RHINELANDER - Nearly 140,000 people can legally carry concealed weapons in Wisconsin.

Thursday is the one-year anniversary of the controversial bill signed into law by Governor Walker.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice received more than 151,000 permit applications through the first year.

Mitch Mode owns Mel's Trading Post in Rhinelander.

He saw significant sales of small, concealable handguns over the past year.

"It spiked about 10, 12 months ago and tapered off now," Mode said.

"That's true nationwide though. We've seen a real pronounced increase on a national level of concealable type firearms."

Mode says there's been a mix of men and women looking to buy concealed weapons.

"Occasionally people come in and want to buy this [a gun], I don't want to use it unless I have to," Mode said.

"In that case, we say buy some pepper spray. Unless you're really familiar with that firearm, you should not be using it in a concealed carry."

Training continues to be important for anyone hoping to carry a concealed weapons.

"If people have never had a handgun, we caution them if they really want to buy a handgun," Mode said.

"In a concealed carry situation, you have to be very familiar with how that handgun works, be able to use it in a panic situation. Occasiionally people come in and want to buy this, I don't want to use it unless I have to. In that case, we say buy some pepper spray."

The business has shifted from away from weapons.

"The business has made a transition from initially from small, easily to conceal handguns. To now, more accessories, holsters, cases, purses."

For more concealed carry information use the links below.

Related Weblinks:
Concealed Carry Information

Story By: Matt Doyle