Gun sales escalate after re-election

CLINTON, Ind. (WTHI) - Some Americans are getting slightly jittery after the president's re-election. Others are holding their breaths in anticipation.

This is due to speculation on what President Barack Obama will do about gun control.

Gun sales have increased since President Barack Obama's re-election.

One Terre Haute gun store owner said he's sold between 50 and 60 guns since Election Day.

Another firearms store owner in Clinton said his store has been packed recently and sales have skyrocketed.

“Internet sales have probably quadrupled, in-store sales have doubled, a lot more first buyers, a lot more women buyers,” said Mario Marietta, owner of M & S Armament.

According to recent data from the FBI, the number of firearms background checks performed in the United States last month jumped over 18 percent.

In Indiana, the number is slightly lower than the national average. It has only jumped 10 percent.

Gun sales also rose after the 2008 election, a 13 percent increase across the nation.

Marietta attributed the rise to fear on Americans' part.

“The recent election, the fear of the unknown, possible assault weapons ban,” said Marietta.    

Some people believe the president will take a tougher stand on gun control in his second term, especially since the federal ban on assault weapons expired in 2004.

We posted a question on our Facebook page last week regarding gun sales and it sparked strong opinions for both sides

Hundreds of viewers commented on our post, proving Americans' are still very much divided on the gun control debate. 

For the complete listing of FBI data on firearms background checks, head to their website .