20 percent of Alabamians have concealed carry permit — highest in the country

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Second Amendment guns

The national gun debate continues to divide the nation leaving many Americans feeling as though their 2nd Amendments rights may soon be on the chopping block.

In response to the uncertainty, more Americans across the country have been going out and getting guns. According to a July 2017 study by the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC), nearly two million Americans obtained concealed carry permits in 2016, meaning one in every 20 citizens now has a concealed carry permit (CCP).

“All states now allow concealed carry,” CPRC President John Lott Jr. said. “And they are all issuing more permits. Not surprisingly, concealed carry is much more popular in states where permits are relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain.”

Which is perhaps one of the reasons why Alabama, a known red-state, has the highest number of permit owners, 20 percent, of any state.

Conceal carry permits in Alabama

Alabama issues concealed handgun licenses only to residents of Alabama, through the sheriff of their county of residence. While permit fees vary by county, they range from $7.50 to $30 per year. WKRG reports, “According to [NRA] data, a vast majority of counties charge $100 for a five-year permit. At least, 46 out of 67 counties do.” The state does not issue carry conceal permits to out of state residents.

Alabama reciprocity maps

States that honor Alabama conceal carry permit [Photo courtesy of: usacarry.com]
Alabama gun reciprocity 2
Conceal carry permits Alabama honors [Photo courtesy of: usacarry.com]