OSBI experiences large increase in gun carry license applications

The number of gun carry license applications has increased substantially in the past several months, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation reported today.

The week of Nov. 30, 2015, OSBI received 604 applications. Two months later, the week of Jan. 25, 2016, OSBI received more than double that amount – 1434.

The reasoning for this increase is a matter of speculation, since the application does not ask for a reason for applying for the license. However, during this time frame, several sheriffs across the state waived their $25 fingerprinting fee and encouraged their citizens to apply for a license as a means of personal protection.

This event could certainly have had an effect on the amount of applications received by the Bureau.

Below is the number of applications received on a weekly basis from Nov. 30 through the week of Feb. 1. Last week’s numbers will not be tabulated until the end of this week, but it could top 1,500.

Weeks prior to Nov. 30 ranged from 551 to 764 applications.

Nov. 30, 2015 — 604
Dec. 7, 2015 — 824
Dec. 14, 2015 — 702
Dec. 21, 2015 — 900
Dec. 28, 2015 — 744
Jan. 4, 2016 –1,178
Jan. 11, 2016 — 1,176
Jan. 18, 2016 — 1,182
Jan. 25, 2016 — 1,434
Feb. 1, 2016 — 1,712