Concern for personal safety lies behind the increase, gun rights advocates say.
Brian Boshea, a Limerick nurse taking a concealed weapons training course, says concern about home invasions and other violent crimes has fueled his desire to carry a gun for protection.
click image to enlarge
"I've decided to become more responsible for my own safety rather than relying on law enforcement," said Boshea, a 52-year-old surgical technologist.
Concern about crime and personal safety is behind a sharp increase in the number of concealed firearms permits issued by the Maine State Police, firearms instructors and gun rights advocates say.
The number of people seeking concealed gun permits from the state police in 2009 was 5,706, an increase of 40 percent over 2008. Portland, the state's largest city, saw a 60 percent increase.
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Brian Boshea, a Limerick nurse taking a concealed weapons training course, says concern about home invasions and other violent crimes has fueled his desire to carry a gun for protection.
click image to enlarge
"I've decided to become more responsible for my own safety rather than relying on law enforcement," said Boshea, a 52-year-old surgical technologist.
Concern about crime and personal safety is behind a sharp increase in the number of concealed firearms permits issued by the Maine State Police, firearms instructors and gun rights advocates say.
The number of people seeking concealed gun permits from the state police in 2009 was 5,706, an increase of 40 percent over 2008. Portland, the state's largest city, saw a 60 percent increase.
READ MORE