Two Fresno-area gun stores have shut down after years in business.
The owners of both businesses blamed strict California gun laws and high taxes as the primary reason for closing.
They said there was little to no money to be made as a gun store owner, citing newer California laws that they said increased owner expenses and turned off customers from buying as much guns and ammunition as before.
That’s all on top of increases in rent and energy bills along with workers’ compensation and insurance — inflation factors that all types of businesses deal with, especially those in California.
So after 16 years, PRK Arms in Fresno shut its doors for good.
So did South Gate Firearm Supply in the Coarsegold area after five years.
Both closed at the end of August.
“It hurts,” said Ryan Farrell, owner of South Gate Firearm Supply. “I wish we could stay open. But it’s just not there.”
Farrell estimated 5% of the reason he was closing was the typical stress of owning a shop and “95% because of these regulations.”