Gun show at Ag Center attracts record crowd—Times-News reports

From the Hendersonville Times-News

by Joey Millwod

Mike Kent has owned the Asheville Gun Show for 20 years, and Saturday was the first time he’s seen potential buyers line up at 6:30 a.m. to enter the gates at 9.

“The crowds have increased at all of our shows since the election,” the veteran gun show organizer said as he stood outside the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center. Shoppers are buying more assault rifles and handguns for self-defense, Kent added.

Kent was manning the check-in table Saturday morning as guests pulled guns out of an assortment of bags, holsters and pockets before they entered the exhibition center.

People in line moved forward, checked in guns, paid admission and got a stamp that said, “Gun.”

Kent said a major reason for the increased traffic, aside from the re-election of President Barack Obama, is the national debate brought on by the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

SHARE

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.