GUN SALES SHOOT HIGHER THIS CHRISTMAS

By: Steve Ference

NEW YORK STATE -- Hitting the stores to get that someone
the perfect gift for Christmas.

"It borders on chaos, controlled chaos," said one store general manager.

You may have had to put up with long lines and lots of customers
to purchase one of the best selling items and we're not talking
flat screen TVs or kids toys.

That general manager is Frank Tybush, of B & J Guns, who said,
"We have new shooters who say, ‘what gun should I have?’"

More people than ever may be filling their holsters for Christmas.
There are no stats for New York yet, but gun shops will tell you
it's like nothing they've seen before.

Tybush said, "We have been incredibly busy. It's going to be a record
fall for us. Our Black Friday, our Thanksgiving push will end up being
what our Christmas push is, but it's followed through."

Nationally, according to the FBI, background checks for Black Friday
alone were up about 30 percent, meaning sales may have been even
higher and it's who is buying that may be the most surprising.

Tybush said, "Before it was mostly hunters. Now we're seeing young
professionals, people starting families and women coming in,
wanting to find out about guns and not just handguns, but shotguns
and the shooting sports."

All of this begging the question that we asked Tom King, the New
York State Rifle and Pistol Association President: What's triggering
people to buy so many guns? He says it's concerns over the 2012
election, perhaps a shaky economy and the usual fear of more gun
laws in the future.

"This is a difference in social mores. It's a culture battle and no one
wins a culture battle," said King.

While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, for those who are
considering getting an alternative stocking stuffer this year, the
experts do have some tips to keep in mind.

King said, "One, check with the New York State Rifle and Pistol
Association for the rules in New York State. Second, if you're going
to buy a firearm, take a safety course. Learn how to use the firearm properly."

Gun rights debate aside, it's a Christmas sales trend gun dealers
are aiming to continue into the New Year.