Gun run: Could gun control be good for business?

Across the country, retailers are reporting a run on firearms and ammunition as gun control measures continue to be the talk on Capitol Hill.

A run on guns is fueling a bit of an economic boost locally.

“I can’t restock the guns that I’m selling so I can’t continue to sell at this high volume,” said Adrian Alford, who owns Rexburg’s Expedition Firearms.

Amidst uncertainty in Washington, Alford said business is booming now. But what’s around the corner is no comfort.

“After all of this cools down, and it will cool down eventually, there will be a very long drought,” said Alford.

Alford said the boom is good for now but could be leading to a lull in the industry.

Nationally, Walmart stores have limited the amount of ammunition customers can buy to 3 boxes a day.

“People are buying stuff because they’re worried about whatever they’re buying being banned,” said Alford.

Alford is struggling himself to keep certain ammo in stock.

“There’s a definite increase in the sales of ammunition, mostly ammunition used in riles that are being talked about right now in the news,” said Alford.

The last of his shop’s 223 ammo used primarily in AR-15 rifles is dwindling. Alford said it’s great for business now.

“We’re making a lot more money in January than we normally would,” said Alford. “We’re going to hold onto it because we know a drought will be coming.”

Alford said even cheap ammunition like the .22 caliber shells are flying off the shelves and into stockpiles.

A salesman at Sportsman’s Warehouse in Idaho Falls on Thursday night the store is quickly selling out of many types of guns.

FBI background checks nationally have reached record highs.