Last week, President Obama spoke to the nation about his plans to curb gun violence. His ideas involved several executive orders as well as a host of actions to be voted on by Congress.
If anything, his plans have continued to fuel gun sales. Firearms are being sold faster than store owners can place them on the shelves, local gun shop owners say.
Some of the most controversial agenda items include: requiring background checks on all gun sales, including those at gun shows and from private sellers; reinstating the assault weapons ban on high-grade, military-style weapons which expired in 2004; renewing a 10-round limit on size of ammunition magazines; and prohibiting the possession, manufacture, transfer and importation of dangerous armor-piercing bullets.
At H.O.B. Sports Center, firearms associate Will Geiser said sales have been up since the summer shooting at an Aurora, Colo., movie theater. He noted another increase in sales directly after the November 2012 election.
"Sales were steady and then everything just skyrocketed," Geiser said of the business after the Dec. 14 shooting at a Connecticut elementary school.
Ammo Alley, located across the Missouri River Bridge, has also seen an increase in sales.
Owner Doug Alley noted that any mention from President Obama about gun control and more regulations usually generates interest.
Geiser said his customers have been seeking hand guns, AR (ArmaLite) pieces, ammo and home-defense shotguns. Alley agreed that AR pieces, hand guns and .22-caliber shells are his best sellers during this time. Alley said .22-caliber shells are used in a variety of firearms and by people of all walks of life. He noted they are also more cost effective than many other items.