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West Texas Gun Vendors Speak Out on Possible Gun Control Changes 1/18/13
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
January 18, 2013
ECTOR COUNTY, TX – During the middle of an already heated debate about gun restrictions, the possibility of closing a loophole in the law has many speaking out against stricter enforcement.
In light of possible changes in gun control laws, gun enthusiasts are buying weapons at a fast rate.
"Most types of long guns that take a magazine and most types of handguns are gone and ammunition is gone," said licensed gun vendor, Michael Tibbets.
"The last few days they're buying all of them they can find and just everybody...any kind and everything, " said private vendor, E. D. Arnold.
Some of the hot tickets that are selling fast are high-powered weapons and assault rifles. Not only are they becoming hard to find, but also the cost is increasing as days go buy.
However potential changes in legislature is threatening to close a major loophole in the law.
" The “Gun Show Loophole” is for people that do not have a Federal Fire Arms license that are selling their personal collection," said Tibbets.
The “Gun Show Loophole” makes it legal for private dealers to sell guns with out doing a background check. It’s an opening in the law that President Obama is trying to shut.
Obama proposed that all gun sales require a background check.
For Tibbets, it's not a problem. He has a Federal Firearms License and is required to run background checks every time he sells a gun.
But for many private sellers like E.D. Arnold, they are able to sell their personal collection to who ever is legal, with out checking into their criminal history.
But if congress falls in line with Obama’s plans, Arnold said he's forced to take other measures.
"Then I guess I'll sell knifes or.... sell more jewelry," stated Arnold.
No official change in legislature has been made regarding the gun show loophole. However President Obama did request that they ATF inform private sellers on how to run background checks.