales, too.

"I spoke to dealers around the country, Colorado, in particular," said Rupert. "Sales are up and lines have been out the door since Friday morning, and it hasn't stopped since."

The reason? Fear.

Rupert said the movie theatre shooting in Aurora, Colorado put everyone on edge, but he said what's happening here at home has people worried, too.

People want to pack heat to protect themselves.

"It's what put them over the edge. They don't want to be a victim. They want to protect themselves, their family, their homes," said Rupert.

Rupert said sales locally aren't nearly as high as other places around the country.

While Indiana State Police do not track sales, data shows they have not seen any significant changes in handgun license applications so far this year, compared to last year.

Lifetime Pers. Protect. 540

Lifetime Pers. Protect. 49

Lifetime Dealer 1

Hunting or Target 2

4Yr. Personal Protect. 13

Mostly consistent with last year's numbers.

Rupert said something else is driving sales: gun control.

"The general gun buyer has been on edge since the election as to whether a gun ban would come down the pike," he said.

Rupert said some customers are not happy with some politicians fighting for stricter laws that make owning a gun tougher.