A gun show starts in Elkhart County Friday and it comes into town as the debate over gun control in Washington D.C. heats up.
For several weeks, gun control and more specifically assault weapon control, has been the hot topic in the nation's capital.
Thursday afternoon Senator Dianne Feinstein presented a gun control bill, one she believes will help to prevent shooting rampages. It is a more detailed of the same bill she sponsored that expired in 2004.
"The purpose is to dry up the supply of these weapons over time," said Feinstein in her public address.
Thanks to the discussion on gun control, a lot of focus has been placed on gun shows. Rudy Rodriguez who is organizing the Gun Slinger's Gun Show taking place this weekend at the Northern Indiana Events Center in Elkhart. He says his shows have seen increased attendance because of fear from gun owners.
"[Show goers] are feeling that they're either going to lose their second amendment right and they feel that they're being infringed upon," said Rodriguez in a phone interview. "They're concerned with it and they're exercising their rights to buy weapons."
Rodriguez added while some people are going to the shows looking to sell the weapons, even more people are looking to buy what they can from gun dealers.
"The [dealers] are having great shows," said Rodriguez. "They're selling out and having to go back and restock from their home base."
Rodriguez says there will be over 300 dealers at his show and if attendance at his other shows is any indication -- the event center will be packed.
"You know we run the safest show around and we do everything right here, but some of the other guys might cut some corners. I don't know cause I'm not there and I can't speak for them," said Rodriguez.
The Gun Slinger's Gun Show runs from 3:00 p.m. Jan. 25 to 3:00 p.m. Jan. 27. Rodriguez says they plan to have 12 guards on hand at all times patrolling the showroom to make sure it is a safe environment for everyone.
