This past weekend, the Saxet Gun Show returned to Austin at the Travis County Expo Center for the second time this year. Although the long line for admission was absent this time, the show was very well attended. Absent as well were the protesters who chose the occasion of the gun show in January to voice their opinion on the Capitol steps in Austin.
The Saxet Gun Show, per their website, has “been the landmark gun and outdoor product tradeshows for central and south Texas”. The site also notes that they have been sponsoring these shows for the past 20 years.
Present at this past weekends’ show was all sorts of guns, ammunition, holsters, scopes, knives and survival gear. Of note, many “assault-style” weapons were featured as well as hard to get ammunition. According to one dealer “I had to pull some strings to get this ammo” when inquiry was made to the origins of the product. Certain types of ammunition have been difficult to find since President Obama announced his intent to alter existing laws concerning guns and ammunition this past January.
The showroom floor was packed to near capacity with gun enthusiasts of all ages, although a parents or guardian was required to be present for those under the age of 18. Both genders figured prominently. A table near the entrance exhibited literature on the group “A Girl and A Gun” which boasted of a “recreational and competitive league” for women as well as a “Breakfast and Bullets” program.
Further into the building, a crowded table was advertising a “CHL Legal Defense Program”. For as little as $11 per month, per member, Texas Law Shield LLP states “if you are a lawful Texas gun owner and you use a gun in your home, your auto or anywhere you can legally carry a gun on your person in the state of Texas WHETHER YOU PULL THE TRIGGER OR NOT (emphasis theirs), our lawyers will defend you.”
Also seen at multiple tables were a stack of forms and a representative of the gun dealer using laptops. The forms were the ATF Form 4473 and its completion is required for any gun purchase from a dealer as per Federal law.
After filling out the proper paperwork and showing proper documents (the concealed handgun license as well as government issued photo identification), a background check was completed via the NICS. The “National Instant Criminal Background Check System” will provide the gun seller with instructions such as “proceed” “delayed” “cancelled” or “denied” in reference to the legality of selling a firearm to the person in question.
Per the instructions that accompany the form, the gun seller is required to retain ATF form 4473 for a period of at least 20 years. If NICS returns with a “denied/cancelled” designation, those forms are required to be retained for at least five years.
Of note, under current law in Texas, a gun sale from one individual to another is not subjected to the same background check. Although not required, a similar “transfer form” can be obtained to record the sale.
The Saxet Gun Show will return to Austin in April 2013.
©Amanda Amaya, All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced without prior permissions from the author. Partial reposting is permitted with a link back to the original article.
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