CHL permits rising as gun debate rages

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Gun instructors here in Central Texas expect President Obama's announcement to bring them a dramatic spike in people signing up for concealed handgun classes.

The classes are a growing trend for those who say they just want to protect themselves.

Michael Cargill owns Central Texas Gun Works, his stores not only sells guns but offers CHL classes.

Since the start of the rising debate on gun control, Cargill says his store stays busy.

"Our phones are ringing off the hook," said Cargill. "We get judges, we get attorneys, we get doctors all signing up for our CHL courses."

Cargill put up an online coupon with discounts for his CHL course, and in minutes the response was massive.

"We expect that we will probably sell 600 of those especially after the president's speech," said Cargill. "People are going to want to protect themselves."

The president's speech on Wednesday had gun enthusiasts fired up and tuning in to see what changes would take place.

Johnny Sermins drove to Central Texas Gun Works from Louisiana just to get his hands on a handgun that's sold out everywhere else.

"Where I'm from they don't have any Glocks period," said Sermins. "We had to drive all the way to Texas just to order the gun I wanted."

In 2011, the DPS approved nearly 144,000 license applications, and there are more than half-a-million Texans who currently have concealed carry licenses, and those are rising.

While some pro gun supporters agree change is necessary, for now Sermins says he's taking matters in his own hands and staying armed while he still can.

"I think we ought to address the problem of children getting killed in schools," said Sermins. "But taking guns away from people is not the answer."

Lawmakers will tackle at least two new gun bills at this years legislative session.

Both bills would aim to cut down on the amount of hours it takes to get a concealed handgun license in the state of Texas.