You can shoot for presents at a bargain

Josey1

You can shoot for presents at a bargainBy AL JONES THE SUN HERALD GULFPORT - The Christmas season means big gifts for loved ones. When it comes to hunters, rifles or shotguns make perfect gifts.Hunting deer, rabbit, squirrel and ducks can be done with a 12-gauge shotgun. For hunting deer, elk or even exotics, a high-powered rifle is a must.Either way, guns are expensive, and when you add on a scope and shells, the price easily exceeds $600.So, if you're on a budget, be prepared to shop around to get the best deal, which can often be found at a pawnshop. The majority of pawnshops, at least the ones that specialize in guns, will have clean, well-kept guns at prices well below a new one purchased at a sporting goods store.Don Vicknair of Dad's Super Pawn on U.S. 49 in Gulfport said that gun sales, especially hunting rifles and shotguns, have not slowed down because of the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks. In fact, he said, sales on ammo and guns have increased during the Christmas season."We have the best gun prices in town, on new and used," Vicknair said. "We sell more hunting rifles than anything this time of the year. There are times when it can be slow around here and all of a sudden, 50 people walk through the door. However, gun sales are not off by any means."After the 11th, we didn't know what to expect, but nobody did. We did sell a lot of ammo on the 11th because everyone has guns, whether you know it or not."If you're in the market for a shotgun or rifle for a gift, Vicknair said it's cheaper to buy a used one. The price can vary as much as $200 on some guns depending on the condition.For instance, the ever-popular Remington 1100 shotgun can be bought at a used price of $299, compared to $419 for a new one. A used Browning Light 12 can be purchased for $370 to $600 compared to a new Gold series at $800."People have to keep one thing in mind: when they buy a new gun and walk out the door, it becomes a used gun," Vicknair said. "Whether it's been fired once or not, it's a used gun."We have a lot of used shotguns and high-powered rifles that move the day we put them out (to be sold). Right now, for some reason, the hottest gun is the Winchester 300. This gun is like a moose gun, but people are buying them up. Another hot gift is the 209 Primer conversion black powder gun. With this gun, you stick a pellet in there. It's easy."Before a gun leaves the store, a complete background check must be run on the individual purchasing the gun whether it's a gift or not. Vicknair said a convicted felon can't buy a gun or have someone purchase it for them. The background check takes five minutes."If you are buying a gift, you can fill out the paperwork and give it as a gift. . . .We've been doing this for 20 years and we know who's buying a gift or not. But, guns do make good Christmas gifts, especially for the hunters."Al Jones can be reached at 896-2351 or at afjones@sunherald.com. http://web.sunherald.com/content/biloxi/2001/12/15/sports/it_1215_buying_guns.htm