Learn how local wildlife photographers turned a cornfield into a habitat for birds. David Proeber ALTON â Firearms purchases continue at a brisk pace, but finding what you want can be a problem. Gun sales have shot through the roof over the past year, fueled by concerns over COVID-19, civil unrest and the politics of gun control. As a result, both firearms and ammunition are in short supply. Scott Pulaski, owner of Piasa Armory, an Alton gun store, said sales are normally heavy before Christmas and then through tax return season. "This time it picked up after Christmas (2019) and never stopped," he said. "It even went higher after the lockdowns got started in March and never stopped."