Concealed Carry permits increased by 34% since 2016

[ghbucky]

This seems promising:

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/w...-permits-up-34

The growth of adults holding permits to carry concealed guns has surged 34% in the past four years, and the rush to get one has resulted in long lines as some counties have faced cutbacks due to the coronavirus crisis, according to a new report.

Of course, this doesn't count how many people are exercising the right to carry without a permit in states that have adopted constitutional carry.

[rickyrick]

I didn’t read the article, but that’s a pretty significant number.

I see people are a lot more open about owning guns, some people whom I thought were anti-gun.

[Twinsig]

And Alabama just broke into the record books!
At last, for the first time, Bama is First! (Instead of 48th or 49th)
First in NUMBER of concealed carry holders in the USA.

[ghbucky]

Alabama's numbers are staggering. 1 in 3 have a permit.

That is wild.

[T. O'Heir]

I'd bet it's mostly due to the number of States that allow 'em now. I suspect far more people carry because they can than any need. After all, who would want to live where one needs to carry a firearm?

[ghbucky]

I suspect far more people carry because they can than any need.

I have no idea what this means. How do you know if you 'need' to carry?

[T. O'Heir]

"...because they can..." Means it's legal to carry, so they do. Needing to is about what goes on in your neighbourhood. Lots of crime making just walking down the street hazardous indicates a need.

[Aguila Blanca]

Originally Posted by T. O'Heir

"...because they can..." Means it's legal to carry, so they do. Needing to is about what goes on in your neighbourhood. Lots of crime making just walking down the street hazardous indicates a need.

I have to disagree. Criminals can (and do) strike anywhere, and they don't call ahead to make appointments. While it is true that the odds of being mugged or assaulted or carjacked are higher in some areas than others, the possibility is not zero in all but the most remote, under-populated places.

The reality is that nobody "needs" to carry a gun unless and until they are attacked. Since we can't know when or if that may occur, logic suggests that everyone has a need to carry a gun at all times, in order to be prepared for an eventuality that we all hope will never arise (and which, for most of us, never will arise).