MORE GUNS BEING GIVEN AS CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

Springfield, MO --
The FBI reports that background checks to buy guns are up more than 30-percent,
with a lot of people giving their loves ones the gift of heat.


According to some reports, Christmas gun sales are setting records this year.


KOLR/KOZL checked with a local firearms store to see if the trend is really true.


Firearms sales are always brisk this time of year at Gunsmoke Gun & Pawn.


"A lot of guys are buying themselves guns for Christmas," says manager Brandon Reynolds.
"It's Christmas bonus season and people have a little extra disposable cash."


Giving firearms as gifts is becoming as popular as any flat screen TV or bicycle.


"We sell a lot of concealed carry weapons," adds Reynolds.
"We do the classes here and they're full just about every Saturday."

Retailers say firearm sales are also on the rise because more people
want to feel safe and protected -- especially women.


"They're an easy target for a criminal and criminals know that," says Reynolds.
"So hopefully that will change with all the women packing heat."


There is no registration required to buy or gift a handgun in Missouri,
so long as the recipient is in good standing with the law.


Since there are so many models to choose, a preview is always a good idea.


"I suggest on any guns, bring them in and let them fit something
that fits their hands," says Reynolds "because you don't want to get
your wife something and then bring it home and it be too big or her
not be comfortable with it."


Gunsmoke says the best selling firearms this year are deer rifles,
.22s for younger people, and small revolvers and semi-automatic
hand guns like a Smith & Wesson Airweight.

You do have to pass an eight-hour class to get your concealed carry weapon license.

Sheriff Arnott and Gunsmoke both suggest that new gun owners
at least sit in on a CCW class. There is usually no charge and people
will learn firearm safety as well as their rights as gun owners.