It seems that every time more liberal access to firearms and the ability to carry one is proposed, the gun grabbers respond with lies and huge amounts of fear mongering. We’ve all heard the cry “there will be blood in the streets,” “shootouts will become the norm.” Nonsense, pure unadulterated Nonsense. A 
newly released study from the Crime Prevention Research Center adds to the body of evidence that the most law abiding among us are concealed carry permit holders.
The study looked at crime rates in the state
s of Florida and Texas; each of these states have over a million CCP holders. The study also asserts that the results can be applied to the rest of the nation. Having been instructing CWP classes in 
Montana for a decade and knowing thousands of students, I do believe that assertion is appropriate. Here is a quick recap of the study’s conclusions.
During the time frame considered, the
overall crime rate for the general population was 3813 per hundred thousand people. For police, it was 103/100,000 officers, and 16.5 firearms violations occurred per 100,000 
LE officers. The rate of firearms violations for concealed carry permit holders in Texas and Florida was 2.4 per 100,000. This was only 1/7 the rate of police and a miniscule fraction of the general population.
I have seen other studies that showed similar res
ults, but this is the most through research I have read to date. CCP holders are among the most law abiding among us. They don’t get speeding tickets, DUIs, 
or even parking tickets. They believe in the rule of law and understand that they are the ones who are truly responsible for their own safety and the safety of their families and their communities. These are decent honest folks who wish no one harm and live their lives quietly, with respect and consideration for others.
When the next onslaught of “common sense gun control” comes, believe me it will; ask why we should fear the most law abiding among us and how harassing not only CCP holders but all lawful gun owners will make any of us safer. Remember by definition, it’s criminals who ignore the law, not we, the decent, law abiding citizens of this nation.
Be safe and good shooting.
Colonel Smoothbore
www.guncoach.net
