From WSAV News

MASON CITY, Iowa- The Federal Bureau of Investigation processed a record number of background checks in the month of October. That’s the 6th month in a row indicating that gun sales are up nationally.

The FBI processed nearly 18 million background checks so far this year, and 2 million in October.

Those with the FBI say the number of background checks is an accurate way to determine gun sales because a check needs to be conducted in order to purchase, but does not account for those guns sold through private vendors.

Some folks who deal guns privately say they are not surprised by the numbers, and that it is a sign of the times.

“I live in a small town of around 1,200”, says Bob Leckbee, Pitbull Stun Guns employee. “Just in the last 5 years we have seen our fair share of change, drugs, crime. People are going to try to defend themselves.”