AUGUSTA, Ga. – Recently two people robbed at gunpoint in Augusta fought back. They both fired shots at the robbers. Both had something else in common, a concealed weapons permit.

Court clerks tell NBC Augusta 26 News the number of people applying for a concealed weapons permit has nearly tripled this year.

"It's scary to know how many people actually have a concealed weapons permit and the places that they can carry them now," said Angela Rice, Director of Richmond County Probate Court.

Rice says there's been a dramatic increase in the number of people applying for a concealed weapons permit. In 2007, 1,213 people received permits to carry a gun. In 2008, that number slightly increased to 1,229. From January of this year to April the court has already issued almost 1,200 requests, and the year isn’t half way over.

So why has there been an increase? Rice says there was talk that President Barack Obama was going to toughen gun laws so more people started to apply for a permit. But she says there's an even bigger reason.

"Most people are getting it for protection. Especially with the economy, it's given a rise to the increase,” said Rice.

"It's so dangerous. You don't feel safe in your own homes, with home invasion. I would get one today if I had the money,” said one Augustan.

Still yet not everyone thinks carrying a gun is the solution.
"I don't believe in carrying weapons. I was in Vietnam. People shot at me, I shot at them. If they don't shoot at me now, I won't shoot at them," said another Augustan.

It's a divided issue, but ultimately your own decision thanks to the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

It costs $40 to apply for a permit. You must have a picture ID and proof of residence in order to apply. You will not be granted a permit if you have a criminal history of assault or drugs on your record.