Illinois Officials Expect 400,000 Concealed Carry Applications in 2014

ALTON, Ill. (AP) - People planning to apply for concealed carry gun licenses are flocking to required firearms classes in anticipation of the January 5th opening of the application process.

The Alton Telegraph reports that instructors in southwestern Illinois say classes are filling up fast. Anyone applying for the license must have completed a 16-hour course from an Illinois State Police approved instructor.

In July, Illinois became the last state in the nation to approve a law allowing the public possession of a concealed firearm. Illinois State Police officials have said they anticipate 400,000 applications in the first year.