NewsWest 9
PERMIAN BASIN - More and more people are applying for concealed handgun permits here in the Basin.
"Usually we have two basic classes and two renewals classes a month, and we had to add two more just to meet the need," Firearm Instructor Freddy Haltom, said.
The number of permits to carry a concealed handgun spiking in Texas and the Permian Basin, the reason?
"They want to get it when the getting is good and some people are worried about the political situation happening in the next year," Haltom said.
So many more applications is causing a backlog for the Department of Public Service.
"Normally like 60-90 days, and add like 30-60 days, so they are out like 4-5 months," Haltom added.
Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter says more citizens with a hangun license isn't bad news.
"I dont have a problem with it. These people have had their background investigated throughly, gone through a training class. I think they would make great backup," Painter said.
And the numbers expected to keep growing.
