Looks like a good number of the folks that are rushing out to buy guns are learning how to use them. I’ve seen a serious up tick in the number of folks at the local ranges (to the point that I haven’t been able to try out a couple of guns I need to write reviews for), and now it comes out that people are applying for their carry licenses in droves. Or at least according to a store that does the fingerprinting that a local news station interviewed.
For those that don’t know, to get a carry permit in this state, you have to take a class, go down to the DMV, fill out a form and pay your money, then go to a place to have your fingers printed (because apparently that’s too hard for DMV workers), then return to the DMV to turn in some paperwork, and finally wait for them to mail you your permit. For whatever reason, the oddly named store Goin’ Postal is the only place in Williamson county (which holds a couple upper-class suburbs of Nashville) to get the finger printing done (for a small fee, of course).
According to the story, they normally do 5 or 6 a day this time of year. Lately they’ve been doing upwards of 50… a *day*. Interestingly enough, they are seeing a lot of young women (I’m guessing he meant 20-something when he said 20 and 21 year olds since you have to be 21 to get a permit).
This tells me two things: 1. the message that firearms aren’t just for good ol’ boys hunting is definitely alive and well around here. A lot of women are getting into it, and not because they want to go hunt Bambi. And 2. the idea that it’s folks that already own guns that are the only ones buying them is a complete lie (of course, we already knew that).
Hopefully our representatives in Washington will get that message as well.