Election of new President triggers interest in guns

Bill Munson calls President Barack Obama “salesman of the year.”

That’s because since Obama was elected on Nov. 4, Munson has seen a greater interest in the guns he sells from his downtown Bonners Ferry store. Sales, however, have only increased slightly.

“The economy is so bad,” he said. “A lot want to buy, but can’t (afford it).”

Concern that the Obama administration and Congress might try to clamp down on specific styles of firearms is credited with driving a huge spike in gun sales recently, according to a published report.

Data reported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and derived from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System, required for a firearms purchase, showed 12.7 million background checks reported in 2008, up 14 percent from 2007.

Sales evidently soared in November, with a 42 percent increase in background checks over checks in November 2007. This momentum carried into December, which notched a 24 percent jump.

“A lot of people are looking for guns,” Munson said. “They’re afraid of possible new guns laws, mostly on assault weapons and pistols.”

Some have told Munson, who sells  more used than new guns, that they plan to buy a gun with their income tax refunds.

He saw a greater interest in guns the day before the Nov. 4 election.

“The day after he got elected (guns were on back order), Munson said. “There is a 10- to-14 month back order.”

Far North Outfitters manager Chris Langan said gun and ammunitions sales have been really good. He did not want to comment further.