More Americans have concealed carry permits in 2017 than at any point in the country’s history, according to a new report by the Crime Prevention Research Center.
In the study, the authors note that 2 million Americans obtained permits in 2016, setting a new record for the fourth year in a row. This brings the total number of citizens in the U.S. with concealed carry permits to over 16 million – up from just 4.5 million in 2007.
Now, roughly one in twenty Americans has a concealed carry permit. More surprisingly, however, are the demographics flocking to gun stores. According to analysts, the surge in concealed carry applications can be credited to women and racial minorities.
“It’s pretty much the most vulnerable people in our society who benefit the most from having the option to be able to go and protect themselves,” CPRC founder and chief researcher John Lott said.
The research goes on to note how increasingly strict gun control measures in states like California and New York are massive motivators for applications.
Is America becoming more armed out of fear?
Of course, certain weapons are more suitable for concealed carry than others. Check out a top-ten list for the best concealed carry firearms in the video below.
~ Firearm Daily
