Gun Sales in Montgomery County on the Rise
As Capitol Hill debates gun control, sales and registrations in the county are booming.
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Business is booming. Those in the gun-selling industry are finding a good deal of action in Montgomery County.
According to an article in the Pottstown Mercury, the counter in spots like the French Creek Outfitters has seldom dropped below a dozen customers all day long. In the wake of the debates on Capitol Hill and President Barrack Obama's recommendations on gun control, the sales and registrations in the county have been on the rise.
Many makes and models are sold out at local gun shops.
"When asked about AR-15 rifles, one employee shook his head. 'We’ve been sold out of those for weeks,' he said," quoted the Mercury article.
Many local vendors are noting the sales went up more after Wednesday's statements by the president.
"Gun shops reported a run on rifles after the president announced he wants a ban on assault weapons renewed and all ammunition magazines sold limited to 10 rounds or less, among other proposals," said the article.
One Perkiomen Valley area business owner agreed.
"Charles Barber, whose store, Barber’s Firearms in Lower Frederick, deals mostly in hunting and sporting needs, said there has 'absolutely' been a run on rifles like the AR-15," said the article.
According to an article on PAGunRights.com, the most recent collected data shows Montgomery County is listed as Number 9 county in the state for most licenses to carry, while it is Number 8 in the state for most firearm dealers.
Data was dated as far back as 2008 in the site's study.
Another news site, "The Daily Beast," ranked Pennsylvania at 25th in the nation for most gun owners. The site used data last collected in 2009.
Sales heading into 2013 are seeing a much steeper incline. It is unclear, however, if the rise in sales is for an owner's use and protection or if buyers are trying to make a quick buck.
"Although some may be buying the weapons for their personal use or defense, the gun store owner said many are probably buying the guns to turn a profit," the article said.
“They are an investment now,” said an unnamed gun store owner in Montgomery County. “There are people that bought them before all this and then sold them online for twice what they paid for them.”
John Q. Public
7:18 am on Friday, January 18, 2013
I suspect PA is much higher on the list of gun ownership. Until the crazies and thugs got involved, firearm ownership was no big deal and PA guns have not been tracked. Many people own firearms that predate the current troubles, and pass them on to their kids.
Walt Priestley
9:55 am on Friday, January 18, 2013
No matter what laws are changed, criminals will still find ways to obtain firearms.
Barb
8:53 am on Saturday, January 19, 2013
I highly doubt the thugs in Philly, Chicago, La and Detroit are registered NRA gun owners. Just say the Government confiscated all the legal guns . Well, what happens then? More crime as the thugs might not have to be as selective who they decide to rob knowing they can't be shot down.
Steve
10:05 am on Friday, January 18, 2013
The gun store near where I work had a great supply of AR-15's and decided to not raise the prices....didn't want to take advantage of his customers. Guess what his customers bought them and are now reselling them at 3 and 4 times the price. Guess who now has to act as the middle man to ship the purchase. The store owner. Man he is pissed.
Candy Allebach
1:04 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013
If these people are buying AR-15's legally and then re-selling them either in person or on-line, isn't it consider a "straw" purchase?? How can the seller do a background check on a buyer on line? These are the people who make it hard for the gun owners who abide by the law. A "straw" purchase is what got Officer Fox killed? Those people who are re-selling there guns for 3-4 times more than what they paid are NOT responsible gun owners and should have THEIR gun permits taken away!
Jonny V
1:12 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013
Incorrect. The rifle MUST be shipped to a willing FFL proximate to where the buyer lives. The FFL (gun shop) takes possession of the shipped rifle. The buyer arrives to the FFL and must complete form ATF 4473, and Application/Record of Sale Form (SP4-113). After this is all complete, the FFL charges his fee and the buyer takes possession of the rifle. The complete misinformation that is spread about is highly annoying.
Face to face sales of long guns is legal in PA without any background checking whether you agree with it or not. But you cannot ship firearms to a purchaser with the aforementioned taking place.
Brian Young Jr
1:56 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013
There is no background check required for long guns (AR15) in PA.
Brian Young Jr
1:59 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013
You do not need a 'gun permit' to buy an AR15. Gun permits in PA are required for concealed carry only. If resellers are complying with the laws on the books, why are they 'NOT responsible gun owners'????
Get educated folks. There is a lot of misinformation being spread regarding PA gun laws.
Jonny V
3:49 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013
"There is no background check required for long guns (AR15) in PA."
Absolutely wrong. Refer to 18Pa.C.S. ss6111 "Sale or transfer of Firearms". Private sales differ, as I already stated above. FTF is ok and mailing to another PA resident is ok. Out of state transfers, MUST ship to FFL.
PA doesn't issue permits they issue -Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms,(LTCF).
Brian Young Jr
4:02 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013
I am not sure I am wrong. I haven't purchased a long gun in a while, but the section you referenced refers to 'firearm'. Following is the definition of 'firearm' right from the code:
"Firearm." Any pistol or revolver with a barrel length less than 15 inches, any shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches or any rifle with a barrel length less than 16 inches, or any pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches. The barrel length of a firearm shall be determined by measuring from the muzzle of the barrel to the face of the closed action, bolt or cylinder, whichever is applicable.
John Q. Public
5:54 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013
Handguns always require a transfer, whether in-state or out. Private sale of long guns/shotguns in-state do not. Not sure about a gift gun. I was given a handgun by my Dad, and decided to take it to a dealer to record the event, but he wasn't sure if it was necessary.
Jonny V
8:01 pm on Sunday, January 20, 2013
You are wrong in that, a FFL, as a gun store owner, must perform a background check on the customer for any gun sold; long gun or pistol. Private sales of long guns only are legal in the state of PA provided both of the parties are residents of PA.
Ezra Williams
1:23 am on Saturday, January 19, 2013
Most of the people on this site are dim. Yes, a majority of the people reading the crap on this site post without even bothering to "google" the nonesensical, incorrect crap they are spewing. 75% of you reading my comment are stupid.
Jonny V
8:04 pm on Sunday, January 20, 2013
I am sure you are so proud of your genius, that you read your witty drivel more than once, hence you are one of the 75% reading your comment. i.e., not really too bright.
Barb
8:55 am on Saturday, January 19, 2013
When will SWAT teams go door to door and collect all the illegal guns from drug houses ? Never......those people are not a threat to the Government . The Gov wants the guns of Patriots who can be if pushed, a threat to the Government
John Q. Public
7:16 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
Maybe Belle, but I have a different take. BHO knows the law-abiding are law-abiding, so a higher percentage would comply, unlike law-breakers. By disarming the law-abiding BHO hopes, in a few hundred years, the criminal gun-pool will dry up, and they will have no one left to steal from.
Barb
7:32 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Public · By Citizens for Liberty
Saturday, February 23, 2013
2:00pm
We are regular everyday people. We are your school teachers, your police officers, your construction workers, your mothers, your fathers, we are your brothers & sisters in arms. We are firearms owners against crime who support the constitution.
... In response to unconstitutional actions by the President, on .223, February 23, 2013 the American people will stand together in solidarity to protect the right that protects ALL of our rights, the 2nd Amendment! This is a pro-2nd Amendment rally along with other liberties that they are trying to take away. This is more than just about gun rights, this rally is a battle cry in support of ALL our Constitutional & god-given rights that are being flushed down the toilet PIECE by PIECE! People are organizing locally and banding together neighbor to neighbor to reassert our community's right to determine our own destiny!
2:00 - Rally Starts (feel free to come a little early if you can)
3:15 - Open Carry Walk
3:30 - Special Guest Speakers
This is the people PEACEFULLY assembling as guaranteed to us by the Constitution. Violence or incitement to violence will not be tolerated.
If you live in Montco please sign this petition if you haven't already!! This isn't a Democrat or Republican thing. Stand up for the Constitution.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGhSNjU1WWN5N3NnMlZNbGxuaW5iLUE6MA