SIXTY THOUSAND WEST VIRGINIANS HAVE CONCEALED WEAPONS

(07/11/2008)
About 60,000 West Virginians have concealed gun permits, allowing them to carry a concealed weapon.

The Calhoun Sheriff's office says a large number of individuals are asking about taking a concealed weapons class, but finding instructors to come to the county is difficult.

The number of persons with concealed weapons permits in Calhoun was not readily available, although the number reported earlier was rather high per capita.

Twenty states now allow West Virginians with concealed weapons permits to legally carry hidden handguns within their boundaries, including all the neighboring states except Maryland.

The Legislature directed the state Attorney General's office last year to work out agreements with other states.

The Mountain State now has reciprocity agreements with 14 states.

That means those residents can also carry concealed weapons here if they have permits.