Gun sales up after the mass shooting in San Bernardino

Wednesday’s violence is prompting some in the Valley to arm themselves. Local gun dealers are reporting an increase in sales this week.

Local gun retailers report whenever there’s talk of gun control, sales go up. However, the past three days, they’ve also seen something else: fear.

“Unfortunately, people are saying that they are scared, that they want to prepare for whatever may happen,” said Second Amendment Sports General Manager Benjamin Moran.

Since Wednesday’s attack, Second Amendment Sports has seen a 20 to 30 percent increase in sales.

“While that was going on, people were coming in and starting to say, ‘You know it’s time to get one, it’s time to train up, it’s time to learn,'” said Moran.

“It seems like it’s in our own backyard. It’s everywhere really,” said Julie Freer.

Freer is looking to buy a handgun for herself.

“I think a firearm would be good, but I think classes is great. That way, you know what you are doing in the event you ever need to pull it out,” said Freer.

Freer came into the gun retailer with her son and dog to look at her options.

“Just needed to protect myself and my children in the event of an emergency,” said Freer.

Danny Rice, a Vietnam veteran and longtime gun owner, also came in because of the violence in San Bernardino.

“This year I bought a 9mm, but I haven’t bought any ammunition for the 9mm yet, but in light of current events, I feel like I should have some,” said Rice.

“We want people to be able to defend themselves legally. I think that is the right of the people. That is a good thing, unfortunately it was due to a tragedy,” said Moran.

“At least in my home I will feel safer,” said Rice.

Not just anyone can buy a gun. California has some of the strictest laws; they include a background check and a 10-day waiting period.

“If you want to buy a firearm you have to take a test. If you want to carry it on your person you would have to have a CCW,” said Moran.

The concealed carry permits, or CCW, have also increased. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department says online applications are up in the days since the mass shooting.

“I will probably be applying for one after the first of the year,” said Rice.

First-time buyers also need to take a written test. We observed several people taking it Friday.

“I just think that it makes people think twice if you have one,” said Freer.

It’s quite an involved process to apply for a concealed carry permit, including an in-person interview. It’s not something you can do overnight. For more information about how to apply, click here.