Gun sales on the rise nationally and here in Wisconsin
WEST ALLIS-- There's a sense of urgency among gun advocates. In fact, some places across the state say they're having a hard time meeting demand. For Shorty's Shooting Sports, the owner says it's his best week ever.
"They're calling for A-R's (assault rifles) that aren't available anymore, and I don't expect them to be available for the next year or so," said Mike Govas.
Govas and other gun advocates attribute the spike in sales to the tragedy in Newtown and the proposed gun legislation that could ban the sale of certain firearms.
"Everybody is frightened that the president will try to take away our constitutional rights by passing a general order," said Jim Fendry, from the Wisconsin Pro-Gun Movement. "So while guns are available, even though the prices are skyrocketing, people are buying them quicker than they can be written up and background checks done."
Not only are guns in high demand at this store, but so are the concealed carry classes being offered.
Govas says at least 100 new people signed up this week alone; about 10% of the total amount of new shooters since he's been in business.
"A lot of new shooters... men and women they just want to be able to protect themselves," said Govas.
And after the school shooting one week ago, hundreds of thousands of guns were purchased nationwide. Fendry says women now make up more than 30% of the gun sales.