The owner of Gilmer Pawn Shop, Gilmer’s only full-service gun store, explained the so-called “gun show loophole” about background checks on firearms sales.

The “loophole” has been much-discussed by those in government who want to limit access to firearms.

“If a registered firearms dealer like me sells a gun at a show, the dealer must complete the same background check that I have to do on customers in my store,” Hughes said.

“But if a private individual has a table and sells from his own collection, there is no check required under current law,” he said.

Hughes said eliminating this loophole “won’t affect my business at all.”

Under current law, those who buy a firearm from a licensed dealer have to fill out a detailed information form and submit their drivers license or other official ID. The dealer then calls a national database to see if the potential buyer is permitted to purchase a gun.

Hughes said eliminating the “loophole” might engender an entrepreneurial enterprise for some who have FFLs (Federal Firearms Licenses) to set up at a show and, for a fee, do background checks for those who are not licensed dealers.

Gilmer Pawn Shop, which serves much of the local law enforcement community, is located on U.S. 271 North in Gilmer.

Hughes and his wife Lillian have operated the store for about 15 years.