Mass shootings prompt rise in sales at Fuquay gun shop

Clay Ausley, the owner of Fuquay Gun and Gold in Fuquay-Varina, said his sales saw a 25 percent spike over the weekend.

"It was never my intention to have a gun," said James Walker, who was looking to buy a gun on Monday. "It gets real. Sometimes you could be in the face of danger. You could be in harm’s way."

Ausley said many people are coming to get assault-style guns. Customers said they are driven to purchase the guns out of fear they’ll be regulated by the federal government.

"Some clients are in, and they're talking about the shootings over the weekend,” said Ausley.

He said an influx of gun sales following mass shooting events is typical.

"Typically, what they do what in this type of scenario, and this one is no exception, is they're picking up the guns that could possibly see legislation. Your high-capacity guns, more tactical type of weapons," Ausley said.

He said customers shouldn’t be surprised if they see prices go up as a result of demand.

"Right this minute is truly a buyers’ market to buy a gun," Ausley said.

Walker says he wants a gun for peace of mind.

"I would hate for it to get to a point where it's me versus you or me versus somebody that's intentionally out here wanting to do harm. That's a problem," he said.

Fuquay Gun and Gold holds concealed carry courses for people interested in getting a permit, but Ausley said the courses are already at capacity.