LAS VEGAS -- The debate over gun control has shows specializing in firearms spiking in attendance.
An estimated 20,000 people are expected to flock to the Rocky Mountain Gun Show at the South Point this weekend.
"We like to pride ourselves that the Rocky Mountain Gun Show is the biggest and the best gun show," the show's co-founder, Mitch McKinlay, said.
Recent mass shootings have triggered concern for many who are worried their Second Amendment rights are in jeopardy.
"If guns are outlawed, then only outlaws are going to have the guns," McKinlay said.
It's not just a fear certain weapons may be banned, ammunition is also big commodity at gun shows.
Chris Kaufmann with Miwall Corp., a major gun ammo distributor on the West Coast, said many gun owners are concerned about online reports the federal government has bought up so many bullets.
"We have had lines of up to four hours long at the last 10 shows," he said. "The last show, we had a person walk up with $45,000 cash, wanted to buy all the .223, 5.56, ammo we had."
Wesley Chin of Paradigm Tactical Gear in North Las Vegas said he expects large crowds.
"It's like night and day compared to what it was six months ago … because of what's happening politically," he said.
The political climate on guns hasn't cut any business for knife vendor Ofelia Lange.
"We sell more because there's more people in the shows," Lange said.
While everyone from first-time gun buyers to gun enthusiasts will be buying guns for protection and their collections, McKinlay said all laws are obeyed at the show.
"There is a stigma that you can come to a gun show, and it's easy to get a gun illegally, and that is strictly not the case," he said.
The Rocky Mountain Gun Show runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the South Point casino. Admission is $14.
