Summerville, SC - Gun sales are shooting up today around the state as the tax free weekend for guns kicks off today.

Shoppers packed gun shops around the lowcountry. Carolina Rod and Gun in West Ashley was full of customers in line for the savings.

“Its gives people who enjoy shooting sports or people looking for a gun for defense. It gives a break for a change. The little guy dont get a whole lot of a break anymore,” customer Steve Carmen said.

ATP Gunshop in Summerville saw similar traffic.

“I’m buying a 1911 45-caliber pistol,” Mike McCarthy said. He says he’s saving about $80.

The tax free items include shotguns, rifles, pistols and handguns. ATP manager Jody Welch says while sales skyrocketed for this weekend, it’s still not as high as last year.

“We probably did 60 percent today what we did last year this same time,” Welch said. “I think the reason it was so busy last year because of timing of the tax free holiday last year and the new administration taking office after voting, everybody was scared and worried.”

Many last year were worried President Obama and his administration would change the country's gun laws, so many geared up. This year though, Welch says the economy took its toll.

“They are not coming in and spending $4,000-5,000. They are coming in and spending $500-600, $700,” Welch said. “People are starting to be more budget minded. Whereas this first come about everybody was in panic mode. They didn’t really care where the money was coming from, they just knew what they wanted and they wanted it now.”

The smoke seems to be settling more from the purchasing panic of guns after the presidential administration change.

“I’m confident our freedoms will not be destroyed,” McCarthy said.

The tax free weekends ends Saturday at midnight.

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