Weapons Debate Draws Gun Enthusiasts and Buyers to Local Range

The gun debate and fears over a ban on certain weapons has stretched to nearly every corner of the country including Sandy Springs.

Local gun enthusiasts have been clued into the debate since before the Presidential election in November, according to Meg Hinton, manager of the Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range. As a result, it’s been increasingly busy at the gun club. 

“Everyone is buying everything,” said Hinton. “We are running out of ammunition and guns; people are coming into shoot, it has been non-stop. After the Newtown [shootings] that’s when everything disappeared because everyone was convinced the AR15 would disappear”

Some folks are also interested in weapons that have higher capacity magazines. Instead of a magazine that has 10 rounds, they want 17 rounds, for example, if they can get it.

Incoming orders are slow, Hinton added. “It’s hard for us to get anything from people we order stuff from, because they can’t get it from [companies] they order from,” she said.

Click here: Police Chief Says Sandy Springs in Good Shape With Ammunition

People frequent the Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range for a variety of reasons. Some come to practice for gun shows, others want to feel safe around firearms or shoot for recreation.

Many parents bring their children to shoot at the gun club. Individuals ages 12-20 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Jay Boylan, 57, of Sandy Springs, learned to shoot as a young Eagle Scout. “Gun safety training is a fundamental part of scouting,” he said.

Boylan said he believes in the Second Amendment and also wants to see Congress come to an agreement on gun control. He doesn’t agree with the sale of assault rifles but a wide ranging ban on guns would just take the market underground, he said. 

“The government needs to protect the health, safety and welfare of our citizens and that should be done by [both] parties,” said Boylan, who enjoys shooting at the Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range. 

The mass shootings in recent years shows there has not been enough emphasis on mental health in background checks, Boylan said.

“If you look at all of the circumstances what is the consistent issue – mental health and gun control,” Boylan said. “That’s where we tend to lose focus.”

See also:

Police Chief: Sandy Springs in Good Place With Ammunition