Thousands File For Concealed Carry Permits Online As Registration Opens
By aaroncynic in News on Jan 8, 2014 2:30PM
Business for concealed firearms will be booming in the coming months as thousands of applications were filed on the first day they became available to the public. More than 4,500 were filed on the first day applications were made available on Sunday and the Illinois State Police said they've approved 13,064 applications. Some 6,500 requests were filed prior by firearms instructors were allowed to help test the system. “Right now we're pleased with the ease of the process so far,” said Illinois State Police spokesperson Monique Bond, who added the number of applicants was “healthy.”
In July, Illinois became the last state in the nation to approve concealed carry. In order to obtain a permit, applicants need to pay a $150 fee, pass a background check and complete a 16-hour training course. Gun enthusiasts and retailers are pleased with both the law and what will be a boom in business. “There’s a huge buzz about the CCW,” Bloomington gun shop owner Stephen Stewart told the Bloomington Pantagraph. “In the last four months people have been buying guns, holsters and clothing for concealed carry.” Stewart also said he plans to open a new store and gun range in neighboring Normal.
Another gun shop owner, Dan Smiley, said “It will give a lot of people peace of mind that they’re safe. I don’t know if it will be safer, but it will make criminals question who might have a gun.” Smiley noted that the permit process might be difficult for applicants who lack computer skills but said “Interest in the permits is high, but I think the application process is going to be confusing to a lot of people, at least in the beginning.”
Not all Illinois residents are as enthusiastic. Lee Goodman, an organizer with Stop the Stop Concealed Carry Coalition said “Guns are designed for one reason — to shoot people. More people will be shot and more people will be killed.” Officials expect some 400,000 requests to be made statewide.