Gun dealers say dropping the state’s 48-hour waiting period for buying handguns will help business and won’t lead to increased gun violence.
Wisconsin’s 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases dates back to 1976. This week, with a stroke of his pen, Gov. Scott Walker dropped the 39-year-old provision. The move was hailed by gun rights supporters and by local dealers as a positive step.
Dave Madis, who owns Greater Midwest Mercantile in Eau Claire, said sales should pick up without the waiting period.
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
“We lose a lot of business to people traveling. Especially being located in a university town, you might get some parents from places that are further away like Appleton and Milwaukee,” he said.
Madis also said that with improved technology, the 48-hour wait didn’t make a lot of sense.
As for gun violence, Madis said criminals aren’t likely to buy guns from stores and put themselves through a federal background check.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.