A copy of our newest report is available here (please download). Copies of our annual reports from 2014 through 2020 are available here.
Abstract
During the Coronavirus pandemic, the number of concealed handgun permits has soared to over 21.52 million – a 48% increase since 2016. It’s also a 10.5% increase over the number of permits we counted a year ago in 2020. Unlike gun ownership surveys that may be affected by people’s unwillingness to answer personal questions, concealed handgun permit data is the only really “hard data” that we have. This increase occurred despite 21 Constitutional Carry states that no longer provide data on all those legally carrying a concealed handgun because people in those states no longer need a permit to carry.
John R. Lott, Jr. and Rujun Wang, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States: 2021,” Social Science Research Network, October 6, 2021.
These numbers are particularly topical given that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the concealed carry case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association V. Corlett in November. That case will determine whether those requesting permits need to provide a “proper cause,” which means a good reason for obtaining a permit.
Florida data available here. Increased to 2,459,530 on December 31, 2021, down from 2,522,322 on June 30, 2020
Indiana data is available here. Increased to 1,170,365 on January 1, 2022 up from 1,120,144 on July 2, 2021.
Michigan data available here. Increased to 771,519 on February 1, 2022 down from 775,802 on July 1, 2021
Nebraska: Mid-December 2021 there were 85,198 active concealed handgun permits up from 82,531 on July 1, 2021.
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