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.”
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.
Get educated folks. There is a lot of misinformation being spread regarding PA gun laws.
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).
"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.
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