Flat screen TVs and laptops are always popular gifts at Christmas. But, a different kind of present is triggering people's interest this holiday season. Gun sales are up at outdoor shops around Bakersfield.
Be careful when you check those stockings by the fireplace this year because there could be a pistol inside. As shoppers crowd into stores these last few days before Christmas looking for that perfect gift, some shoppers are dropping the gift cards and grabbing a Glock.
"I think it's a good gift for anybody," said Virginia Varley.
Virginia Varley is shopping for her son-in-law. "I'm looking for a varmint and some .22 shells. He's got everything else under the sun," she continued.
Shawn Lindsey is surprising his dad with a brand new .22 caliber pistol. We shoot a lot of squirrels and rabbits, something the grandkids can use and he can use too. I'm sure he's going to want to shoot it the first day he gets it," said Lindsey.
This year, some local shops are going all out on holiday marketing with ads in the newspaper. At Second Amendment Sports, sales have spiked in recent weeks. "We're up 25% from last year," said Jennifer McKenna.
But, these stocking stuffers don't come cheap. A new gun will set you back anywhere from $140 to $3,000.
"I had someone in here a couple weeks ago who bought two shotguns for the grandchildren," continued McKenna.
Over at Ole Boy Outdoors, it's firearms for the little ones. "A lot of .22s for under the tree for the kid," explained Justin Karr.
For some, it's a family tradition. "New couples that have just gotten married. The husband likes to shoot, and the wife is getting into what the husband likes to do," continued Karr.
Although some may not think it's an appropriate gift on Jesus' birthday, shoppers at the gun shops say giving their loved ones the gift of heat, is a gift that keeps on giving.
