Posted: Jul 30, 2010 7:05 AM
Updated: Jul 30, 2010 2:25 PM
TUCSON - Arizona's new gun law goes into effect this week. It means if you are 21 and older, you will be able to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
Since permits are no longer required, training facilities that previously prepared gun owners for permits are learning to adjust.
"I've been a gun fan since I was a little kid," Martin Malkin said. He's one several gun owners spending a Wednesday morning at the Marksman Pistol Range.
For Malkin, the range is a place where he can perfect his skills.
"I just enjoy guns and using them for target practice," Malkin said.
That practice makes good business for Vinson Holck, manager at Marksman Pistol Institute. But Holck says the target here, is on something else.
"We do have an indoor range but our primary business is education, firearms education," Holck said.
One of the classes the facility teaches is the concealed carry weapon course, the class that used to be required if you wanted your permit in Arizona. As of this week, you no longer need the permit and Holck says less people are signing up for the class.
He is hoping gun owners will voluntarily enroll in safety courses, not only for his business, but also for themselves.
"I think people should get some kind of training, at least firearm safety," Holck said. "There's a lot of people who don't even practice shooting when they get a firearm," Holck said.
Holck says, overall, business is steady, but they are working to restructure other classes so they do not miss out on lost revenue.
"Will it impact the business, yes, to any significant effect, no," Holck said.
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