Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 18, 1995                   TAG: 9506210075
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

WHO WANTS THEM? WHO GETS THEM?

About one in five 1994 applications was a request for a renewed, two-year permit.

The oldest person to receive a concealed weapon permit in Western Virginia last year was a 78-year-old Wytheville man who is a retired deputy sheriff.

OF 459 APPLICANTS IN WESTERN VIRGINIA:

229 (49.9%) said they needed to carry a concealed weapon because of their occupation.

222 (48.3%) said they needed the permit because they often carried large sums of money.

162 (35.3%) said they needed the permit both because of their occupation and because they carry large sums of money.

55 (11.9%) said they felt more secure traveling for business and pleasure with a concealed weapon.

68 (14.8%) listed other reasons, including being home alone with small children, living in very rural areas and protection from rabid animals while hiking.

118 (25.7%) listed their occupation as being in the legal field. These include retired police officers, lawyers and private investigators.

30 (6.5%) were in health fields. These include home health care workers, doctors and rescue squad members.

26 (5.7%) were gun dealers, either operating stores or traveling to gun shows.

6 (1.3%) were members of the clergy.

Numbers add up to more than 100 percent because some listed more than one reason