CHARLESTON, SC NEWS - LIVE 5 WCSC Breaking News, Weather, SportsLoaded lines at local gun shops

Loaded lines at local gun shops

By Nicole Johnson  bio | email | Twitter

BERKELEY COUNTY, SC (WCSC) - Black Friday shoppers weren't just going after the sales, some got hefty tax breaks on firearms.

When firearms are for sales tax-free, people target the gun shop.

"It's a good thing because I think safety is very important to be able to protect yourself," Mary Krupla said.

Guns can cost several hundred dollars or more. Dave Wilson came out with his daughter and granddaughter. He saved $30 on a new 308 rifle and says the savings will be put to good use.

"I'll spend extra money on presents for my granddaughter," Wilson said.

During "Second Amendment Weekend", shoppers get a tax break on all handguns, rifles, and shotguns. It runs statewide for 48 hours, starting at midnight after Thanksgiving.

Jody Welch says his shop just found out about the tax-free weekend two weeks ago, and they had to bring on extra staffers.

"Today, been very busy, very busy. When we opened the doors this morning there were probably 45-50 people standing outside waiting," Welch said.

This is the second time South Carolina has had a tax-free gun weekend. At ATP Gunshop in Berkeley County, that means about 8 percent in savings for shoppers.

"I came here last year on tax free day and bought a weapon for home protection. Saved about $100," Kevin Appleby said.

Gun buyers do have to go through an application and background check before they can purchase a gun. The tax-break does not apply to ammunition or accessories.

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