Concealed gun permits increase across Michigan

[ejames01]

Concealed gun permits increase across Michigan

ASSOCIATED PRESS
7:27 AM, Jun. 28, 2011|

The number of concealed gun permits has increased greatly across Michigan, but the pace varies by region.

According to an analysis by Booth Newspapers published today, in one Upper Peninsula county, nearly one in 10 of those 21 and older has a permit. It's fewer than three out of 100 in several West Michigan
counties.

Ten years ago this week, Michigan became a "shall-issue" state, making it easier for residents to obtain concealed licenses if they're at least 21 and meet certain requirements.

State Police records show in the first year, 53,000 permits were approved. Today, there are more than 270,000 permit holders.

That's double the amount five years ago.

Five of the state's top 10 counties in terms of licenses per capita are in the U.P.


http://www.freep.com/article/20110628/NEWS06/110628008/Concealed-gun-permits-increase-across-Michigan?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s

[mikefmich]

You posted the script and link to this article......what is your take on it?

[guito13]

You posted the script and link to this article......what is your take on it?

I vote for awesome! Hopefully the lowlifes in the state take notice.

[ejames01]

Everyone should apply for their CPL.

You posted the script and link to this article......what is your take on it?

[Buy American]

I just got mine. Went through a 10 hour class, safety course, target shooting [[with politically correct targets), background check, fingerprinted and interviewed by the Macomb County Gun Board. In certain circumstances, I feel a lot more comfortable having protection on me.

[bailey]

I vote for awesome! Hopefully the lowlifes in the state take notice.

lots of lowlifes up in da UP?

I just got mine. Went through a 10 hour class, safety course, target shooting [[with politically correct targets), background check, fingerprinted and interviewed by the Macomb County Gun Board. In certain circumstances, I feel a lot more comfortable having protection on me.

With Michigan being an open carry state.. wouldn't the deterrent affect of wearing the gun openly be of more use? Why go through all the rigmarole? just strap it to your hip and waddle around everywhere like the Duke.

[guito13]

lots of lowlifes up in da UP?

Lots of churches, trees, bars, and snow but not too many lowlifes [[or deer!! lol). I spend time up on my hunting property up there so I know!

However, I live in Wayne county and i feel better knowing i can protect myself if heaven forbid I am put in that situation!

[bailey]

Lots of churches, trees, bars, and snow but not too many lowlifes [[or deer!! lol). I spend time up on my hunting property up there so I know!

However, I live in Wayne county and i feel better knowing i can protect myself if heaven forbid I am put in that situation!

Well, if you can't carry while in or around:

Schools or school property but may carry while in a vehicle on school property while dropping off or picking up if a parent or legal guardian

Public or private day care center, public or private child caring agency, or public or private child placing agency.

Sports arena or stadium

A tavern where the primary source of income is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass consumed on the premises

Any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, unless the presiding official allows concealed weapons

An entertainment facility that the individual knows or should know has a seating capacity of 2,500 or more

A hospital

A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university

A Casino

What threats are you worried about? I'm not knocking those that get them, but i'm think about what I do and where I go where I'd most want to have a gun on me. I mean you're in Wayne county... if you're like the rest of this area, you're daily routine is driving from the suburban cul du sac to the office park where you work [[or a dwindling minority...to the downtown office building) to the big box store/wal mart after work and back home. I don't need a gun in my pocket then, I need/want one when I'm out downtown at all hours after hitting a ball game or winning big[[ yeah right) at the casino. Frankly when it comes down to it, my concealed firearm would be spending a lot of time being concealed in a locked box somewhere off my person.

I see why some people would want them.. .just not 270,000. I think it has more to do with fantasy and fear than any real threats.

[guito13]

Well, if you can't carry while in or around:


What threats are you worried about? I'm not knocking those that get them, but i'm think about what I do and where I go where I'd most want to have a gun on me. I mean you're in Wayne county... if you're like the rest of this area, you're daily routine is driving from the suburban cul du sac to the office park where you work [[or a dwindling minority...to the downtown office building) to the big box store/wal mart after work and back home. I don't need a gun in my pocket then, I need/want one when I'm out downtown at all hours after hitting a ball game or winning big[[ yeah right) at the casino. Frankly when it comes down to it, my concealed firearm would be spending a lot of time being concealed in a locked box somewhere off my person.

I see why some people would want them.. .just not 270,000. I think it has more to do with fantasy and fear than any real threats.

I have been approached several times when simply walking to lunch downtown. I have felt threatened at the local grocery store in the suburbs. None of these situations would have warranted me brandishing a firearm but there are several places/occassions where I would feel better being armed. When illegal the firearm would be safely stored [[locked/secured) in my vehicle.

[Pam]

lots of lowlifes up in da UP?

Maybe they are worried about rampaging moose or rabid bears or something.

[Bagley]

I see why some people would want them.. .just not 270,000. I think it has more to do with fantasy and fear than any real threats.

Please understand that many people live significantly different lives from the more suburban existence you mentioned. I live and work Downtown and I honestly don't mind being armed when I'm in the suburbs either.

[bailey]

I have been approached several times when simply walking to lunch downtown. I have felt threatened at the local grocery store in the suburbs. None of these situations would have warranted me brandishing a firearm but there are several places/occassions where I would feel better being armed. When illegal the firearm would be safely stored [[locked/secured) in my vehicle.

well yeah, but it could be right out on your hip in all the same places it would be legal to carry concealed. that is not brandishing, it's making it known you are armed. If the whole point is carrying a gun because it deters people from messing with you or with anyone near you, then carry it out in the open and use it as the deterrence its meant to be.

none of this is directed at you personally...just the article and the sheer number of people getting a CPL who never once in thier day to day lives would ever have cause to even think about using a firearm. It just seems to me that many are getting them just "because" or for some trumped up reason about "crime".

Again.. all fine and good I suppose, but seems kind of impotent measure to take if the real reason for having it is deterrence. My personal opinion is that for many of the CPL holders it is more about being frighted of sensationalized bogeymen [[ I wonder what the black/white and CoD vs Suburb breakdown on CPL holders is?) and using a gun like a toddler uses his binkie than any real risk of personal harm.

Please understand that many people live significantly different lives from the more suburban existence you mentioned. I live and work Downtown and I honestly don't mind being armed when I'm in the suburbs either.

Ok, but again... where do you put it when you go to Applebees for dinner? Where do you put it when going to the Tiger's game or stopping off for a drink on the way home? good god man, you could be unarmed for HOURS of the day. What if the Canadians invade?

again.. not against gun ownership. just wondering why there is a need to a) carry one around everywhere one goes...outside of the huge list of places you can't go; b) what good it does, if you do feel the need to be strapped 24/7, to carry a gun around and have it hidden in your purse, and c) if you feel the need to carry every where you go 24/7... why don't you move!?!?

[Bagley]

again.. not against gun ownership. just wondering why there is a need to a) carry one around everywhere one goes...outside of the huge list of places you can't go; b) what good it does, if you do feel the need to be strapped 24/7, to carry a gun around and have it hidden in your purse, and c) if you feel the need to carry every where you go 24/7... why don't you move!?!?

Because I can and because I don't frequent any of the places where I couldn't carry. Also, Applebee's derives its income from food so I could go in as long as I'm not drinking. Further, if someone threatened me with a meal at Applebee's, I'd shoot myself. You are lampooning the serious responsibility and rights of gun owners who chose to keep AND bear. I know at least three people who have saved their own lives and those of their family members because they were prepared but then you never hear about any of the crimes that don't happen or don't proceed to more heinous ones.

You have every right to disagree with those of us who carry but then ask yourself which rights we ask you to abridge because we don't see the point.

[bailey]

Because I can and because I don't frequent any of the places where I couldn't carry. Also, Applebee's derives its income from food so I could go in as long as I'm not drinking. Further, if someone threatened me with a meal at Applebee's, I'd shoot myself. You are lampooning the serious responsibility and rights of gun owners who chose to keep AND bear. I know at least three people who have saved their own lives and those of their family members because they were prepared but then you never hear about any of the crimes that don't happen or don't proceed to more heinous ones.

You have every right to disagree with those of us who carry but then ask yourself which rights we ask you to abridge because we don't see the point.

You NEVER go to a baseball game? a bar? the bank? the hospital to visit a friend or family member? or ANY of the restricted places? ever? wow. ok then.

I'm not asking anyone to abridge their rights. I am a gun owner. I enjoy firearms. however, I have no need to carry them where ever I go. I further see no real reason why almost 300k Michiganians would either. Frankly I think they watched too many charles bronsen/steven segal/whomever movies growing up and think they'll thwart a bank robbery ...oh wait...except you can't carry in a bank.

Again not saying you.. to each his own. I just stand by my opinion all along. I fully support open carry. if you are so frightened for your life that you must be armed 24/7 365, then why hide it in your pocket/knapsack/purse? If it were me and knowing that seconds count, I'd want it out where I could clear leather faster and cleaner than digging around in my pants, or coat, or holster that looks like a fanny pack. But that's just me. If I'm going to carry a gun, it's because there is likely a need for me use it... not because I think it's "cool" to pretend I might.

[Bagley]

I fully support open carry. if you are so frightened for your life that you must be armed 24/7 365, then why hide it in your pocket/knapsack/purse? If it were me and knowing that seconds count, I'd want it out where I could clear leather faster and cleaner than digging around in my pants, or coat, or holster that looks like a fanny pack. But that's just me. If I'm going to carry a gun, it's because there is likely a need for me use it... not because I think it's "cool" to pretend I might.

Open carry is a great option to have in the woods but it makes you a target in an urban environment and can frighten people who are not comfortable around guns. Open carry sets one up to be victimized and shows your hand. Concealed carry avoids these hazards and with proper training has significant advantages over OC. If I lived in a city that had an active police force, I suppose I could see your point but I've seen too many timid DPD officers to leave the saftey of my loved ones and myself in their hands.

I know a ton of folks who aren't comfortable around guns and a bunch of them went to an event I was supposed to go to but missed. I got an absolute earful about how frighted they were when a very aggressive and disturbed person accosted them. "You're always on the lookout and armed--where were you?" I sort of wondered what they meant as they certainly don't support my rights when there isn't a schizophrenic linebacker raging at them.

I dosen't seem efficacious until you live in a place where the police are afraid and the criminals are brazen but I promise you there are people alive today because they valued life enough to carry. I am thankful for responsible folks who are trained to carry and do so.

[ejames01]

i don't carry all the time, but if i feel like I need to [[or want to), I can.

But it isn't that hard to draw a firearm on your hip that is concealed by your shirt though. And you CAN carry in a bank [[unless the bank specifically prohibits it).

You NEVER go to a baseball game? a bar? the bank? the hospital to visit a friend or family member? or ANY of the restricted places? ever? wow. ok then.

I'm not asking anyone to abridge their rights. I am a gun owner. I enjoy firearms. however, I have no need to carry them where ever I go. I further see no real reason why almost 300k Michiganians would either. Frankly I think they watched too many charles bronsen/steven segal/whomever movies growing up and think they'll thwart a bank robbery ...oh wait...except you can't carry in a bank.

Again not saying you.. to each his own. I just stand by my opinion all along. I fully support open carry. if you are so frightened for your life that you must be armed 24/7 365, then why hide it in your pocket/knapsack/purse? If it were me and knowing that seconds count, I'd want it out where I could clear leather faster and cleaner than digging around in my pants, or coat, or holster that looks like a fanny pack. But that's just me. If I'm going to carry a gun, it's because there is likely a need for me use it... not because I think it's "cool" to pretend I might.

[Detroitnerd]

Look at the other thread about Detroit Police who don't stop when flagged down and I think it's perfectly reasonable to get a concealed carry permit.

[HistoryNotHisStory]

I have been approached several times when simply walking to lunch downtown. I have felt threatened at the local grocery store in the suburbs. None of these situations would have warranted me brandishing a firearm but there are several places/occassions where I would feel better being armed. When illegal the firearm would be safely stored [[locked/secured) in my vehicle.

A gun cannot protect you from being shot or murdered. A gun is an offensive weapon and not a defensive shield.

So why does a gun makes you feel better by being armed. Many men die with the gun in their hands or holster.

[HistoryNotHisStory]

Well, if you can't carry while in or around:


What threats are you worried about? I'm not knocking those that get them, but i'm think about what I do and where I go where I'd most want to have a gun on me. I mean you're in Wayne county... if you're like the rest of this area, you're daily routine is driving from the suburban cul du sac to the office park where you work [[or a dwindling minority...to the downtown office building) to the big box store/wal mart after work and back home. I don't need a gun in my pocket then, I need/want one when I'm out downtown at all hours after hitting a ball game or winning big[[ yeah right) at the casino. Frankly when it comes down to it, my concealed firearm would be spending a lot of time being concealed in a locked box somewhere off my person.

I see why some people would want them.. .just not 270,000. I think it has more to do with fantasy and fear than any real threats.

How can a gun protect you???

[Detroitnerd]

At least you have a chance to kill an assailant with a gun. Or, if it's a group of people, a hand grenade. Or, if it's a whole nation, a trusty little nuclear device.

[HistoryNotHisStory]

Open carry is a great option to have in the woods but it makes you a target in an urban environment and can frighten people who are not comfortable around guns. Open carry sets one up to be victimized and shows your hand. Concealed carry avoids these hazards and with proper training has significant advantages over OC. If I lived in a city that had an active police force, I suppose I could see your point but I've seen too many timid DPD officers to leave the saftey of my loved ones and myself in their hands.

I know a ton of folks who aren't comfortable around guns and a bunch of them went to an event I was supposed to go to but missed. I got an absolute earful about how frighted they were when a very aggressive and disturbed person accosted them. "You're always on the lookout and armed--where were you?" I sort of wondered what they meant as they certainly don't support my rights when there isn't a schizophrenic linebacker raging at them.

I dosen't seem efficacious until you live in a place where the police are afraid and the criminals are brazen but I promise you there are people alive today because they valued life enough to carry. I am thankful for responsible folks who are trained to carry and do so.

Too many cops are recruited from suburbs and rural areas that know little about urban life. Therefore, they are scared to act.

[HistoryNotHisStory]

At least you have a chance to kill an assailant with a gun. Or, if it's a group of people, a hand grenade. Or, if it's a whole nation, a trusty little nuclear device.

Once a again how can a offensive weapon, safeguard your life.

A gun is not a protector. It is not a bullet shield. A gun in my hand does not make me feel safe or not safe. Being aware of my surroundings, make me feel safe.

[bailey]

Open carry is a great option to have in the woods but it makes you a target in an urban environment and can frighten people who are not comfortable around guns.

Except that you are saying you need to carry a gun because it's so dangerous your family might die if you don't. If you feel that strongly about it... MAKE people uncomfortable.

Open carry sets one up to be victimized and shows your hand

. Or it says to the would be assailant/mugger/crazy person, hmmm maybe I should stay away from the guy with the glock on his hip?

Concealed carry avoids these hazards and with proper training has significant advantages over OC.

There is my main issue with this... the minimum standards are a woefully low bar. YOU know what you're doing, but I'll not bore with the stories I've heard from my CPL carrying neighbors and others about what THEY do...what "threats" convinced them they "needed" to carry.....where they leave their gun...and what they think a threat sufficient to warrant drawing down is. And they're all properly licensed.

Basically I WANT to see more open carry because I want to KNOW who has a gun so I know who to avoid.

If I lived in a city that had an active police force, I suppose I could see your point but I've seen too many timid DPD officers to leave the saftey of my loved ones and myself in their hands.

Ok, well again, YOU chose to live in that place and feel you need to be armed. Somehow I'm thinking all 300k who get CPLs aren't your neighbors. Like I said, I know a few of them...and they are mine...and they are morons.

I know a ton of folks who aren't comfortable around guns and a bunch of them went to an event I was supposed to go to but missed. I got an absolute earful about how frighted they were when a very aggressive and disturbed person accosted them. "You're always on the lookout and armed--where were you?"

Your friends got scared by a bum or mugged?Was it a situation where you'd have cleared leather and fired or just flashed a gun? Cuz, from that description it sounds like a loud bum scared some suburbanites.

I sort of wondered what they meant as they certainly don't support my rights when there isn't a schizophrenic linebacker raging at them.

because they're hypocrites and ...if it was truly just a large addled homeless guy making a nuisance of himself, they're unfit for urban life if they felt dealing with him warranted the use of, or threat of, deadly force.

I dosen't seem efficacious until you live in a place where the police are afraid and the criminals are brazen but I promise you there are people alive today because they valued life enough to carry.

How many more would not be at risk if they simply left the areas where the police are ineffective and the criminals so brazen? But again, I don't begrudge you for doing what you do, it's the 299k others..again..more than a handful of whom I know... out there who are just silly about it and I'd prefer not have a gun in their purse..sitting on the driver's seat unattended while they pop into the where ever for a "just a second".

I am thankful for responsible folks who are trained to carry and do so.

and I am fearful of those who aren't and do so anyway because pretty soon someone who thinks they are Hero McGee is going to pop a few off in a crowd where they had no business pulling and we're all going to pay the price.

[Jimaz]

This thread reminded me of this other recent story:

Gun owner to face charges in gun show shooting

The owner of a gun that fired twice during a gun and knife show at the Gibraltar Trade Center in Mt. Clemens Friday, injuring three people, is expected to be arraigned on a felony charge after turning himself in to authorities....

A 46-year-old customer from Chesterfield Township was handling the gun when it fired the first time. The gun fired a second time when the gun’s owner took it back.

The owner has been banned from future gun shows at the center.

Yikes! How can that even happen? Misfired not once but twice?

[HistoryNotHisStory]

This thread reminded me of this other recent story:

Gun owner to face charges in gun show shootingYikes! How can that even happen? Misfired not once but twice?

My point exactly, many people with guns but no one is safely protected. So I pose the question, How does a gun makes you feel safer.