Sticking to Their Guns: Despite Rise in Rifles Registration, Most Owners Say They Prefer Pistols

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Kalamazoo Rod and Rifle Club members mix with the public during a swap meet featuring hunting, outdoor gear and guns lining the tables Saturday morning. A few handguns rest on the tables, an example of a slight increase of concealable weapons registered in Michigan.

Since 2015, the number of registered “any other weapons” in Michigan has increased 6.51% in the previous four years, according to annual reports from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabaco, Firearms and Explosives. “Any other weapons” include pistols and revolvers with smooth bores; which is an unrifled barrel, and other concealable firearms. In comparison, short barrel rifles registration has increased over 240% in four year.

New Zealand’s ban on semi-automatic weapons began last week and an American ban on bump stocks began Tuesday. What does this trend look like in Kalamazoo?

“Trends follow politics,” said Eric Weeldreyer from On Target Guns & Gunsmithing during a phone interview.

He said one factor that drove the rise of gun sales was the Obama administration’s stand on increasing firearm regulations. Weeldreyer mentioned that the focus on semi-automatic rifles increased demand during the last presidency compared to 1982 when one shuttering Kalamazoo gun shop only sold one of two AR-15 style rifles in stock. Since President Donald Trump has been in office, sales have dropped 25%, he said. Other store owners tend to agree.

“Gun sales go up during election season,” said Andy Bradly, owner of Andy & Damon Sales.

Both shops were unable to provide specific sales numbers, but On Target sold around 600 firearms in 2018 with about equal sales for pistols, shotguns and rifles said Weeldreyer.

“Prices are down, people are buying,” said Tom Fenwick, president of the Kalamazoo Rod and Rifle Club during the club’s Saturday swap meet. Shotgun sales increased when rifles were under scrutiny and ammunition was closely regulated two to three years after the Sandy Hook School shooting in 2012, he said. Despite an increase in rifles, some gun owners see a switch to handguns.

“Some of my friends are getting rid of their rifles and just going to pistols,” said Ken Tyler, a university student attending the swap meet.

“Pistol (ammunition) is more cheap to buy compared to rifle,” he said.

Some are sticking to their guns.

“More of a rifle guy,” said Russel Jenkens, another club member.

It’s a personal preference and they are easier to own, he said.