Concealed-handgun licenses hit new high

February 28, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio issued a record 56,691 concealed-handgun licenses in 2009, and few observers agree on reasons for the rapid increase.

The new figure tops the previous high of 45,497 set in 2004 when the concealed handgun law first went into effect. It also was a 67 percent increase from the 33,864 licenses issued in 2008.

“If there’s something to take away from these numbers, it is that more and more Ohioans are comfortable exercising their right to carry concealed handguns,” said Attorney General Cordray, who released the new figures Friday.

Franklin County, which includes Columbus, ranked first with 3,464 licenses issued.

Jeff Garvas, president of Ohioans for Concealed Carry, an advocacy group for the law, said he believes the record-setting numbers are primarily about the economic downturn.

As people become poorer, they become more desperate and crime tends to increase, he said.

Garvas cited counties with 300-plus percentage increases, such as Auglaize and Putnam, as evidence that people are looking for protection.

Jim Irvine, chairman of the Buckeye Firearms Association, said he thinks licenses are up because more people are concerned that President Barack Obama is going to do something to limit gun ownership.