Missouri law has permitted concealed carry of handguns since July 1, 2004. Kansans have been allowed concealed carry since July 1, 2006.
Don M. Pind, lead firearms instructor at Show-Me Shooters, 287 N.E. 69 Hwy., Claycomo, said demand for the course to qualify for state firearms licenses, as well the demand for firearms, has been brisk for the last six months.
“It started back in September,” Pind said. “That’s when it started picking up. In November, after the elections, it really picked up. Most of my students believe they would be grandfathered in and still be able to carry if the law is changed.
“Fifteen or 20 years ago when the Democrats had control of Congress and the White House, certain weapons were banned,” Pind continued. “A lot of people are afraid that’s going to happen again.
“Also, with the poor economy, the unemployment rate has gone up,” Pind said. “You see bad news every night on the news. You used to hear about violent crime. But it was never in your neighborhood. It was always somewhere else. But today it’s getting to be in everybody’s neighborhood.”
Pind said that more women are participating in firearms classes, not only to carry a gun, but to just learn to shoot, “I used to conduct two basic handgun training classes each month,” Pind said. “Now I’m doing about 10 or 12.”
Missouri law states that persons 23 or older may qualify for a concealed-carry handgun permit. In Kansas, persons must be 21. In both states, county sheriffs, the Highway Patrol and the FBI conduct background checks on applicants. Concealed carry handgun permits are denied to convicted felons, Pind said his concealed carry course, required in both Missouri and Kansas, lasts eight hours and includes the firing of a minimum of 20 rounds of ammunition by each class member. The course is designed to train concealed handgun permit applicants to observe weapons safety for themselves and others, The fee for the course is $125.
Pind said that he prefers that course participants bring their own weapons, but that Show-Me Shooters, where the course is offered, has guns available for use. He added that course participants are expected to have some firearms familiarity, such as military service, but that a three-hour basic orientation course is available for $75.
Pind has been a National Rifle Association instructor for rifle, pistol and shotgun since 1972. He was a firearms instructor for the U.S. Air Force from 1970 to 1974 at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita. He was range instructor for the Platte County Sheriff’s Department 1975 to 1989 and SWAT team member.
He is certified to teach Basic Pistol and Personal Protection by the NRA. He is certified to teach Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) in Clay, Platte, Jackson, Cass and Buchanan Counties, Missouri, and Concealed Carry Handgun (CCH) in the state of Kansas..
Pind said a rifle or shotgun can cost $400 up to $1,000 or more. He said Show-Me Shooters carries these firearms manufactured by Remington, Springfield, Colt, DPMS, Olympic, Ruger, Savage, Mossberg and Smith & Wesson.
He said handguns are available from $200 up to $1,000. Brands available at Show-Me Shooters are Glock, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Beretta, Colt, Sig, North American Arms, Taurus, Springfield and High Point.
