Concealed-Carry Permit Holders Top 15 Million

posted on May 23, 2017

We’ve been reading how more and more women and minorities are taking up arms for protection. We’ve seen the monthly FBI reports on the number of background checks remaining at high levels. And one glance at the nightly news reminds us of the potential dangers we may face.

So when John Lott reported that the number of concealed-carry permits has topped 15 million, the figure didn’t seem too surprising. Lott’s group, Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC), notes that as of May 2017, the number of permits issued stands at 15.7 million, a substantial increase over 2016’s 14.5 million permits. In fact, it’s the largest one-year increase ever, Fox News reports.

CPRC releases an annual report on firearms every July, but Lott is already citing a significant spike in permits for states including Arizona, Florida, Michigan and Texas. “You’re seeing states making it easier for people to go and get arms,” he explained.

Latest

cocking a handgun
cocking a handgun

Gun Skills | Training Grip Strength

It is imperative to balance the strengthening of your hands to best embrace this constitutional freedom and to avoid any injuries in the process.

Gun Review | Beretta 92XI

Fans of both the 1911 and the iconic Beretta 92 are going to find a friend in this introduction.

Americans Are Taking Their Safety Into Their Own Hands

Across the country, Americans are waking up to something citizens of this nation have long known: You need to be your own first responder.

John Commerford, NRA-ILA Executive Director, Discusses Our Biggest Legislative Battles

There are still many battles ahead in the defense of our Second Amendment and NRA-ILA is always leading the charge.

From Bad to Worse for Canadian Gun Owners?

Just when you think things couldn’t get any worse for beleaguered Canadian gun owners, that’s exactly what happens.

The Armed Citizen® May 9, 2025

True stories of the right to keep and bear arms



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.