PRINTIt figures: Gun ownership
Everything you need to know about the recent hike in gun sales
June 21, 2012 | 12:00 a.m. CST
31
The percent gun sales have increased nationwide in the past 10 years. The National Shooting Sports Foundation compiles the number of purchase-related background checks for the most accurate numbers representing gun sales. The numbers are subtracted from the FBI’s total number of background checks in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
47
The percent of Americans who reported owning guns in 2011. A Gallup poll conducted last year found that gun ownership was at its highest since 1993, when 54 percent of Americans reportedly owned guns.
2004
The year Missouri introduced concealed carry laws. Missouri honors permits from all 49 states that have concealed carry legislation; Illinois is the only state that doesn’t permit concealed weapons. Thirty-seven states honor Missouri concealed carry permits. Applications for permits are available at the Boone County Sheriff’s Department, the Hallsville Police Department and the Ashland Police Department.
21
The age at which someone can apply for a concealed carry permit in Missouri. Revised legislation in August 2011 changed the age from 23 to 21. It also increased training requirements. Applicants must participate and qualify in live-fire exercises with both a revolver and a semi-automatic firearm.
440
The number of concealed carry permits that have been renewed in Boone County so far in 2012. These permits last for three years. There were a total of 1,340 concealed carry permits in Boone County in 2011; that is a 63 percent increase from 2007.
300
The number of dealers’ tables set up at the RK Gun Show, which will take place in Columbia June 22 through 24. The tables will feature firearms, knives and other merchandise. The show will take place at the Boone County Fairgrounds.
