Vendors Welcome Big Turnout At Gun Show
Some Gun Owners Say They Fear Changes In Law

POSTED: 5:37 pm MST March 7, 2009
UPDATED: 8:17 pm MST March 7, 2009


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A gun show at the state fairgrounds Saturday brought out a much bigger crowd than vendors are used to seeing.

The gun show at Expo New Mexico is attracting a long line of gun owners.

"(I've) come to quite a few gun shows; this is probably four times the line that I'm used to," said Jim Lane. "It's been like this everywhere they're selling guns these days."

Thousands showed up on Saturday to get their hands on firearms, fearing the new administration may change gun laws.

"Obama has quite a few anti-gunners in his cabinet," said Buck Mephisto. "I think there's not a lot of confidence as far as gun rights go right now."

Even though President Barack Obama has not announced plans to ban weapons, people at the fairgrounds bought up handguns, rifles and ammunition.

"I've heard people say Mr. Obama is the best gun salesman in years," said Larry Stepp, with Precision Arms.

Because more New Mexicans are arming themselves, the vendors at the show are reaping the benefits.

"We are swamped. This is the busiest I've ever seen it," said Stepp.

Stepp said sales at this year's gun show are 100 percent higher than last year's.

"We're selling anything we can get," Stepp said.

But he said he worries the surge in profits could be short lived. He said if Obama decides to change gun laws, this industry may be in for tough times.

Obama said he supports the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms and right now he considers this issue a low priority. But in the past he has pushed for bans on concealed weapons and assault rifles.