Ranking 10thhighest in that nation for such firearms permits, North Carolina reached a high of 604,737 concealed handgun permits (CHPs) as of March.
The permits, which are granted for five years, are recognized in all counties within the state.
The number of CHPs was at 46,000 in 2000. The growth in permits also comes at a time when the state’s population has risen.
A local news affiliate in North Carolina offered information about the requirements for the permits