Economy lags, gun sales don't

The economy is in turmoil and consumer spending lags, but Americans continue to buy guns.

Firearms and ammunition sales rose by 8 to 10 percent this year, according to state and federal data analyzed by the Washington Post.

Why? Economic concerns and fears that Sen. Barack Obama, if elected president, could tighten gun laws lead the discussion.

There are no scientific studies linking gun sales and economic conditions, said Gary Kleck, a researcher at Florida State University's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, but people often buy firearms during periods of uncertainty.

Spikes in sales of weapons often coincide with concerns about personal safety or government actions to limit access to firearms, Kleck told the Post.