| The Calhoun County Sheriffs Department says they have issued 834 current concealed weapons permits.
In some West Virginia counties the applications for concealed weapons permits have tripled this year, a reaction to the national gun debate and gun right's activists who are fearful that the government is going to take or further regulate guns.
The Sheriffs Department said last year, about six permits were issued a month.
Since the gun debate escalated, earlier this year they were issuing 30-40 permits a month.
Permits expire after five years.
Gun permits are issued after the applicant takes a training class and passes a check to see if the person has been admitted for mental treatment or there is evidence the person has a drug or alcohol problem.
Following the mass slaying at Sandy Hook Elementary School and the debate to make back-round checks mandatory, or limit access to military-style assault rifles and large clips, WV legislators introduced at least 33 bills expanding or protecting gun rights of West Virginia citizens.
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