In the wake of violent attacks around the world, local stores say gun sales are up and the Mobile County Sheriff's Office also says more people are getting concealed carry permits.
According to the FBI, a record number of people applied for firearms background checks on Black Friday. Background checks are required to buy guns from a licensed dealer.
Brian Jardet, co-owner of Bar None Tactical LLC says Black Friday was one of the busiest days they've seen – many people buying gifts for themselves of loved ones.
"We sold out of our Black Friday specials. We had customers waiting for us to open the doors," he said.
He says they've also seen a steady increase in recent months.
"They're looking for home protection," he said. "Especially with all the terrorism going on right now and all the threats going on. People are getting prepared."
Jardet says more women are buying guns too, many looking for smaller guns they can fit in their purse or on their body.
More people carrying concealed weapons
Adam Bourne with the Mobile County Sheriff's Office says they've noticed a substantial increase in new concealed carry permits.
Between January and December last year, 5,668 people received new permits.
This year during that time, 7,816 people received new permits.
According to the Sheriff's Office that's about a 38 percent increase. It doesn't include renewals which are now required every 5 years.
Bourne says they see a spike in permit applications after national coverage of mass shootings or when gun policies are a hot topic in US and state governments.
"We've had a rough year nationally when it comes to shootings and things like that," said Bourne, "and so people want to be able to defend themselves and they want to be able to do it the right way."
He says they also see spikes in applications during busy retail seasons like the holidays. He says from the 2014 holiday season to this holiday season there's been a 26 percent increase.
Source: Gun sales, Mobile Co. pistol permits up from last year
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