That's 683 more than the number issued in January of this year, and 3,534 more than February of last year.Gant says the number of permits issued is breaking all previous records.  Here in Rapid City, the number of people taking pistol handling courses is increasing as well.  Bill Kotila says, "Well the class that's starting this month normally in March and April we were on one class. We're going to run two classes simultaneously because there was so much interest in that basic handgun course that we're going to have one running in the evenings and one running on weekends."  In South Dakota, a person doesn't need a permit to purchase a handgun. But he must get a permit to carry a handgun concealed, on his person.  Why the upsurge?  It's probably not because people are suddenly feeling threatened by a sudden increase in crime.  Instead people are probably feeling threatened by what's happening in Washington.  Bill Kotila says, "Well, the whole threat of more gun laws has caused people to become concerned. Firearms sales are at record levels. And at the same time, people say, well, if I'm going to get gun, if it's a self-protection gun, you need to carry it."  Gun manufacturers are having difficulty keeping up with demand for guns. Ammunition is still difficult to get hold of in some calibers. Salesmen say ammunition is flying off the shelves at guns stores.

Al Van Zee