Record crowd expected at Glendale gun show
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GLENDALE, Ariz. -- More than 15,000 people could pack into the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale for the Crossroads of the West gun show Saturday and Sunday.
Crossroads owner Bob Templeton says crowds are up by 50 percent to 100 percent at his shows because of fears of a possible ban on so-called assault weapons and possible handgun restrictions after the Connecticut school shootings in December.
"Law-abiding gun owners don't like to be scapegoated for the random acts of a madman," he said. "They're concerned about the future of gun ownership."
Another concern is the growing shortage of ammunition. Many gun owners are hoarding ammo because the prices have skyrocketed over the increase in price of supply metals.
"We have four semi (trucks) filled with ammo rolling into this weekend's show at the stadium in all of the popular calibers," said Templeton.
The AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, the poster weapon for gun control supporters who want it banned, continues to be the hottest item at every gun show.
"The Obama gun control plan calls for a ban on the AR-15 and high-capacity ammo magazines and we have plenty of both this coming weekend," said Templeton.
Prices climbed to more than $2,000 at gun shows for an AR-15 following the Connecticut shooting because the demand was so high. Templeton said the AR-15 is back into the $1,500 range, for the most part.
This weekend's Crossroads event at University of Phoenix Stadium runs Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jim Cross, Reporter
