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Executive action may affect Tampa gun clubs

Posted at 5:23 PM, Jan 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-05 16:37:52-05

Right now, President Barack Obama is putting the final touches on executive actions aimed to curb gun violence.

At the top of his list is an effort to expand background checks for small-scale gun owners.

At the Dade City Rod & Gun Club, ask about gun control and you'll likely get similar opinions.

"We don't need any more of the control of firearms where citizens of the United States are authorized to have guns," said member Gary Woodard.

Most of the members of the club are former law enforcement or military, like Woodard.

He says one of the perks of joining is being able to buy, sell or trade weapons at their monthly meet up.

"We bring firearms in from antiques to high end semi-automatic pistols and rifles. It's just an audience to wheel and deal in," Woodard said.

But those meet-ups could soon be required to do background checks on all transactions if the executive action goes through. Other popular groups like Tampa Bay Gun Runners, where people buy and sell firearms online, would also have to do background checks. The checks would also be required for transactions at gun shows.

"What I'm noticing is they are trying to do something to someone who is already following the law," said a man attending an Orlando gun show.

Attorney General Pam Bondi promises that if the President breaks any laws, she will step in.

"States rights are so important, and as attorney general, we are the last line of defense against a federal government who has been outrageous with their overreach," said Bondi.

This is happening at the she time Florida lawmakers are taking up two gun-related bills. One would allow concealed carry license holders to openly carry guns in public. The other would allow guns on college campuses.

Woodard says he follows all the laws by the books, but questions more being put in place. He said he wonders if the government would be able to enforce them.

"They can't enforce what's on the book," said Woodard.

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