Gun Dealers Support Elimination Of 48-Hour Waiting Period

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.

“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.