Gun shops report rise in sales

MARSHALL, Ill. (WTHI) - Wabash Valley gun stores report a rise in sales this season, citing a variety of reasons for the increase in demand.

At Lost Creek Trading Post in Marshall, Ill., owners report a strong increase in sales during September.

“September was our record month for the seven years we’ve been open,” said owner William Behnke. “Sales have been very, very good the last couple of months and seem to be picking up with hunting season now.”

Behnke said many of those buying guns have done so out of concern for home security, and he said more women have taken an interest in guns over the past few years.

“We have more older couples,” Behnke said. “A lot of older couples come in and say ‘I’ve never had a gun before, but I want one. I think I want one now.’”

Shop owners also say they often see spikes in sales immediately before and after elections, something they attribute to concerns among some consumers that the results of given elections could lead to changes in gun laws.