Presidential action prompts spike in guns sales
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BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Gun owners fired up over sweeping new proposals are snatching up weapons and ammunition in record numbers.
Business at Wade's Gun Shop in Bellevue was brisk on Wednesday, likely triggered by President Obama's call for more stringent restrictions on gun owners.
Kyle Schreiner said he's dropped $20,000 on guns and ammo since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He even bought a pink assault rifle for his wife, just in case Obama's call for a ban on such guns and high capacity clips becomes a reality.
"He's initiating his executive order, so I'm initiating my own executive order and buying rifles and magazines before they can no longer be purchased," Schreiner said.
The run on guns at Wade's began after Obama's reelection, and sales surged again following the Sandy Hook shootings.
Bill Vassos agrees with background checks on private gun sales and says it shouldn't be easier to buy a gun than to adopt a cat.
"I'm a pretty strong Second Amendment supporter, but there are some things we can do," he said.
Vassos said military-style assault rifles should be weapons for warfare, not sport.
"No I won't own one," he said. "I don't need one. What do we need an assault rifle for?"
But when it comes to limiting ammunition magazines to 10 rounds, Vassos says why bother.
"Ten , 30, 40 rounds are not going to make a difference if somebody's bent on using a gun," he said.
There's also a rush because demand is driving up prices. The cost of an assault rifle has doubled, and some magazine prices have tripled in the past three weeks.
Business at Wade's Gun Shop in Bellevue was brisk on Wednesday, likely triggered by President Obama's call for more stringent restrictions on gun owners.
Kyle Schreiner said he's dropped $20,000 on guns and ammo since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He even bought a pink assault rifle for his wife, just in case Obama's call for a ban on such guns and high capacity clips becomes a reality.
"He's initiating his executive order, so I'm initiating my own executive order and buying rifles and magazines before they can no longer be purchased," Schreiner said.
The run on guns at Wade's began after Obama's reelection, and sales surged again following the Sandy Hook shootings.
Bill Vassos agrees with background checks on private gun sales and says it shouldn't be easier to buy a gun than to adopt a cat.
"I'm a pretty strong Second Amendment supporter, but there are some things we can do," he said.
Vassos said military-style assault rifles should be weapons for warfare, not sport.
"No I won't own one," he said. "I don't need one. What do we need an assault rifle for?"
But when it comes to limiting ammunition magazines to 10 rounds, Vassos says why bother.
"Ten , 30, 40 rounds are not going to make a difference if somebody's bent on using a gun," he said.
There's also a rush because demand is driving up prices. The cost of an assault rifle has doubled, and some magazine prices have tripled in the past three weeks.
"No I won't own one," he said. "I don't need one. What do we need an assault rifle for?"
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Thanks for reminding me why you'll never get a dime from me. Idiot in it for the bucks.
How difficult is it to get basic terminology right, KOMO? An Ar15 is NOT an "assault rifle" because it's not a select-fire weapon that fires more than one bullet per trigger pull.
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And why not point out that it's not just "scare mongering," but teh slippery slope is real, and the state-control freaks really DO want to get them all, they just know they can't get everything at once.
First the NFA 1934 to register machine guns, short-barreled rifles, silencers, etc,
Then CGA 1968 to limit mail-order and require things go through FFLS and such.
The the FOPA 1986 that further limited machine guns.
Then the 1994 AW ban, with 10-round mag limits and aimed at two or more "scary looking" features.
States followed the national AW ban, and no NY is further restricting AWs to those having only ONE scary feature (like a pistol grip), and reducing mag capacity to seven rounds from ten, require registration, etc.
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Of course, it won't help, so they'll ask for more, sort of like aiming in the wrong direction and wondering why they keep missing their target, so they keep shooting faster and more often and with bigger bullets, and they STILL keep missing, and wondering why.... Fools.
It's a win win for the NRA. The gun and ammo manufacturers are raking it in and passing on a nice portion to the NRA to keep the turmoil going. The public is being ripped off by the workings of supply and demand.
Really? You're that ignorant?
I would be willing to sit down and discuss any possible gun related restrictions that will help make our country safer. First, I want congress/senate/house/pres to come up with a realistic budget that leads to a reduction in debt. Second, I want the borders to be secured to make sure the black market that this will create is sealed off. Third, I'd like the issues with people being here illegally addressed. Fourth, I want to see Eric Holder prosecuted for illegally selling weapons. Finally, I want to see limits and drug testing added to anyone who is being supported by my tax dollars. My gun hasn't hurt anyone, these problems were here way before any mass shootings, fix them first. While you're doing that, I will work with the gun crowd to establish some laws that dont criminalize anyone for not breaking the law.
To all the gun buyers out there....
We don't smoke marijuana in Muskogee; We don't take our trips on LSD We don't burn our draft cards down on Main Street; We like livin' right, and bein' free. I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee, A place where even squares can have a ball We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse, And white lightnin's still the biggest thrill of all We don't make a party out of lovin'; We like holdin' hands and pitchin' woo; We don't let our hair grow long and shaggy, Like the hippies out in San Francisco do. And I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee, A place where even squares can have a ball. We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse, And white lightnin's still the biggest thrill of all. Leather boots are still in style for manly footwear; Beads and Roman sandals won't be seen. Football's still the roughest thing on campus, And the kids here still respect the college dean. We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse, In Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA.
Go get'um Okies....
I wonder who has more guns, the general public or military? Obviously I mean personal carry weapons
 @Northriver In this case, it may be the public for personally owned weapons.  If you are living in barracks then personally owned firearms need to be stored in the Armory.  Then you must check them out to go shoot.  If you're married and in base housing or living off post, then you can store your weapons at your home.
 @NWFreeman It makes me wonder if Obama knows the difference between a semi automatic pistol which is available in virtually all caliber and a semi automatic assault "style" weapon. An 8 inch 44 mag revolver is just as accurate at 100 yards as a civilian use AR-15. A.22 rim fire is the most deadly weapon in the world and is available in pistol, bolt action rifle as well as an assault style weapon. I'm just not seeing what these regulations are going to do.... A background check is already required for purchase of new weapons and laws are in place for knowingly selling used weapons to unqualified individuals.
 @NWFreeman I didnt know that, crazy crazy world we live in today.
 @NWFreeman  @Northriver You can paint over the black...
 @Northriver I'm pretty certain he knows the difference but doesn't care.  He's not a stupid man regardless of his actions.  He's just set on building his socialist world.
By the way, New York's new law bans ANY firearm that has a single characteristic of a military assault weapon. Â So a black, single shot .22 LR Cricket could be illegal because it's black. Â Does that really make sense?
Are all these people scared they wouldn't pass the background check if Obama's recommendations are put in place? Why so paranoid? If you take the 2nd Amendment at face value it basically says every citizen has the right to own a neutron bomb. Nuclear arms are still arms right? A line needs to be drawn somewhere. If you don't have a record and aren't a mental nutcase you have nothing to worry about. Somehow I think a lot of the paranoid people storming the gun shops fall dangerously close to mental nutcase territory.
 @SalParadise To buy from a dealer, like Wades, you still have to pass a NICS check. At gun shows like hte WAC ones, only members can buy and you need to have a carry permit and a valid driver s license. These shows have no 'loop hole' that the keep talking about. WA has a law that, even though it doesn't require a background check, you are responsible if you sell to a person who can not, by law, own a gun. In recent years, blackpowder rifles have been more popular because if you have a conviction that prevents you from owning a rifle, you can still hunt with a blackpowder one.
 @SalParadise That's an easy one. Look at what happened when Hostess stopped making Twinkies. They flew off of the shelves.
You seem to be under the impression that criminals get there guns through legal channels.
@gscott A very popular place for those who cannot pass a background check and still purchase a weapon (gun) are the gun show's private sellers and that is a legal business. Those buying the guns, such as in the article, are buying from a legit gun store and they do receive an adequate background check.
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What I do not understand is why the rush to purchase now? Obama's executive orders are not that far reaching that they would interfere with gun purchases. His executive orders will update and open a national database, more closely scrutinize the buyers, increase awareness regarding the mentally unstable, give some teeth to the ATF and such. He cannot take away anyone's gun or large capacity magizine; the executive orders do not include such language, that would take an act of Congress and our Congress is so divided any kind of legislation meant to restrict the individuals right to keep and bear arms would never get through committee.
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Somewhere someone is beating the drum (perhaps it is the NRA) that has created a false paranoia. And we American's have become too easily led by misinformation, be it from the media or some ot source, we happily fall into the trap.
@NWFreeman @left-center @gscott To be clear the WAC performs a one time background check so it is quite possible that a person wasn't a felon at the time of initial membership, but becomes one after that while maintaining his membership in good standing. That means it is quite possible that there are felons that are members of the WAC and can purchase firearms at their guns shows. Plus I don't believe that WAC restrict sells only from licensed dealers at their gun shows
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If I'm wrong let me know.
 @left-center  @gscott At WAC gun shows, the largest gun show sponsor in Washington, only members can purchase firearms.  Those members have gone through the required background checks just to be a member.Â
Additionally, any licensed dealer at any venue must still submit any sales to the NICS back ground check. Â That's Federal Law.
It is a good thing Vassos doesn't need an assault rifle because he cannot buy one made after 1986. But if he meant a modern sporting rifle then why shouldn't we the citizens purchase those rifles. Accurate, weatherproof, good range--they are excellent tools.Â
 @Iconoclast Maybe he doesn't NEED an AR.
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Rosa Parks didn't NEED to sit in the front of the bus, either.
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It's a rights thing.
Yes, Vassos doesn't know what an assault rifle is, just like most of the public and media.
Why does KOMO keep going to Wades? I don't know anyone who shops or shoots there.....
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How about some West Coast Armory love?
 @watcher Likely because it's got both a range AND a store-front. Most of the other places close by are one or the other.
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And they can stop on any corner to pick up a latte.
 @watcher Love them both. Purchased a .38 at Wades and a 9mm at West Coast. Prefer my country range though.
 @watcher West Coast Armory is another good business, they have a special right now for a all woman's beginner class for 75$, they teach you handgun/firearm safety 101, and all of the basics, woman please take advantage of this for your own safety, my girlfriend went to one with her girlfriends and came out really informed and loved it.Â
stop calling them assault weapons -_-Â
if you do that you have to call a ferrari an assault vehicle.
 @Jomann Oh goodness, come on Jo!  It's a sports vehicle.  Or a luxury vehicle.  A Ferrari is meant to be driven for fun or for those able to pay for its elegance. Â
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Do you not see this difference? Â Really? Â Surely this isn't your strongest argument.Â
I don't understand why anyone needs a sports vehicle, or a luxury vehicle. Or a Ferrari. They should be banned.
I wonder why my recent post is waiting approval?
 @Magicalwoman Did you have a naughty word in it?
Buy them all folks! Â Just remember - the government is not going to take them from you. Â The government is not going to prosecute you for having one. Â Liberals don't hate you for having them. Â They just won't be available for purchase anymore. Â And if you're strapped for cash at some point in the future, or *gasp* find that you don't need it as it turns out, you might find a lucrative offer to buy it from you for cash - the government. Â
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That's all it is. Â Buy them up. Â Enjoy yourselves with those big pieces of steel and aluminum. Â Just be rationale and straight in the head. Â
Actually, the proposal includes confiscation without compensation upon death of the current owner.
 @gscott No, it did not or does not-you can give, leave  a gun to anyone who passes a background check.
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The mother of the sandy Hook shooter could have left those guns to her crazy son if this tragedy did not come first. Â Think about that.
Oh and don't forget the ammo!!! Â Ain't much use in a high powered military assault weapon if there ain't no ammo to put in it! Â ;) Â
And the propsal forbids transfer of the weapons.
Just a thought. We have about 315 million people in the US and 300 million guns. Will one of you over the top gun avocates who say we need to arm more people to be safe, tell me what the magic number of guns will make our country safer?   Right now, we are the most violent country outside the third world.
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The ban on assualt rifle won't happen, so what's your worry? So you may have to tape 2 clips for a quik flip of 20 rounds. Relax, the government is not taking anyones guns, not taking away anyone's ability to buy a gun legally.
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Almost everything Obama will do except the ban and clips, the NRA supported in the past when the president was white. Don't you remember Reagan supporting the 94 ban as an ex president?
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Most of Obama's rules will effect those who attempt to buy a gun illegally-isn't that what you guys keep saying, keep the guns out of the hands of felons? So what's the problem.
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I think you guys just want a a conspiracy to chase, the idea that the government will come and collect 300 million guns is a big turn for some of you. Keep the evil Obama in check. The Idea that the government is out of control is what you live for.
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Too bad you live in the land of the free it just throws a wrench in the works.
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Polls from all groups have 70 to 78 % of the country wanting stricter gun control, the lowest of the polls say 63% wants a ban. You can thank the NRA's first comments after Sandy Hook-talk about shooting ones self in the foot!
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You guys are small slice of the pie thanks to your big mouths and making the death of 20 kids a side effect of your right to own a gun-good work.
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 @snoopy84 At one time there was a solid majority wanting to maintain segregation, too. What's your point with poll numbers? A right's a right.
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It's not so much the absolute number, as the distribution. If three hundred guys have a million rifles each, that's not good. If half the total population representing the law-abiding healthy adults have two each (one handgun and one long gun), then that's a pretty good start.
 @snoopy84 I couldn't keep reading after you said
"Right now, we are the most violent country outside the third world."
The UK has 10 times the violent crime as we do.
 @snoopy84 so, if there are that many weapons in a country this size, wouldn't it stand to reason that more people want weapons than don't? Or do you believe only %25 of the population owns that many guns?
300 million guns didn't kill again today. A couple did. That's a reason to pass more laws? Really?
Confiscation, registration, taxation are all part of Dianne Feinsteins proposal. The only reason it won't happen is Republicans won't stand for it.
 @snoopy84 Keep believing the media spin Snoopy. It's directly aimed at sheep like you, and it's there to keep you, AND the rest of the American Sheeple arguing over a Constitutionally protected non issue while our government SPENDS us into oblivion. GUNS will not destroy America. The idiots RUNNING America will. The ones YOU voted for and worship. Enjoy the results of your ignorance. Those of us who arm ourselves just do it as an insurance policy. We insure and protect ourselves and our families from the government's "handout crowd" that will result to crime when the government bankrupts the very programs they DEPEND on, and there is nothing left for FREE to give away.
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 @Wolfen You are exactly who I talk about as over the top-you are a prime example.Â
@Wolfen @snoopy84 agreed. When they run out of free stuff they will start breaking things and taking things.
 @Wolfen  @snoopy84 evidently your concept of "freedom" means it isn't safe to step out doors unless you are armed to the teeth... and even then it isn't a sure bet...
 @snoopy84 You might have a good point in there somewhere. Sadly, it was lost amongst the inflammatory rhetoric.
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"when the president was white"--- "death of 20 kids a side effect"--- "Keep the evil Obama in check"
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 @WA State Mom Maybe you don't listen clearly to many GOP politicians' references toward Obama. The language from Palin, Sanunu, a few reps from Texas. They it very clear where they stand and think of this president. You know Palin's  "chuck and jive" comment . Rand Paul puts him down at every opportunity.
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Yes, it is sad. Â Â
 @WA State Mom  @snoopy84 (sorry-- my computer needed restarting)--- and, anyone can say things that are stupid.
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Your rhetoric, however implies that all folks who are against these measures can be summed up with the following:
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"when the president was white"--- "death of 20 kids a side effect"--- "Keep the evil Obama in check"
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My point was, even if you had something worthwhile to say, it was lost in your rhetoric.
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 @snoopy84 FUNNY! There are zillions of examples of both sides saying and doing things than can be construed in whatever way you want.Â
@WA State Mom @snoopy84 I believe the president was white when Columbine occured in the middle of his assault weapons ban. I want to keep the guns out of the wrong hands by punishing the pukes that keep getting let off the hook because de was po hoods and the players field wasnt even. And lets fix the mental health system which is a major failure because their is no treatment and no info sharing.