Requests for permits have skyrocketed and gun sales are rising rapidly. John Napierski Jr. of JoJo's Gun Works in Southington says sales are up almost 300 percent, and that many of his customers are women.
Lisa Donahue lives in Oakville, and on Monday she was looking for a permit to buy a handgun. She's hoping it will only take a matter of days. Donahue says guns have been in her family for generations, and that she wants to own one for sporting competition.
But others say they're worried about safety. Kristin Lestorti of Waterbury says as a single woman living alone, it's all about safety. She also is looking for a permit to buy a gun.
Overall, Napierski says people are worried about new federal laws taking effect that would make it more difficult for them to get permits.
Backing up the anecdotal evidence, local police are reporting large numbers of requests for permits in Southington, Meriden, Wallingford and in other surrounding towns. Under Connecticut law, however, police are not allowed to ask a person why he or she wants a permit.
Meanwhile, Napierski says he does not see any letup in the near future. Not bad in a tough economy.
