Extensive conceal-carry firearm process quiets fears

On the surface the number is startling.

113,000.

That?s how many Oklahomans have conceal-carry permits allowing them to carry a concealed firearm. That number was reached in the decade since the Self-Defense Act took effect in 1996.

Before anyone gets nervous, though, and freaks out, we say stop and take a breath. The number is large, but it?s not really a cause for alarm.

A person who receives a conceal-carry permit has to apply with Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of Oklahoma, at least 21, complete a firearms safety and training course and pay the required fee.

The typical person requesting a conceal-carry permit is a white man living in a suburban area and having an above-average income, according David Hemenway, of Harvard Injury Control Research Center.

During the last five years, 54,705 conceal-carry permits have been issued, according to OSBI. Of those, 40,538 were issued to white men. White women received 10,484 permits.

The remaining 3,683 were split mainly between Asian, black, Hispanic and American Indian people of both genders.

While the permit allows people to carry a concealed weapon, it doesn?t allow them to carry a gun everywhere. Many businesses prohibit concealed weapons on their premises.

Does all this mean there never will be a problem with someone who has a conceal-carry permit? No, it would be naive to believe that. But, the process to gain a conceal-carry permit is pretty extensive. Would anyone really expect a criminal to go through the process just so he can commit a crime? No, criminals are going to get their weapons illegally, just as they always have.

Our advice is to not get too worked up over the number.

The Second Amendment IS Homeland Security !