 |
|
|
Updated: 6:19 PM May 5, 2009
Gun Sales Up In Eastern Carolina, Ammunition Low
Since the Presidential election, gun sales have skyrocketed nationwide including here in Eastern Carolina. Posted: 9:08 AM Apr 30, 2009Reporter: Natalie Kaplan Email Address: Natalie.Kaplan@witn.com |
|
84 Comments 
Besides being the President of the United States, Barack Obama is also being dubbed by some the gun salesman of the year. That's because since elected, gun sales have skyrocketed nationwide including here in Eastern Carolina. WITN headed to one firearm store in Jamesville in Martin County where sales have jumped 70% since Obama took office.
Store managers say sales are good at Mackey's in Jamesville, which bills itself as one of the largest firearm shops in the world. Since President Barack Obama took office, store managers tell us their customers are buying everything they can, in fear gun laws could change.
Store manager Charles Hayes says "Like when it snows down here, everybody buys out the grocery store and it really doesn't make a lot of sense, same with guns. They thought their rights were going to be infringed and so they keep saying before my rights go away, I want to buy a handgun."
In the first three months of 2009, statistics show four million background checks were requested nationwide, that's up 27% from the same time period in 2008.
Beaufort County Sheriff's say over the past three months they've issued about 165 purchasing permits each month, an increase over previous months as well.
The only problem, getting in ammunition for those guns. Hayes says some things stores just can't get their hands on.
"We could probably sell 1,000 cases of 380 right now, if we had 1,000 cases."
Store managers told WITN, they've had customers from Florida and Texas, just to buy certain items that are completely out of stock in other parts of the country.
Latest Comments
Wanda-----you are one of those people that sit back and complain about guns--but you want someone to protect you. Suppose someone broke into your house and threatened your family and you lived in the country, about 20 to 30 minutes for any police to help. What would you do, without a gun? DIE, thats what. If someone threatens my family in my home---guess what I am gonna live---the intruder will die. I use my guns for safety only, other than to hunt.
[ Report Abuse ]
To further clarify a point, there is a huge responsibility that goes with ccw. It is not a decision to be made lightly. NC even has a statute that requires "a duty to flee", that is, to avoid the use of deadly force except as a last resort. The NC general assy. has been very specific as to when deadly force is justified. There are only a few instances when the duty to flee does not apply. The required training and testing to obtain a ccw permit is thorough and quite expensive. My point is that carrying a weapon is not something you should decide to do on a whim. It requires mental preparation and a commitment to yourself and those around you to act responsibly and to uphold the laws of the land. To the folks that are concerned about citizens legally carrying, you shouldn't be. You should instead keep a wary eye out for the criminal element that has no requard for you, your property or the lives of those you love.
[ Report Abuse ]
CCW: Once again you've shown me that you and I are cut from the same cloth. I also carry concealed [legally, of course, same as you]. I grit my teeth as the media portrays people like us as Rambo wannabes just itching for a chance to shoot someone. It's not about being a vigilante, it's about having the means to take responsibility for my and my family's safety. I'm very pro-law enforcement, but the old saying is true: "The police: minutes away when seconds count." I recognize that as an armed citizen, for me there's no such thing as "fighting words", and I'll go out of my way to avoid confrontations. I also know that many self-defense situations call for non-lethal response, so I also carry pepper spray. I know that my carrying a gun is no guarantee of safety, but it gives me a fighting chance..which beats no chance at all. BTW, I read Grossman's book; good stuff. I highly recommend American Handgunner magazine; the articles from C. Smith and M. Ayoob alone are worth it. Take Care, C
[ Report Abuse ]
| Most Commented |
| McCain: Obama Has Not Brought The Change He Promised 167 Comments |
| Coalition: Pitt Co. African American Children Aren't Getting Equal Education 166 Comments |
| Marine In Custody For Camp Lejeune Homicide, Still No Word On Victim's ID 152 Comments |
| 15-Year-Old Mother Shares Her Story 116 Comments |
| Major Gave Away Food, Called A Neighbor Before Fort Hood Shooting 94 Comments |
| Teens Charged For Rapping Order At McDonald's 67 Comments |
Click one of the pictures below to see more or to upload your own photos and videos.
 |
CarSoup
Search inventory from local dealers and private sellers. |
 |
|
 |
Rental Guide
Video tours to help you find your next apartment. |
|
|
 |
Double Dollar Deals
Save 50% from local merchants. |
|
|
 |
Classifieds
THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free. |
|
|
 |
Experts
Got a question? Ask Eastern Carolina's Experts. |
|
|
 |
Business Break
Two minutes of info from local businesses. |
|
|
 |
Attorneys On Call
Free legal information on a variety of topics. |
|
|
 |
Video Home Tours
Tour Eastern Carolina homes from your computer. |
