Gun Applications Surge Before Strict New Laws in Maryland

State police had to increase staff to handle all the applications

Anticipating a strict new gun control law, citizens of Maryland are buying firearms in record numbers. Through the end of August, 85,141 gun-purchase applications were filled out. The entire year of 2012 saw approximately 15,000 fewer applications. 2011 was even less, with a total of only 46,339.

"Because of the gun ban, business has been booming," explained one gun shop manager. "It's been busy like crazy with people making last-minute decisions."

"We saw this coming," said Maryland State Police Sgt. Marc Black. Yet, the police had to find 60 temporary workers to cope with the paperwork.