Gun sales up for Pocatello

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted 1,976,759 firearm background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System in October, according to their monthly report.

While this isn’t a direct correlation to the number of guns sold, it’s an indicator the number of sales for guns is rising. That’s the case for Pocatello gun store Sam’s Gun Shop, which had a 30 percent increase in sales last month.

Jordan Tucker was responsible for one of those sales. While the gun she owns is particularly for hunting, she’s taken a concealed carry class to educate herself on guns.

She also took the class so she could have another way to protect herself.

“From things that you hear in the news and things going around in the country– you want to be able to protect yourself if anything should happen,” Tucker said.

Protection is what Sam Laoboonmi, owner of Sam’s Gun Shop, thinks is driving the sales up. After being in the business for 30 years, he’s noticed a steady increase over time.

“Since I’ve been here my volume’s going up and up and up,” he said. “Five to 10 percent.”

David West, one of Laoboonmi’s employee’s has been around guns all of his life. First using them for recreational purposes, to now owning one for his personal safety.

He believes more people are informed about guns these days.

“More people are getting interested, there’s not so many anti-gunners who are fear-based,” West said. “Knowledge is getting out there and it’s more widespread with people learning about firearms.”

Sam’s Gun Shop also lets conceal carry and enhanced conceal carry classes use their indoor gun range. Both Laoboonmi and West say the classes have been completely full for months.

The Pocatello Police Department said they don’t have a problem with the increase as long as people use them responsibly and secure them.