Local gun stores are seeing a major surge in sales ahead of a controversial new law. On Wednesday, the latest gun control efforts in California will kick in and will require all long guns to be registered.
Shot guns and rifles are flying off the shelves at Herb Bauer's Sporting Goods. Sales have gone up about 20 percent in the last month, as shoppers stock up ahead of a new law; a law Rick Fernandes calls an invasion of privacy.
Fernandes says, "I don't think it should be registered. We haven't registered them in a hundred years so why start now? It's just our government trying to get their hands on everything."
On Wednesday, a new long gun registry kicks in. The gun's make, model and serial number will be tracked; as well as the person who owns it.
Barry Bauer, president of Herb Bauer's Sporting Goods, says, "It's none of the government's business what kinds of rifles and they have and shotguns they have."
Those who support the law say it is the state's business to keep guns out of the wrong hands and to enhance safety.
Gun control supporter Doug Wakida says, "I'm a gun control person. I think guns should be regulated at a certain point because it's a weapon and weapons need to be in check."
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims says that argument is invalid. She says most crimes are committed by handguns, not shot guns and rifles.
Sheriff Mims says, "My fear is that in the long run somebody might use that to actually start confiscating weapons and I am going to fight that vigorously."
In the meantime, there's fear after the first of the year gun sales will drop significantly. Fernandes says he doesn't plan to make another purchase.
"Probably not. No. Not if it has to be registered," says Fernandes.