Guns, carry permits hot commodities for So. Georgians

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - The Chattanooga shooting rampage and other high profile murders are having an effect in South Georgia. Gun stores and probate judges are seeing more people arming themselves for self protection. 

The Lee County probate court office  reported 11 people came in today to apply for a gun carry permit, and most noted the attack in Chattanooga as one of the reasons.Gun stores in the Albany area say sales are strong.

Dawson Road Gun and Pawn owner Jason Sheffield said "We are definitely seeing a bit of an increase in the last week of so. "
The majority of the gun shop owners we contacted noted gun sales staying strong.

Georgia Loan and Gun owner Steven Drew said "Traditionally this time of year, the gun sales are a little soft.  But on line and across the nation, gun sales have been pretty consistent."

South Georgians, shocked by violent crimes, say they want to be able to carry a gun for self protection. Sheffield said " These violent crimes are shown on TV. It definitely raises people's sense of, I may need to get something to protect myself."

And it's not hunting rifles or shotguns that are the big sellers. Drew said "We sell a lot of self defense handguns and AR-15 type rifles, that sales are still strong."

Sheffield said "Our small little pocket guns.  The one's that are real convenient.  Easy to get to.  Maybe not as large a caliber or maybe not as easy to shoot.  Not as accurate, but they are a lot easier to access."

Ammunition sales have also reportedly continued strong, as South Georgians react to violent crimes by arming themselves, ready to protect themselves.The Lee County Probate Court says they have issued 484 gun carry permits or renewals so far this year.  Last year they issued 920 in all.

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