Obama’s Election Boosts Gun Sales

President-elect Barack Obama has inspired a surge in firearm purchases over the last month as many citizens fear strengthened gun control policies and ownership restrictions. 

Firearm sales have increased from 10 to 30 percent in Florida since October, according to a News Channel 8 WFLA special report. Gun store owner Doug Jackson told the network that the spike in sales was not unique to Obama’s election: anytime a Democrat is elected a fear of stronger gun restrictions causes a surge in sales, Jackson explained.

David Greenberg, owner of the Second Amendment Family Gun Shop in Bisbee, Ariz., sold out of AR-15 rifles since Obama was elected. According to Greenberg, "There seems to be a fear they will be banned, and it's fairly likely. Obama and Biden are driven to eliminate firearms from the face of the country."

The National Rifle Association has actively spoken out against Obama, stating that he poses a “serious threat to Second Amendment liberties."

Some Obama supporters have sought to quell such concerns. Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland told a rally that he had personally spoken with Obama about his gun control policies. "If you are a sportsman, if you are a gun owner, if you are someone that honors and respects the Second Amendment, you have nothing to fear from Barack Obama,” Strickland said.

Despite Strickland’s claim, many gun stores have capitalized on the insecurity Obama inspires among those eager to own certain weapons. One store owner in Georgia put up a sign advertising an “Obama Sale” on weapons and ammunition the Wednesday after the election.