By Staci DaSilva
sdasilva@kcautv.com
Just over a month after the tragic mass shooting in Newtown, CT, on Wednesday President Obama laid out his proposals to curb gun violence.
He began by announcing that he's signed 23 executive orders. In those, are tougher penalties on people who lie on background checks.
Another makes it easier for the government to research gun violence.
But the President also wants sweeping congressional action including bans on future sales of assault weapons and large ammo magazines.
And all the gun control talk has meant big business for gun shops across the country.
"Firearms Fireice" in Cherokee, IA has been out of semi-automatic assault rifles for 3 weeks and even has a 20 person long waiting list for the next shipment.
"Everything is pretty much sold out, ammo included. And not just assault rifles, more hand guns, shotguns, other hunting rifles," said Gun Owner Brett James.
Everybody's coming for semi-automatic assault rifles and high capacity magazines. Both will be illegal if the President's plan goes through Congress.
"I've used it and it's an awesome gun to use," said James.
Gun owners told Channel 9 they believe the President's plan is nothing more than a political feel good effort, something that will penalize law-abiding owners but have little impact on crime.
"What you're going to do is you're going to make criminals out of honest people because the people who already have these weapons you outlaw them. Now you're a criminal because they outlawed them," Fireice Firearms Owner David Brown.
The proposed ban does have many supporters though, some of whom posted on our Facebook page.
Natasha says, "I strongly support our second amendment. However, there is no reason for the average household/collector to have an assault rifle. If you are not at war, there is ZERO need."
And Chris says, "I'm glad someone's finally doing something about gun violence. It seems the President's plan is focusing quite a bit on mental health care, and that makes me happy."
Congress is expected to take up the President's proposals in 2 weeks.
