Semi-automatic rifles becoming hot commodities

Manufacturers report they cannot keep up with current demand.Shortly after politicians made noises about reviving a so-called “assault rifle” ban from 1989 that expired in 2004 for semi-automatic models, sales took off.

Manufacturers report they cannot keep up with current demand.

Comments from President Barack Obama and other politicians in the wake of the Newtown, Conn. elementary school shootings have ironically sparked the rush to buy semi-automatic weapons in anticipation of a ban or severe restrictions.

A survey of local and regional gun stores, from WalMart to small independent stores all the way to Mackey’s Landing in Jamesville indicate the stock is completely depleted.

And the price of an entry level semi- automatic rifle, the Bushmaster Carbon 15, which usually sells for $997 has shot up to the $1500- $2,000 range at the few places still stocking them according to an internet survey and talks with local gun shops.

Although commonly referred to as assault rifles, semi-automatic rifles require the trigger to be pulled each time a shot is fired. Fully automatic weapons, such as assault rifles sometimes used by the military, fire continuous rounds as long as the trigger is pulled and not released.

According to multiple media stories from cable networks, the guns are being snapped up by police officers, former military personnel and gun owners with conceal permits; essentially people who have already been vetted for gun ownership and in the case of conceal permits, can obtain expedited permits at the time of purchase.

Photo: Bushmaster Firearms