Wash. gun shop owners expect sales boost after rifle initiative

SEATTLE (AP) – Gun shop owners say they expect an increase in sales after Washington voters approved an initiative that adds restrictions to semi-automatic rifle purchases.

The Seattle Times reports voters last week passed Initiative 1639, which will raise the purchase age for semi-automatic rifles to 21.

Purchasers will be required to pass an enhanced background check, prove they have taken a firearms-training course and wait 10 business days to take possession of the gun.

Wade Gaughran of Wade’s Eastside Guns says the response to more stringent laws is always the same. He says people buy guns to beat the deadline.

Jody Lewis of Rehv Arms in Covington says the store has seen an uptick in sales and expects it to continue.

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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com