Madison Co. sees spike in gun permit applications - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

A rash of robberies this year has many locals looking for ways to protect themselves, their families, and businesses.

A lot of people are turning to firearms.

There's been a spike in the number of gun permit applications in Madison County this year.

Officials at the sheriff's department said they're averaging at least 100 new gun permits a day, and they said they're on track to give out more permits this year compared to last year.

Officials said in 2011 the sheriff's department approved more than 17,000 gun permit applications.

So far, this year alone they've allowed 16,239 gun permits.

Authorities said they expect to exceed last year numbers by several thousand.

Certified fire arms instructor, Tom Gargulinski, said many people buy guns for safety reasons.

They hope it will help protect them against criminals, but he said you also have to be responsible with your weapon because accidents do happen.

"The more information you may have, whether it be to load or unload, how to safely handle or even more advanced training, the better prepared you're going to be and the more confident you'll be with your firearm," he said.

If you're looking into getting a gun, be prepared to undergo a background check.

Gargulinski also suggested signing up for a gun safety class.

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