Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine (R) has released the Concealed Handgun License (CHL) statistics for the first quarter of 2016. It was another record setting year. There are now over a half-million valid Ohio CHLs and Ohio honors an estimated 12,300,000 more from other states.
None of this is surprising to Ohio concealed carry instructors who have been swamped with demand for their classes.
“Buckeye Firearms Association was widely criticized for supporting a reduction in required training from 12 to 8 hours,” said Jim Irvine, President of BFA’s Board of Directors. “The reason we supported the change was simple; we actually wanted more people to get training. Most people can’t concentrate for 12 hours. A slightly shorter class is easier to get through and can mean better training and longer retention. The numbers we’re seeing from the Attorney General’s office indicate that the new training requirements are less intimidating and the law is working as intended.”
Certainly the terrorist attacks in Paris, France and San Bernardino, California also contributed to people’s interest in being prepared and able to take care of themselves and their families. The terrorist attack at a nightclub in Orlando is likely to spur further demand, as will future attacks.
Demand continues to support a theory expressed by Professor Brian Anse Patrick, professor at the University of Toledo, that demand has not leveled off, but is increasing over time.
Concealed carry used to be thought of as an interest mainly of hardcore gun owners, but it has become increasingly popular with others.
Buckeye Firearms Association is a grassroots organization dedicated to defending and advancing the right of citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities, including self-defense, hunting, competition, and recreation. Read more.