Local gun dealers and county officials weigh in on gun laws

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Local gun dealers and the Fresno County Sheriff are weighing in on executive orders President Barack Obama believes will make it harder to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists, the mentally ill and criminals.

The Firing Line in Clovis has a steady stream of customers. In fact, many gun classes are full for the next several months. "Being prepared is prudent," owner Jacob Belemjian said. "Being prepared prevents poor performance, and I think that's a good thing."

The President insists his latest action won't violate the Second Amendment, but many local gun rights advocates, including the Fresno County Sheriff, believe Obama's move will only get more people interested in buying and carrying guns. ''When people become afraid that there's going to be even more restrictions on gun ownership," Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said. "They try to get what they can right now because of the fear that guns are going to be limited or taken away."

Belemjian feels the President's action is more of a 'feel good' measure, especially for Californians who already have some of the strictest gun laws in the country. "My point is if we are going to do something," Belemjian said. "Let's do something that's effective right? So, if we have a mental health issue in this country, which I think that probably everybody would argue we do, let's address the mental health issue. Slapping more restrictions on the purchase of firearms is not going to help the mental health issue. I mean that's a fact."

Obama says his goal is simple, to keep more guns out of the wrong hands. "Although, we have to be very clear, this is not going to solve every crime in the country," Obama said in a speech. "It's not going to prevent every mass shooting. It's not going to keep every gun out of the hand of a criminal. It will potentially save lives in this country."

The White House wants to tighten background checks and prevent those on the no-fly list from buying guns, Mims says each mass shooting is keeping her busier, signing off on concealed weapons permits.

"Since December 2, when the San Bernardino shooting occurred," Mims said. "We started getting a spike in people wanting CCW's. We've got over 150 appointments right now."