If you thought the elderly's weapon of choice was their knitting needle, think again. A growing trend reveals that today’s senior citizens are taking advantage of their Second Amendment rights just as much as younger generations.
One gun store in Georgia, Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range, has seen an influx of senior citizens eager to get their hands on firearms. Sandy Springs records show a 30 percent increase among seniors buying guns, or showing up for target practice. Even more telling are statistics from Dekalb County which show that out of 1,800 gun applications, 244 were over 55 years old.
Sandy Springs owner Mike Mers, for one, is not surprised by the trend.
“They watch the news, they see crime, they like to protect themselves,” he said. “So we’re seeing an increase across all age ranges.”
Why do these seniors feel the need to pack some heat? Because of favorable concealed carry laws and, more importantly, because they’re often easy targets for intruders looking for vulnerable victims.
The increase in senior firearms purchases comes at a period when the White House has announced plans to scale back Second Amendment rights for those who need help with Social Security. Under the provision, seniors unable to handle the benefits of their own accord would be placed on the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, the reasoning being that those with mental illness should not be in possession of a firearm. Some argue, however, that just because a senior needs help with paperwork doesn’t disqualify them from owning a gun.
The need for self-defense transcends age. Kudos to seniors for being proactive about keeping their families and their homes safe. I’d think any criminal would think twice before messing with a grandmother who had a Glock in her closet.