FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement reported a record number of background checks for firearm purchases this year. Gun experts recommend you do a background check on the business you’re buying your permit from, too.
Gun sales spiking across the country, doubling for Fowler Firearms and Gun Range manager Jon Dezendorf.
Some independent carriers are taking advantage of the peaked interest, offering to even come to your home, which begs the question: Is it safe?
“The thing is they have to be certified firearms instructors and there’s a lot of people around here that do teach it privately,” said Dezendorf. “Have little signs they put on the side of the road. It doesn’t mean that they’re not a legitimate instructor. But you do want to research the instructor.”
He says make sure if they have the proper certification from The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, they’re also following protocol like this, spacing, ear and eye protection.
“Safety is something you’re always going to be addressing for the rest of your life,” said Dezendorf.
He said this “at-home” service as advertised by independent gun holders doesn’t necessarily mean they come to your front door. When asked which is better, calling a number on a yard sign or going to a brick-and-mortar location, he says it’s up to how well you vet either.
“It’s not to say that it’s safer. It’s just to say that we are more well known. So as far as that’s concerned, you don’t have to worry about the safety when it comes to our business and my employees because they’re all certified to do this,” he said.
The Better Business Bureau says complaints about concealed carry permits isn’t an issue in the state. But, that’s a good place to start before getting involved with any business.
