Gun sales up as gun control debate takes shape

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The national debate on gun control is beginning to take shape four days after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The White House and federal lawmakers are openly considering new gun control laws , which has many New Mexicans flocking to gun shops.

Jerry Ellenberger said he's seen more business at Los Ranchos Gun and Tackle Shop since the November election.

"Overall, a slight increase, maybe 10 percent after the election, but not too serious," Ellenberger said.

Nothing too serious until Saturday. Gun sales the day after the shooting in Connecticut were well-above average.

"Then yesterday, it just went insane and our sales were up probably well over 300 percent," Ellenberger said.

Other gun shop owners across Albuquerque told KRQE News 13 they've also seen a spike in shoppers the past few days.

Ellenberger said many people have asked about semi-automatic paramilitary rifles, often referred to as an assault weapon. A type of gun that White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Tuesday the president supports banning.

"Well, he is actively supportive of, for example, Sen. Feinstein's stated intent to revive a piece of legislation that would reinstate the assault weapons ban," Carney said.

A 10 year ban on assault weapons expired in 2004.

Bob Diaz is a member of the NRA and a proud gun owner. He said after Friday's shooting, he thinks gun control laws need to be re-evaluated, but Diaz does not support a ban on semi-automatic weapons.

"As a parent and grandparent, it just really saddened me. I was very sorry to hear that," Diaz said. "But my view is that, why should I, as a law-abiding citizen, have to pay the price for somebody else?"

Ellenberger said a side effect of the rush to purchase is that background checks through the NCIC are taking much longer that usual.