Gun Sales Surging Across Country

MADISON, Ala.(WHNT) – Gun sales are exploding across America, with gun shop owners and customers crediting crime and presidential politics for the surge.

A recent FBI report shows that more than 10 million firearms have been purchased so far in 2012, a blistering pace that would shatter the all-time record of 11 million sales set just last year.

Owners and customers we talked to said the fear of stricter gun control laws under a second Obama administration are driving the spending spree. Some of them say they believe President Obama will crack down on gun access if he’s reelected.

“With what’s going on in the world, the level of uncertainty, it’s clearly having a big play,” said Andy Jones, co-owner of Last Resort Guns in Madison. “We have a constant flow of people in and out… everything from all the young guys in their 20′s, all the way through to a 93-year-old man coming in to buy his first rifle.”

Gun rights advocates say fear of rising crime is the other main force behind the sale spike, with customers citing concern over the number of recent robberies and home invasions.

“I figured it was a good time to get into the gun market,” said Joseph Lowe, who bought two guns earlier this year and is now looking for a third to keep around his house. “All my friends and family, I’ve encouraged them to be active shooters.”

The FBI report projects that up to four million more guns could be sold before the end of the calendar year. The agency also reports that gun sale background checks in Alabama have spiked by 37 percent in the last four years, making it one of the more active states for gun purchases.