Fear of Democrats Helps Boost Economy

Through increased gun sales.

Go figure.

Austin-area firearms dealers may have the Democrats to thank for brisk sales this summer.

The prospect that the next presidential administration might favor new gun-control laws has gun enthusiasts bringing dollars and concerns to local firearms stores ahead of the November election.

Some Central Texans have been talking about laws from the 1990s — passed under a Democratic president and Congress — that restricted semiautomatic rifles, governed the sale of high-capacity magazines and mandated waiting periods before customers could receive handguns. Their worries have translated into higher sales at local gun stores, store owners say.

"I don't care if it's the iPod, the market wants what it thinks is limited and restricted," said Alice Tripp, legislative director of the Texas State Rifle Association. "If it's something you've been thinking about owning, you're going to go to some trouble, some expense to get it while it's still out there."

Before the 1994 federal assault weapons ban took effect, buyers sought to purchase the rifles and magazines that would soon be illegal to buy in stores, leading to limited supply and higher prices, Tripp said.

This summer, sales at McBride's Guns in Austin are 10 percent higher, compared with the same time last year, said store owner Joe McBride.

"Our regular client base is very concerned about anti-gun legislation if the wrong people get elected," McBride said, adding "what they see as the wrong people."

H/T DanThePainter.