U.S. gun sales booming

Fears of a potential gun ban, an increase in crime rate and troubling economic times are triggering a rise in gun sales across the country.

Gun sales are on the rise right now at Albuquerque Pawn Shop in downtown.

Oh just the way, the state, the economy, as you know, despaired people do despaired measures. Therefore, you know people want to protect themselves.

Owner Jay Johnston says the sour economy is fueling fears of crime and civil disorder. So people are arming themselves.

Johnston says it's not just his shop, but gun dealers across the country are getting backed up.

I could ordered them, you know, six months ago, and they would say, "How many?" and would ship much amount. Now, I've got a bunch of guns on back order.

Albuquerque Police say armed robberies are up right now, partly because of troubling economic times through when the holiday shopping season and things just get worse.

Finance is being tight. It affects that criminal element as well, and they wanna go out and get fast buck.

And for those turning to guns to protect themselves during this tough times, police want you to ask yourself two things: Are you ready to pull the trigger? And are you ready to take the risk?

Understand that your gun is available to that criminal should overpower you.