More Virginians Getting Concealed Handgun Permits

The Virginian Pilot reported this morning that more people in Virginia are seeking concealed handgun permits (CHP). According to the Pilot, the number of applications is "soaring." As you know, you don't have to state a reason for wanting a permit when you complete your application. Some offer that with the uncertainty of the upcoming election, and the fact that pundits are predicting Democrats will increase their margins in both houses of congress, including a veto proof majority of 60 Senators in the U.S. Senate and the likely hood that the gun control crowd could see a friendlier terrain for their pet projects.

Could it also be that people are realizing that as crime increases in some areas that it is their responsibility to protect themselves and their families?

Bob Marcus, head of the Virginia Firearms Dealer's Association was quoted in the article saying his concealed handgun classes are packed and his online course that he now offers already has 100 people that have signed up.

Last year, there were approximately 135,000 permit holders in Virginia. An increase can only be good for the cause of gun rights because those new permit holders will now have a stake in the legislation like repeal of the restaurant ban. The next step is to get them to join VSSA.