Stamford gun show draws big crowds

STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH)-- Despite fears of protestors, gun enthusiasts and collectors packed the room at the East Coast Fire Arms Show in Stamford.

"This is one of the nicer shows in the area. I come to see what's available and to see if there's something I could add to my collection," said Ricky Biagi, Greenwich.

Vendors say it's normal to see large crowds after a tragedy like Sandy Hook.

"Lots of people are worried about some of their gun rights taken away. They're worried about new gun laws. They're not sure what gun laws are coming down the road. So a lot of people are nervous and they're concerned about it," said Stuart English, a vendor.

Similar shows in nearby Waterbury and White Plains, New York were canceled. Since the shooting that killed twenty children and six adults,  many people who support gun ownership say they are under attack.

"This is a commercial activity. It's a legally operated gun show. There are legal gun owners that are good people, generally, and most of the people that come to this show are gun collectors," said
Ray LaChance, Greenwich.

Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia said he did not support the show.

In a press release, the mayor said, "I think the timing of it and the subject matter are totally insensitive given what happened in Newtown."

Most of the vendors at the show are antique vendors. They say that if the negative publicity keeps up, it might start hurting their bottom line.

"I have no idea what the president has in mind, but down the road, there could be many things that could jeopardize gun show promoters, and gun dealers and gun sales in general," said English.

Early on Saturday protestors were nowhere to be found. Vendors say that's good for business.

"I would hope protestors would understand that there are those of us, like myself, that are antique dealers, primarily who happen to specialize in antique arms. They're entitled to their opinion. I certainly understand with Sandy Hook," said Dave Kleiner, a vendor.

And while most show goers understand the concern, they say now is not the time to push an agenda.

"Certainly the opportunistic push for gun control, you know, leveraging the tragedy at Sandy Hook, is despicable," said LaChance.