Gun dealers say dropping the state’s 48-hour waiting period for buying handguns will help business and won’t lead to increased gun violence.
Wisconsin’s 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases dates back to 1976. This week, with a stroke of his pen, Gov. Scott Walker dropped the 39-year-old provision. The move was hailed by gun rights supporters and by local dealers as a positive step.
Dave Madis, who owns Greater Midwest Mercantile in Eau Claire, said sales should pick up without the waiting period.
News with a little more humanity
WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” newsletter keeps you connected to the state you love without feeling overwhelmed. No paywall. No agenda. No corporate filter.
“We lose a lot of business to people traveling. Especially being located in a university town, you might get some parents from places that are further away like Appleton and Milwaukee,” he said.
Madis also said that with improved technology, the 48-hour wait didn’t make a lot of sense.
As for gun violence, Madis said criminals aren’t likely to buy guns from stores and put themselves through a federal background check.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2025, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
