MEDFORD, Ore.-Wes Knodel gun show in Medford sees an increase in vendors and buyers as a result of recent shootings throughout the nation.
Attendance and sales have skyrocketed at gun shows.
Wes Knodel, promoter of Wes Knodel Gun Shows Inc., says, "Current events and politics have tremendously increased the activity at the gun shows both in vendor attendance and in the gate."
Among the most popular items are high-capacity magazines.
One vendor says he normally sells five or six of his high-capacity magazines in a show. He has already sold about 500.
Many attendees are also looking for high powered, high capacity guns.
"People are worried number one, they may not able to get more of a certain type of firearm [...] what everybody considers assault weapons. Also with tragic shootings, people are defending themselves," says Knodel.
The promoter of this gun show assures attendees--he makes sure every morning there is nothing to be afraid of.
All firearms and ammunition cannot be together.
Everyone buying guns must go through a background check.
Loaded guns are not allowed.
A gatekeeper makes sure loaded weapons do not make it inside.
He has started a collection over the years--a jar filled with ammunition from attendees who could not follow the show's rules.
Bruce Smith of Grants Pass found a new firearm he feels the President would approve of.
"I did find a very politically correct firearm Mr. Obama would like. There's no barrel, stock or action. I'm sure this is what he would like to reduce us to," says Smith.
Another gun buyer, Eric, says he does not use weapons for sport.
"I basically own guns for self-protection. [...] My personal feeling is, if I had to draw a weapon in that situation, I may not end the threat, but at least I'm buying time. I'm becoming the the focus of the shooter and I'll buy time for, you know, someone sitting next to me or someone close by to get away," says Eric.
Many at the show, like Donna Lawson, grew up with weapons around them and believe it is important to have proper training.
"I grew up with a dad that taught me gun safety. I took the hunter's safety program, which I think it's important for everybody to have," says Dawson.
The Wes Knodel gun show will be at the Medford Armory, 1701 South Pacific Highway, Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
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