Defender Arms in Stealey deals primarily in handguns for defense and recreational shooting. Sales have increased in recent months due to the concealed carry law, owner Eric Satterfield said.
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The constitutional carry law, which went into effect on May 24, has affected the number of people seeking concealed carry permits slightly in some counties and more drastically in others, according to area sheriffs.
“It has only been a few months, so it isn’t a good indicator at this point,” Harrison County Sheriff Albert Marano said. “We are generally not as busy in the summer as we are during hunting season or the winter.”
There were 54 permits issued in June, 67 in July and 54 in August. June and August numbers were slightly down and July was about the same, Marano said.
“Several come in who already have permits and continue to renew them. The constitutional carry law is only while you are in West Virginia. Concealed carry permits allow you to carry in reciprocating states…