First-Time Concealed Weapons Permit Requests Nearly Triple in SC

Posted: Jan 08, 2013 10:43 PM EDT By Shelby Coates, WSPA TV7 News

The state says it's seeing nearly triple the number of first-time concealed weapons permit applications. CWP class instructors throughout the Upstate tell 7 On Your Side their classes are packed. Some are even adding classes to the calendar because their students say they want protection. Upstate classes are part of a statewide surge. The State Law Enforcement Division says first-time applicants for CWP's nearly tripled in number.  In 2011 the state reported more than 24,000 applications. By the end of 2012, the state had more than 61,000. We asked Upstate instructions why so many wanted to get permits in 2012.  “Actual things that have happen to the students that have come here,” said Citizens With Pistols CWP class Instructor Phil Callahan. “Some have been robbed themselves." In South Carolina you don't need a CWP to get a gun. However, instructors and gun users say they're glad to see more people applying for the CWP permits and taking the required class.