Gun, ammo sales rise over concerns of ban - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

The threat of a ban on assault rifles is prompting some to buy quickly, while they're still on store shelves.

Todd Walterman was not buying Christmas presents Wednesday afternoon, he was buying the one item he expects he will not be allowed to buy soon. He says he is certain that any gun legislation will ban the high-capacity magazines he was looking to purchase.

"That is what they are talking about, so I wanted to stock up with a couple of extras," he said.

He may be right.

"A majority of Americans support banning the sale of high-capacity ammunition clips," President Barack Obama said Wednesday.

In the four years since Obama took office, gun sales have been on a steady increase. Many gun owners believed the President would seek stricter gun laws, which never materialized, nor was there any mention of doing so, until recently.

"I urge the new Congress to hold votes on these measures next year, in a timely manner," Obama said.

Gun buyers like Kelly Nohl are more concerned than ever.

"The possibility is there that, in the future, we would not even have the opportunity or freedom to buy what we wanted," she said.

Gun stores all over central Indiana are busier than ever. One large retailer had customers lining the gun counter for hours and have sold every AR-15 rifle in stock. But a decision by Dick's Sporting Goods to remove the same type of guns from their shelves has generated an online campaign against the chain.