Gun sales have soared across the country in the weeks since the shooting in Connecticut. Local gun store owners say people want to buy guns before restrictions are imposed.

President Obama addressed the nation on Wednesday with proposals for stricter gun laws, but his speech was met with mixed reactions at Sporting Goods Discounters. Employees and customers crowded around the television to watch the president talk. Most of them agreed there needs to be stricter laws, but they said Mr. Obama's focus is on the wrong issues.

A gun dealer for close to 40 years, Denny Salem, said he knows the flaws in the laws. He held an assault rifle and explained that a backgound check is not required in a sale between private citizens. But he said a background check is required if he is selling a pistol.
"This gun is virtually harmless," said Salem, referring to the pistol. As for the assault rifle, he said, "This gun is absolutely dangerous and could do major damage."

Salem said they can easily fall into the wrong hands. One time he said he turned a convicted felon away from his shop, only for the man to come back 45 minutes later.

"He stood in my doorway and (held) up an AK-47. I said, 'Where'd you get it?' and he says,'Off my neighbor'," explained Salem. "That's perfectly legal."

President Obama asked Congress to change that Wednesday, calling for universal background checks on all gun purchases -- including private sales.

Mr. Obama also wants to limit ammo magazines to 10 rounds. But Salem said that won't help much.

"A magazine comes out like that and another one goes in in a second," said Salem, demostrating it. "So if it's a 10-round magazine instead of a 15, now I've got 20 rounds."

But Salem said the most controversial proposal Mr. Obama is calling for is a total ban on assault weapons.

"You do want law-abiding citizens to have these so that we can defend ourselves against the people that shouldn't have them," said Salem. "If they break in your house with one of thes [holding assault rifle], you're not going to stand here with one of these [holding pistol] and defend yourself."

While Salem said he understands there isn't a simple solution, he said he knows how to start -- with better conversation.

"The people that are talking about the laws don't even know the laws. They don't know what's going on and where the problems are," said Salem. "I do and I've written to the  president and Vice President Biden and I will help for free. I'll give time for free to tell you what laws need to be addressed ... That there are dangerous laws you don't even know exist."