WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Loaded lines at SC gun shops for tax holiday

Loaded lines at SC gun shops for tax holiday

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Black Friday shoppers weren't just going after the sales, some got hefty tax breaks on firearms. When firearms are for sales tax-free, people target the gun shop.

"It's a good thing because I think safety is very important to be able to protect yourself," Mary Krupla said.

Guns can cost several hundred dollars or more. Dave Wilson went to a Lowcountry gun store with his daughter and granddaughter. He saved $30 on a new .308 rifle and says the savings will be put to good use.

"Spend extra money on presents for my granddaughter," Wilson said.

State lawmakers have called it "Second Amendment Weekend," where shoppers get a tax break on all handguns, rifles and shotguns. It runs statewide for 48 hours, starting at midnight after Thanksgiving.

Thousands of South Carolinians they spent part of 2009 in a concealed weapons class. Fears of a Democrat in the Oval Office and an economy that seems to be breeding more common criminals have driven many to the pistol range.

"They hear about something that happens close to home, and they say 'hey, I need to be ready if that happens to me,'" said Rick Padgett of Shooter's Choice in West Columbia.

"My son is a police officer and he said there have been more break-ins in and around the neighborhood and we started to feel concerned about it," said Richard Alia.

After Alia's concealed weapons class, Shooter's Choice advised them to wait until this weekend to buy. From the looks of the store on Friday, they're weren't the only one that got the message.

"They said it was gonna be busy, but we had no idea it was going to be this busy," said Alia's wife Alexis.

It's not a plasma TV or a toy on their kids wish list, but the Alias say its worth the wait.

"All I'm gonna do is practice with it, I hope I never have to use it to protect myself," said Alexis.

Jody Welch says his shop in the Lowcountry just found out about the tax-free weekend two weeks ago, and they had to bring on extra staffers.

"Today, been very busy, very busy," Welch said. "When we opened the doors this morning there were probably 45-50 people standing outside waiting."

This is the second time South Carolina has had a tax-free gun weekend.

"I came here last year on tax free day and bought a weapon for home protection," Kevin Appleby said. "Saved about $100."

Gun buyers do have to go through an application and background check before they can purchase a gun. The tax-break does not apply to ammunition or accessories.

If you're looking to pick up a gun and save a little cash, the tax break lasts until midnight Saturday night.

It'll be the last gun sales tax holiday unless the General Assembly renews it next year.

Previous Story:

• Load 'em up! Gun tax holiday starts at midnight

©2009 WIS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. WCSC contributed to this report.