Obama Win Shoots Up Gun Sales
Posted on November 14, 2008
Filed Under Felonies, News, Police, Weapons |
Fears that President-elect Obama will push for more restrictive gun laws after his inauguration in January have sent gun sales shooting through the roof. Recently released FBI statistics show a significant increase in gun purchases since the election earlier this month. Criminal background checks for gun buys have jumped 49% over this time last year. In fact the increase may be even greater since more than one gun can be purchased on a single background check. Statistics on national instant criminal background checks show that 374,510 people purchased a handgun or long gun during the first week in November, compared to 251,804 during the same week last year.
The FBI says that gun purchases have been running higher than normal all year. More than 6.9 million guns have been purchased to date nationwide, a 7% increase over 2007. Gun shops across the country have reported record sales since the election. They’re scared to death of losing their rights,” said David Hancock, a gun shop manager, noting that his gun sales doubled over the last week. Although gun sales typically increase during fall hunting seasons and lag in the summer, October sales were up unusually high — 15% over last year. November and December sales are expected to follow suit and may even increase as people buy guns for holiday gifts and complete gun purchases before the change in administration.
National Rifle Association Chief Executive Wayne LaPierre attributes the buying onslaught to fears that an Obama administration and Democratic majority in Congress will drastically increase taxes on gun sales or ban certain weapons. “I think they’re going to really try to crack down on guns and make it harder for people to try to purchase them, said gun enthusiast Rachel Smith of Virginia who plans to purchase five guns before January. She said she’s taught all five of her children, aged 4 to 10, to shoot.
Although it’s too soon to see if an increase in gun sales will lead to increases in gun crimes, law enforcement officers are watchful. Historically, more guns on the streets usually means more crimes committed with guns and more violations of gun law. In California, weapons charges are serious and are aggressively prosecuted. Most gun violations result in jail time and expensive fines. Conviction of a gun violation usually results in a criminal record which can affect your ability to obtain employment and housing. If you are charged with a weapons violation, consult a skilled Los Angeles weapons lawyer right away to protect your rights.
-LegalPro
Comments
Leave a Reply