Local gun shop sees spike in concealed-carry class
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IDAHO FALLS – More people in east Idaho are seeking concealed weapons training after the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, according to local Guns and Gear management.
CEO Pete Italiano says this follows a trend as more consumers seem to purchase firearms following a dramatic shooting or an attack.
“When anything bad happens you do start to see some trends where folks come in starting to look for firearms or looking for training,” Italiano says.
Italiano says training has led to packed sessions of concealed-carry courses.
“The concealed-carry class is getting busier and busier. I’ve been doing three a month here at the store,” Italiano says. “I usually run anywhere from 12 to 15 students. In the last two weeks we’ve filled all the courses.”
Customer Colton Baird recently took a basic handgun course. Although he’s been shooting for many years, Baird says there’s a lot learn in firearm training.
“I thought I was pretty proficient at (shooting) but there are just a ton of things (to learn) whether it’s how you function the guns to how they work themselves,” Baird says.
Steve Zimmerman, Guns and Gear range safety officer, says it’s essential for anyone who owns a gun to know how to handle it.
“I think it’s important if people are buying firearms to be trained and understand and know what they have and how to use it,” Zimmerman says.
Zimmerman says the change in weather also increases the number of people who come out to train.
“It’s seems like the colder it gets outside the more people want to come use the range, which will also increase class attendance, class scheduling,” Zimmermann says.