In Crime-Ravaged Memphis, Business At Gun Shops Is Good

Crime-weary residents of all ages, races and sexes are increasingly choosing to protect themselves by purchasing guns and learning to shoot them. Happiest about the trend are the owners of the city's gun shops.

1 minute read

November 20, 2006, 1:00 PM PST

By Alex Pearlstein

"Crime pays. Or at least it does for businesses dedicated to helping people protect themselves in a place rated the second-most violent in America, according to the FBI's national report for 2005. That report showed the Memphis metro area recorded 1,197 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, trailing only Florence, S.C."

Memphis' high crime rate is causing many residents to resort to new levels of self-defense. "In 2000, 3,916 Shelby County residents had handgun carry permits. Five years later, in 2005, that number had more than doubled to 7,838. This year, permits are on pace to hit 8,000."

Classes at shooting ranges are typically full, with some booked weeks in advance.

FULL STORY: In crime-pocked Memphis, the good guys -- and women -- get ready

Sunday, November 19, 2006 in Memphis Commercial-Appeal

Social / Demographics Tennessee

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