it's likely also the case, given that there's some consternation---like the run on weapon sales when obama was elected---driven by the manoevering at the public statement level about these weapons, driven by the the apparent ease with which laughner was able to get one.
Gun-control advocates say Loughner is proof of need for better background checks
(i might have linked this before--i'm in the middle of something and haven't much time)
this editorial, which is not like earth-shattering, but still gives an idea of the push that seems to be growing on this matter:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/11/op...nashooting2011