GUN SALES UP FOR CHRISTMAS

ROANOKE, Va —

Forget the mall. Some people are shopping for Christmas presents at gun shops.

Nationwide gun sales are up.

Last month background checks were done for 1.5 million people
according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Most of those
translate into gun sales.

Business has been steady at Bryansteen's Gun and Archery in Roanoke.

Between hunting and Christmas gifts demand is high this time of year.
The owner says sales are up compared to last year.

"It's kind of a tradition," says Paul Hylton, owner of Bryansteen's,
"Virginia is steeped in tradition and firearms have been a big part of it.
So it's not unusual for us to be busy at Christmas time."

More women are buying guns. Bryansteen's offers ladies only classes which are popular.

According to the Firearms Dealers Association, gun sales have been
steadily growing the last five years.