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TX:More buy ammo, learn self-defense after Sept. 11

Josey1Josey1 Member Posts: 9,598 ✭✭
edited January 2002 in General Discussion
More buy ammo, learn self-defense after Sept. 11Dan J. WilliamsEl Paso Times
Texas gunsApplications: Department of Public Safety offices; gun and sporting goods stores. License costs: $140; $70 for seniors. Training: Completion of state-approved handgun training. Costs vary by instructor. Online: www.txdps.state.us
El Pasoans may not have gone running to the gun stores for firearms after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but they were quick to stock up on ammunition and sign up for self-defense classes. Nearly four months after the attacks, some El Paso firearms dealers and self-defense teachers said they are still seeing more business than usual. "My concealed handgun license classes nearly quadrupled right after Sept. 11, and it's been like that until today," said Jaime Guillen, owner of JAG Personal Defense. Eastsider Mona Villareal said she took a concealed handgun class in October because she became more concerned about her personal safety after Sept. 11. Like many who take the class, she hasn't decided if or when she'll apply for a four-year, $140 state permit. "It made me feel safer knowing how to use a firearm in case I decide to carry one," she said. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that 218,661 people statewide and 2,446 people in El Paso County were licensed to carry concealed handguns as of Dec. 3, the latest statistics available. That was 10 more in the county than reported Oct. 2. It takes the state four to six weeks to process applications. New Mexico, which passed a concealed-handgun law last year, is waiting for results of a legal challenge before the state Supreme Court before issuing any licenses. Las Cruces residents, however, have voted to allow concealed weapons in their city. Charlie Gutierrez, a gunsmith at El Paso Gun Exchange, and Chuy Aguirre of Chuy's Gun Shop said they have no doubts that more El Pasoans have armed themselves since Sept. 11. "It took a while after Sept. 11 to realize it, but business really did pick up," Gutierrez said. Salesman Harold Shirley at Kirk's Gun Shop said while gun sales have been steady, ammunition has been flying off the shelves for four months. "It's different from the East Coast, where everyone went to buy a gun after Sept. 11 and found out they couldn't," Shirley said. "In Texas, everybody already has a gun. What they wanted was more ammunition." Dan J. Williams may be reached at dwilliams@elpasotimes.com http://www.borderlandnews.com/stories/borderland/20020105-165573.shtml
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