Attorney General announces Second Quarter 2007 CHL statistics

By Jim Irvine

Attorney General Marc Dann has released the concealed handgun license (CHL) statistics for the second quarter of 2007. Once again, the numbers prove there is continued demand for CHL’s, and those who have a license are following the laws.

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There have been 98,989 regular, and 233 temporary emergency licenses (TEL's) issued by Ohio's 88 sheriffs since Ohio began issuing the licenses in 2004. Less than 1% of those have been suspended or revoked for any reason.

After the first year rush to obtain licenses, demand stabilized as expected. As Ohio moves into its fourth year of issuing licenses we see demand growing. From April through June of this year 6,866 more people obtained CHL's, and another 16 people obtained TEL's. This represents a 25% increase from the same quarter in 2006, and a 28% increase over the 2007 first quarter statistics. It was largest number of licenses issued in any of the last eight quarters and the first time that numbers have increased over three consecutive quarters. Starting with third quarter 2006, the number of licenses issued are 3,532, 4,245, 5,365, and 6,882.

HB347 required a veto override last session to be enacted into law. It took effect March 14, 2007, making firearms laws uniform throughout Ohio, and eliminating the “plain sight” restriction on CHL’s that both license holders and police asked to have removed. Instructors saw an increase in demand for classes and we are now seeing those students applying for and obtaining their licenses.

While many people continue to wait for more significant improvements to Ohio's laws, it is clear that improving the laws increases demand by those who understand that carrying a gun to protect you in the event of a violent attack makes as much sense as wearing a seatbelt to protect you in the event of a violent car accident.

Reviewing the first quarter numbers, we predicted that Ohio will issue the 100,000th CHL later this year. The 100,000th license has almost assuredly been issued. In any location with 100 adults, there is likely a CHL among them. The odds improve if the demographics of the group are more affluent or older than the population at large.

With each new license comes increased political power. Just as in each of the 48 states that allow concealed carry, the numbers prove that the law works. The gun ban extremists' claims continue to be proven false, but lawmakers are increasingly interested in real solutions to real problems relating to crime and safety. That may prove to be pivotal as the legislature comes back to session this fall.

Many individuals have used their concealed firearm to defend their life from violent criminals. Several of those cases have resulted in shots being fired, and in subsequent media coverage. The anti-self-defense hysterics have been deafeningly silent with each high profile killing that has proven their claims false. There is no doubt that lives have been saved. Of course, the anti-self-defense cronies continue to make hysterical and factually challenged claims following the introduction of Castle Doctrine legislation (SB184/HB264). Expect more nonsense, often reported as “news” as good bills make their way through the legislature.

Buckeye Firearms Association is continuing to work with other organizations to take a unified message to the legislature about the issues most important to gun owners. Thanks to the people who donate or volunteer time. They give us the power to make further improvements in our laws. The strong numbers indicate we are moving in the right direction.

Click here for second quarter statistics.

Click here to access the list of Ohio CHL-holders acting in self-defense in the Buckeyefirearms.org Education Guide.