Instructors say concealed carry business still brisk

Concealed carry instructors in Illinois say business is brisk as tens of thousands of residents become licensed to carry the hidden weapons.

The (Crystal Lake) Northwest Herald reports 40,000 Illinois residents already have received concealed carry licenses and the Illinois State Police expect thousands more to apply.

Instructor Susan Parker says there was a boost in business in January, but said there's been a recent increase in interest in the training since the spring thaw.

The Illinois concealed carry law took effect Jan. 1, requiring applicants to complete 16 hours of instruction following a curriculum that's been approved by the state police.

The state is the last in the nation to allow the practice and officials have said they expect about 300,000 applications to be filed this year.