Gun prices up after controls proposed

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - At the Huntin' Time Expo in Walker Thursday, prices of guns and accessories were up because demand is rising, fueled by fear of more firearm legislation.

"It's what people want right now; guns, ammunition, magazines," explained gun store owner Randy Brown. "Just because when you say you can't have something anymore, that's what everybody wants."

Randy Brown told 24 Hour News 8 sales at his store are up dramatically. He was selling about 40 guns a day. Now, it's several hundred. He said those sales increases are reflected nationwide.

"If you look at the background check numbers, there is double digit increases for the last five years," Brown said. "Grand Rapids, it doesn't break it down that way, but it will be double digits -- probably triple digits actually -- in the last two months."

The increase in demand is also affecting prices.

"Several people fear that we will not be able to buy guns in the future," said Pam Anderson, who was at The Huntin' Time Expo at the DeltaPlex in Walker on Thursday.

One 25-round magazine was priced at $49.95 at the Expo, but two months ago it was $16.95.

Similar high-capacity magazines and guns are already outlawed in a few states like New York and California. And earlier this month, President Barack Obama proposed banning similar high-capacity magazines nationwide, as well as assault-style firearms, among other gun control measures.

"And that's what everyone is afraid of, that they won't be able to have it soon, so that's what they are coming after," said Brown.

"I agree with background checks and limited ammunition, but in the same way I don't want to limit my shotgun ammunition because I use that for hunting," said gun enthusiast Adam Armock.

"Whether it be a gun or a knife, are we going to start outlawing knives because people are stabbing each other?" questioned Anderson.

One hundred twenty guns from Glocks to shotguns will be auctioned off Sunday at the DeltaPlex.

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Huntin' Time Expo:

• Jan. 25: Noon to 9 p.m.
• Jan. 26: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Jan. 27: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.