RANDLEMAN, N.C. -- The number of people buying guns across our state and the country sky rocketed in 2020.
FBI data shows more than 808,000 North Carolinians went through firearms background checks in 2020. That number is up by more than 300,000 compared with 2019.
Now, more people are learning how to use them correctly. Concealed carry instuctors say their classes have been full of those new gun owners for months.
“Now I see the younger people from that 22 to 27, 28 year old range that are wanting to take a little bit more responsibility,” said Keith Eddins, the owner of Concealed Carry Carolina in Randleman. “They’re going out and getting jobs and homes and families and they’re realizing ‘hey I need to do the same thing in regards to personal protection.'”
Eddins says he believes the pandemic, violent protests, and the presidential election have all played roles in the increase.
“People are going out and buying their first gun and then saying ‘I need somebody to teach me how to use it. I need to be safe. I don’t want to be the one whose harmful to my family,’” said Eddins.
Once you complete a concealed carry course, you can apply for the permit through your local sheriff’s office.
The process usually takes 60 to 90 days, but could take longer because of increased demand.