Gun shops in Nevada are doing brisk business these days. At one store on a recent Saturday afternoon, the counters were backed up with customers.
The reason for the steady stream of customers is primarily the fear of terrorism. Americans are worried, and Nevada is eighth in the nation when it comes to gun ownership with 19.5 guns for every 1,000 residents.
Wyoming leads the country with 195.7 firearms per 1,000 residents, according to figures calculated by CBS News.
President Barack Obama’s actions regarding gun control seem to have spiked action in gun sales. Combined with the Second Amendment giving people the right to bear arms, the nation is defending itself.
Greg Hattrup, part owner of Juggernaut Arms in Sparks, said the reason for higher gun sales has been at least partially because of the recent mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif.
“In California we had a mass shooting that was directed by a terrorist cell,” he said. “People want to be prepared in the event of domestic terrorism.”
Hattrup added that while many people were undecided about the issue of owning a gun before, the San Bernardino shooting persuaded many to take a stand when it comes to protecting themselves.
“Before, you had many people who were on the fence when it came to gun ownership,” Hattrup said.
Hattrup said the majority of the business’s clientele is based on people who simply want to protect themselves within their own home. He also added that some customers are buying parts to build their own weapons.
Hattrup, a 29-year-old native of Reno, said the top 10 wholesalers in the country are realizing a lack of stock because of the increased demand.
“Handguns have the most demand,” Hattrup said. “All Obama’s last executive order did was re-iterate what current law is already doing. If you’re in the business of selling guns, you must have a federal firearms license.”
Fellow Juggernaut Arms co-owner Kevin Marriott said that while California’s process requires a 10-day delay before a gun can be transferred, in Nevada an individual can leave with their new firearm after the purchase as long as a background check has been completed or if the buyer shows a concealed weapons permit.
The 53-year-old Marriott summarized it best when he said: “The entire country is worried right now. On Black Friday of last year, there were enough guns sold to arm the entire U.S. Marine Corps.”
Situated at 240 Freeport Blvd. in Sparks, Juggernaut Arms has been open since February of 2012.
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