The election is months away, but some retailers are already seeing a boost in business because of it-gun shops. At Cash-In-A-Flash in Shreveport, Allan Matthews says about half of his customers mention their concern over gun rights in the current political climate. "Last time, for instance, when Obama was elected, you know, there was a massive run on guns," said Matthews.

Four years later, the story is nearly identical. "A lot of them are stockpiling guns, stockpiling ammo, you know, getting ready for a time and date when possibly they can't own those types of guns anymore," he said. That's especially true for assault rifles, which have seen a major boost in sales over the last several months.

Controversy recently exploded over a NATO treaty, which gun rights advocates worried could impact their ability to carry a handgun. The Obama adminstration and NATO officials, along with senior senators, assure that's not the case. However, the uncertainty over gun rights in general have sent many enthusiasts straight to their favorite shops.

It's good for business, but bad for supply. Matthews says retailers are already seeing a shortage in the wholesale market. "Like Glocks or ARs that we can typically buy as many as we want, we called and they've got two, they've got one. We're actually stockpiling them ourselves, buying all that we can buy," he said.

Handgun purchases topped 16.5 million in 2011, according to FBI background checks, the  highest number since it began keeping track.