COLORADO SPRINGS — COLORADO SPRINGS — The increase for concealed handgun permits skyrocketed in 2020.
According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the number of concealed handgun permits in Colorado was 49,083 in 2019.
In 2020, that number went up to 59,526.
Josh Uabendell is an instructor at Magnum Shooting Center. He says during his six years of teaching, 2020 was definitely the busiest, and so far this year they are on the same track..
"We have seen people from all walks of life come in. People that have experience, and people who don't have experience that have never touched a fire-arm come in," said Uabendell.
Uabendell also says a high number of the new learners are females.
"I like to believe that all people are good but that's not always the case," said unanimous female.
News5 spoke with one woman who didn't want to go on camera, but she tells us she purchased a fire-arm all for safety, in case one day she might need to defend herself.
"You have to think through those scenarios. You have to live through it and know what you would do if someone broke in, if someone approached you as you got in your car, which has happened to me,"said unanimous female.
To conceal a carry in the state of Colorado there is a process.
You have to prove your competent with a gun by passing a handgun training class, for instance. Then, you apply for the CCW with your local sheriff's office.
"Coming out of that class and while going through that range portion you are going to feel really comfortable and when you are putting your round, and grouping them in the center, you are going to feel pretty comfortable and you will say wow this feel great and I feel safe," Said Uabendell.
Magnum Shooting Center just opened up their second location on the south side of Colorado Springs.
To learn more about their classes you can click here.
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