WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Concealed weapons permits on the rise in SC

Concealed weapons permits on the rise in SC

By WTOC Staff

BEAUFORT, SC (WTOC) - The number of South Carolinians applying for concealed weapons permits is on the rise. As of mid-October, more than 28,000 new permits have been issued by South Carolina's State Law Enforcement Divsion.

Last year, only 14,500 new permits were issued in all of 2008.

To qualify for a concealed weapon permit in South Carolina, you must

• Be a South Carolina resident or own property in the state
• Be at least 21
• Pass an eight-hour training course that covers firearms safety, state gun laws and live shooting
• Pay $50 and submit to fingerprinting and a federal background check

For more information, visit the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's website: http://www.sled.sc.gov/cwp.aspx?MenuID=CWP.

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