Gun shortage could impact Santa Maria Gun Show

Posted: Feb 22, 2013 4:18 PM by Cameron Polom, KSBY News
Updated: Feb 22, 2013 6:00 PM

"So many people have swooped them up I can't order any more for anyone else who's a little bit late," said Joe Degeus, manager of Tacti-Cool Guns & Gear.

Gun store owners say drastic sales have put a stranglehold on their inventory and that could be visible at this weekend's gun show in Santa Maria.

Ever since the Newtown Connecticut school shooting and a call for gun control, guns have been flying off the shelves.

And with the Santa Maria Gun Show kicking off Saturday, some may wonder how that lack of inventory will affect what visitors see and buy.

Manufacturers say they are working around the clock to keep up with demand, but even large retailers like Walmart are having to put sales on the back burner, and this weekend's gun show may not be any different.

For Tacti-Cool Guns & Gear in Santa Maria, sales are shooting through the roof. However, keeping the shelves stocked is a long shot.

"What can't I get in, it's better to ask me what I can get in, because that's a lot easier and simpler question," said Degeus.

Degeus says the fact is there is nothing he can get in.

"The XD9 all the way down the line, even the other XD40s and compacts are also gone, and this is page after page just all gone."

He says public fear of losing their right to own a gun has created a buy-off.
And gunmakers can't keep up.

"We've got manufacturers across the board, just to give you an example, of one, I think it was Stag Arms that said that they were six months behind," said Degeus, "They've since come out and said they're two years behind."

Degeus says we could see the same problem at this weekend's gun show in Santa Maria.

"You are probably going to notice that most of that inventory has shrunk up as well," said Degeus, "There will be some of the guys saving their inventory strictly for the shows, so they'll look like the heroes because they have stuff, but you can guarantee it's just stuff they've been saving in the back of the office, just for that day."

The Santa Maria Gun Show runs Saturday and Sunday at the Santa Maria Fairpark.
Admission is $9 on Saturday and free on Sunday.