http://www.politico.com/politico44/?hp=44Gun sellers prepare for Obama reelection surge
By BYRON TAU |
9/17/12 6:34 AM EDT
If President Obama wins reelection, gun retailers are expecting a surge in sales, the Wall Street Journal reports:
As Cabela's Inc. prepares the selection of guns it will sell for the holiday season and winter hunting, the outdoor-gear retailer has two plans: one if President Barack Obama is re-elected, and one if he isn't.
The Sidney, Neb.-based retailer and other companies in the guns-and-ammo business say if Mr. Obama wins a second term they are preparing for a surge in sales—the same as they saw after he was elected in 2008—from buyers fearful the president would back policies to make buying a gun more difficult. If Republican challenger Mitt Romney wins, though, the chain plans to stock more items such as waterproof boots and camouflage hunting gear.
"If Mitt Romney is elected and there's no perceived threat on the freedom to own guns, people might decide to spend disposable income on things like outerwear instead," said Joe Arterburn, a Cabela's spokesman.
It's worth noting that the hysteria that Obama will make bold second-term moves on gun control is not supported by much evidence. The administration has been extremely reticent to tweak the nation's gun laws, even in the wake of high profile shootings across the country. And most gun laws changes (reinstating the assault weapons ban, for example) would require congressional approval.