Post-Election Gun Sales Spike

Some afraid of bans; others expect civil unrest
By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 12, 2008 10:53 AM CST
Post-Election Gun Sales Spike
Case Vermillion hands a gun to a customer at the Cheaper Than Dirt gun shop in Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Gun sales were up before the election, but the numbers have shot through the roof since Barack Obama's win, the Chicago Tribune reports. As stores sell out of assault rifles and enthusiasts stock up on Glocks, people offered a few different reasons for their purchases. Some anticipate new weapons bans; others want to be ready for civil unrest.

The NRA warns that Obama would be "the most anti-gun president in American history," but the president-elect's campaign statements contradict that. Last month he told Ohioans "I won't take your handgun away," and on his website he expresses respect for Americans' right to bear arms. Still, Obama says he favors "common sense" gun laws.
(More President Obama stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X