In advance of President Obama’s expected move to tighten gun regulations, local firearm sellers say they have yet to see a significant spike in purchases.
Those spikes in firearms sales nationally have previously followed discussion of tougher firearms control, usually in the wake of a mass shooting incident. But, the dealers say, interest remains high, especially following the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California.
At Olde English Outfitters in Tipp City, owner Evan English said Monday that buyer interest is steady, perhaps up 15 percent to 20 percent compared to a normal holiday buying season.
Discussion of firearms regulation and terror attacks seem to move buyer interest forward, English said. But those buying were already contemplating a firearms purchase, English says. They just move the timeline up.
“Whenever the political leaders talk about legislation, the citizen’s response turns out to be wanting to buy something,” he said.
“The decision was already there. Any threat or perceived threat to that decision, they advance the decision. We are selling guns to people thinking about it already,” he said.
News Center 7’s Lauren Clark is working on this story and will have additional details tonight on News Center 7 beginning at 5 p.m.