INDIANAPOLIS -- Gun sales across the nation are booming – nowhere more than in Indiana.
The FBI is reporting that background checks for gun buyers have hit a record pace.
At the Indy Trading Post on the south side, interest in guns has never been higher. Owner Brian Ludlow says fear of another Democrat in the White House is driving sales and uncertainty.
"The only concern initially we'll have is keeping stuff in stock," Ludlow said. "Because I can promise you there will be a huge rush on people buying guns. And after that, it's going to be waiting to see what they do."
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The number of FBI background checks for gun buyers has soared to more than 703,000 in just the first quarter of this year – more than double the number of background checks conducted during the same period last year.
The number of people now licensed to carry firearms in the state has increased by more than 80 percent in the past four years.
Along with politics, Indianapolis' high crime rate is also driving first-time gun buyers to gun stores.
"I have on firearm," said Kenneth Murphy. "I bought it six months ago because of all the break-ins going on. So, I'm trying to keep my family safe and protect them."
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Background checks keep Hoosiers safe as well. One-in-five potential gun buyers gets rejected because they've lied on the application.
There's a relatively short list of issues that will disqualify someone from purchasing a firearm. The list includes a felony conviction, protective order, conviction for domestic battery and mental health problems.
