Personal protection permits increase in the wake of gun regulations

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - It's a sweeping plan that includes 23 executive orders. The plan includes an initiative that would give federal aid to schools for increased security. It also asks for improved mental heath care access. It's all part of President Barack Obama's plan to help decrease gun violence he presented Wednesday.

He is asking Congress to start the leg work on three things; improving laws against those who sell guns to criminals, banning certain assault weapons and high capacity magazines, and getting a universal background check. Right now all licensed gun sellers must do background checks on buyers.

"I'm assuming he is talking about the 'gun show loophole,'" Owner of Diamond V Outdoor Sports Paul Vondrasek said. "People set up at gun shows and sell guns without a license. I have some problems with that as a brick and mortar store. These are competitors who have no overhead against me."

That is the only thing Vondrasek agreed with on the plan.

"There are already laws in place that say if you sell your gun to a convicted felon or somebody who is prohibited in having a gun you can be criminally charged as well," Vondrasek said. "It's kind of redundant."

In the wake of possible gun regulations gun store owners say they've been selling out of many fire arms. Vondrasek's walls are bare.

Tippecanoe County Sheriff Tracy Brown said people are also rushing to get their personal protection carry permit. Since the first of the year the county has issued 130. In January 2012 only 93 were sold in the entire month.

"It has been a very interesting phenomena to watch the last few weeks," Brown said. "I know people personally who have applied for their permit and they don't own a gun as of yet, and they aren't even sure they want one."

Brown and Vondrasek think gun sales and permits will only go up after Obama's announcement.