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Bay Area Gun Sales Rise Ahead Of Election

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By YOLANDA FERNANDEZ

yfernandez@wfla.com

Published: October 28, 2008

Pete Hill says he's been thinking about buying a gun for several months for home security. Now, with the election a week away, he decided it's time to buy.

Hill is not alone. In these tight times, people may be clipping coupons and cutting back on extras, but some local gun shops are seeing an increase in weapons purchases.

There are two main reasons for the uptick, gun shop owners say: the bad economy and concerns about a Democratic sweep on Election Day.

"If they're going to change the rules or laws on how you can obtain a weapon, if certain people get into office, I want to protect myself and buy now," Hill says.

A-1 Pawn and Gun Shop in Tampa reports sales are up 30 percent in the past month. 49th Street Gun and Pawn in St. Petersburg reports an increase in sales of up to 25 percent. Wain Roberts gun shop in Pinellas Park has sold out of popular handguns several times this month.

Bill Jackson's Shop for Adventure store owner Doug Jackson says gun sales at the Pinellas Park shop are up at least 10 percent in the past month. Jackson says some customers perceive Democrats as being less gun ownership friendly. He says any time there's a strong Democratic candidate for president, the store sees an increase in sales.

But Jackson says political perceptions aren't the only reason people are buying. In a depressed economy and uncertain times, people are looking for security.

"The main thing is a lot of people are afraid," he said. "If there is more crime they could be a victim and they want to protect themselves and their families from any situation that might come up."

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