As 2012 draws to a close, the controversy over gun ownership in this country is more intense than ever.
The tragic shootings in Connecticut, along with the promise of more scrutiny from the federal government has driven guns sales and requests for handgun permits up.
JOHN MARTIN, OWNER, SHOOTER'S DEPOT "In my adult lie I've seen this three times. The first time was when Clinton got elected, the second time was when Obama got elected and the third time is when Obama got reelected. And its fear. Fear that they are going to lose their right and ability to buy these products."
It was probably inevitable that an incident like the heart-breaking tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut would cause American's on both sides of the gun issue to re-act.
JOHN MARTIN, SHOOTER'S DEPOT "Our permits are up 60% versus two weeks ago."
After the president to set-up a group headed by Vice president Biden to study gun laws, the response in the tri-state was immediate. Dade county is processing 42 applications in the last 14 days...a 30% percent increase.
JUDGE JAN ELLISON, PROBATE COURT "The shooting of the children in Connecticut at the school there I think a lot of folks have gotten alarmed over the news that's been regarding the president is intending, maybe, putting some guidelines and restrictions on weapons."
The probate office handles requests for gun permits in Dade county.
JOHN MARTIN "One of the reasons that the numbers are where they are, is never before in the history of this country and probably the world...have we had so many females involved in the shooting sports."
JEANETTE BOHLMAN, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA "Good guys with guns are the only way to protect yourself in the world we live in today."
SARAH GEESLAN, CHATTANOOGA, HAS A PERMIT "I've went on vacation with my friends and its good to have it with me just in case."
With so many unresolved questions...like the sales of so-called assault weapons, more police checks, excluding hunters, and 2nd amendment rights the debate will likely continue through 2013.
Laws covering handgun permits vary from state to state.
Tennessee requires a certified course of instruction, while Georgia does not.
But each applicant must pass a criminal check..and the entire process takes more than 2 weeks.
