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Mechanicsville Gun Show expected to draw thousands

Posted at 7:20 PM, Jan 11, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-11 23:30:14-05

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)--The Gun Show opens its doors at The Showplace, in Mechanicsville, on Saturday morning and record crowds are expected.

Rifles, pistols and ammunition are selling faster than supply can keep up with demand.

Some say the record sales are due to several reasons, including the reelection of President Obama, the holiday slow down for manufacturers, the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary and the expectation of new government restrictions.

Ammunition sales are so brisk, most stores can't keep it on the shelf and have no idea how much or when their next shipment will arrive.

Several online sites that sell in bulk were so inundated they had to shut down their website to try and process their orders.

Jerry Cochran, a 34-year veteran of Gun Shows said his business, Trader Jerry's, is trying to keep up with the demand; from ammunition to high powered rifles to handguns.

Cochran said he's seen many people buy guns just because they believe they won't be able to in the near future.

Dance's Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights said many target shooters are stocking up, fearing a price increase may affect their sport.

At the same time they say, some people are actually hoarding ammunition, for fear they might not be able to buy it later, due to the high demand.

The Gun Show opens its doors, Saturday morning.