Recent talks of gun control reform on capital hill are meant to reduce gun violence and make the U.S. safer.

After the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, President Obama said the nation needed to change.

And now he's poised to announce his own game plan on gun control.

In Texas, where gun ownership has a strong following, lawmakers are also tackling the issue.

Meanwhile, gun dealers say the controversy is driving up sales.

Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry Store Manager Brandon Lum says they've seen a significant increase in buyers and their wholesalers are running low.

Lum says the AR-15 is especially popular right now because customers fear it will be banned.

It's the same gun used in the Connecticut school shooting and gun dealers say it's not much different than a .22 rifle.

"Gun control has been on the agenda for many politicians for an extended period of time, this might be an opportunity for them to take iniative to get those agendas passed," said Lum.

Gun buyer Julius Finnley believes banning guns is not the answer.

"In every country in the world where they've taken guns away from people, they end up being run over by them. It actually increases crime because if there is no resistance, people can do what they want to," said Finnley.

Gun dealers say the concern over stricter gun regulations has also prompted more first time buyers.

Currently, you cannot purchase a gun if you are a fugitive, a felon, convicted of domestic violence or substance abuse, or deemed mentally defective by a court of law.

The National Rifle Association is pushing to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill.