Posted on 01/27/2007 4:33:56 AM PST by Ninian Dryhope
Nearly 260,000 Texans have a license to carry a concealed handgun, according to revised figures released this week by the Department of Public Safety.
At the end of last year, 258,162 people had permits, up about 4 percent from the year before and more than double the number in 1996, when Texas law first allowed people to carry concealed weapons.
DPS had earlier told the Houston Chronicle that 72,345 Texans had concealed handgun permits last year. That incorrect figure appeared in a story published on Dec. 24, 2006.
But DPS spokeswoman Tela Mange said that because of a computer programming error, the agency had counted only the number of new and renewed permits instead of the total number of license holders for 2006.
Senior citizens and middle-agers are among the most likely to take advantage of the concealed handgun law.
Although those 55 and older represent just 28 percent of the state's population over the age of 21, they carry 46 percent of the permits. And one-third of the permit holders are 60 and older.
"I just turned 60, and I'm one of those guys," said Jerry Patterson, the former legislator who authored the concealed weapons law before he became Texas land commissioner.
When the law first passed in 1995, Patterson said he estimated that 2 percent to 3 percent of adult Texans would get permits to carry weapons.
According to last year's revised figures, 1.7 percent of Texans 21 and older had a concealed handgun permit.
Patterson said he believes older Texans are more likely to have the permits because they have more time and resources to get them.
And it's not just new retirees getting the permits.
Last year, 114 people who were 90 and older had licenses to carry weapons. The oldest was 101.
To apply for a permit, Texans must be at least 21, although 18-year-olds who are either active members of the U.S. armed forces or honorably discharged veterans also qualify.
Many people can't get a permit. Under the law, those convicted of felonies or certain misdemeanors are excluded. So are people who are chemically dependent, or are delinquent in paying taxes or child support.
After passing a criminal background check, applicants must take a 10-hour course to learn about handgun safety and demonstrate proficiency shooting at a target
I bet Ms. Mange was pretty shocked herself to see the new figure. Yee Haw!
This must be changed. The way I see it, Texans are being wounded and killed because they can't afford to legally carry a gun with which to defend themselves.
Although those 55 and older represent just 28 percent of the state's population over the age of 21, they carry 46 percent of the permits. And one-third of the permit holders are 60 and older.
I'm one of those geezers, but that's here in Tennessee where we have an even higher rate of permitting in the eligible population, somewhat over 2%. A recent, horrible carjacking and double murder of a thoroughly decent young couple here in Knoxville ought to convince a lot of law abiding younger people that they, too, ought to get permits and start packing heat.
That seems like a low number for Texas.
Don't leave us in suspense, how much does it cost?
Older Texans do not live longer by being dumb.
A word to the wise is sufficient.
Hell, tell em 7 million have permits. There no reason to not lie to the punks. Scare hell out of em. Make em think twice and then not commit the crime. Go to Mex. Throw their weight around some.
This may be true. However, according to a famous Texan, we can be sure none of them are frogs. One of his "Ratherisms"......
We used to say if a frog had side pockets, he'd carry a handgun.
Keep in mind that this number does not account for those that carry long guns (no license required) and handguns in their vehicles while traveling....(no license required)....
Those that aren't prepared to defend themselves & their loved ones....are the prey....
No, I didn't know those numbers were excluded.
Thank you for the clarification.
Florida has 551,785 as of 12/31/2006.
Dunno about Texas, but here in Oklahoma a renewal costs $85. The initial permit costs $175, if I recall, due to the classroom training and range fees.
What is the cost?
Q: How much will a concealed handgun license cost? A: For most Texans, the license will cost $140. But for senior citizens or indigent Texans, the cost is only $70. For active/honorably retired peace officers or active/retired judicial officers, the cost is $25. For elected felony prosecuting attorneys, fee is waived.
Anyone know how possible it would be to get more favorable CCW laws passed in California?
Right now, it's up to each county sherriff, I believe. And L.A. County has a lib for a sheriff, so the odds of getting relief appear remote.
Like they say, Don't Mess With Texas.
Now let's see if we can get more states to pass laws comparable to Vermont/Alaska carry.
Here in VA, it's $50.00 for initial, or the renewal. The basic Pistol course can be $50 to $85 depending on your instructor. The nice thing about VA, is if you're military or a vet, and can prove you've had Firearms training the safety course is waived!
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