The prospect that guns might become more difficult to purchase under President Barack Obama's administration still has Hoosiers buying up firearms at a quick clip. But gun sales also rose prior to President Bill Clinton taking office.

Fred Ludington, who owns Ludco Gun Shop in Parker City in Randolph County, maintains that people fear gun laws will be amended when a Democratic administration is in the White House, so they purchase firearms or ammunition before stricter laws might be enacted.

Ludington says the recession has prompted more Hoosiers to buy firearms for home protection, and there's more older first-time gun buyers who want a simple form of personal protection.

Ludington says the sour economy has helped his sales because several smaller competitors have been forced out of business.