The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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  • Steve Richards, owner of Steve's Trading Post on South Main Street, holds one of his few remaining AR-15 rifles Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 8, 2013. He said demand has been up as the future of the weapon's public sales is in question. Globe | T. Rob Brown

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  • Steve Richards, owner of Steve's Trading Post on South Main Street, holds a pistol that utilizes a magazine Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 8, 2013. He said he is worried about some talk of trying to do away with all guns that have magazines, which would affect even the Glock, a widely sold gun. Globe | T. Rob Brown

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  • Steve Richards, owner of Steve's Trading Post on South Main Street, speaks to a customer about handgun sales Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 8, 2013. He said he is worried about some talk of trying to do away with all guns that have magazines, which would affect even the Glock, a widely sold pistol. Globe | T. Rob Brown

    011013 guns3_72.jpg

  • David Riggs, of Joplin, a customer at Steve's Trading Post on South Main Street, looks through the store's selection of shotguns Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 8, 2013. Globe | T. Rob Brown

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  • Trigger locks and shotgun BreechVault gear can be purchased at Steve's Trading Post on South Main Street, as seen Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 8, 2013. These items can be used to prevent unauthorized users from firing a weapon. Globe | T. Rob Brown

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Discussion

January 11, 2013

Brisk gun sales continue as gun control debate proceeds

By Roger McKinney rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

Gun sales in Joplin and throughout the state are continuing at a brisk pace, even as proposals for gun control measures in Washington are imminent.

The gun-control efforts are a response to the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., where 20 schoolchildren, six school staff members and the shooter’s mother were killed.

Steve Richards, owner of Steve’s Trading Post, and a few of his customers, said the proposals are off-target. Richards said his sales volume for guns in December tripled or quadrupled past Christmas sales seasons.

“Mostly, legislation in the past has placed more restrictions on people who don’t break the law,” Richards said. He said sales would be hurt if gun control measures are enacted.

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