HOLLIDAYSBURG, BLAIR COUNTY - There is strong reaction in this region to discussions in Washington that could lead to new gun control measures.
A push for tighter background checks and bans on some ammunition magazines are expected to be part of the recommendations. But at one busy sporting goods store in Blair County opposition to those plans is already in place. At Campbell's Sporting Goods both staff and customers say a federal push for more background checks would have no effect in Pennsylvania. They point to the system in place were virtually all gun purchases in the state have to be approved by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Another gun control measure under consideration in Washington calls for a ban on some high capacity ammunition magazines. That too would also run into local opposition from sportsmen who say the problem is not with the firearms and accessories available, but how they are being used.
Any gun safety or control measures drawn up by Vice President Biden and other groups meeting at the White House will be delivered to President Obama by Tuesday.
A push for tighter background checks and bans on some ammunition magazines are expected to be part of the recommendations. But at one busy sporting goods store in Blair County opposition to those plans is already in place. At Campbell's Sporting Goods both staff and customers say a federal push for more background checks would have no effect in Pennsylvania. They point to the system in place were virtually all gun purchases in the state have to be approved by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Another gun control measure under consideration in Washington calls for a ban on some high capacity ammunition magazines. That too would also run into local opposition from sportsmen who say the problem is not with the firearms and accessories available, but how they are being used.
Any gun safety or control measures drawn up by Vice President Biden and other groups meeting at the White House will be delivered to President Obama by Tuesday.
