Article: Concealed weapons permits tapering off New law created bulge in '03 effects of measure debated.(News)

Byline: Kevin Vaughan, Rocky Mountain News

The number of concealed weapons permits issued in Colorado last year tumbled to its lowest level since 2003, when a new law created a uniform, statewide system for granting the licenses.

Local sheriffs issued 9,522 licenses in 2003, followed by 6,860 in 2004 and 6,279 last year. The high number of issued permits in 2003 didn't surprise one of Colorado's biggest backers of less-restrictive gun laws.

"It was on the front page of every newspaper, so it was no surprise that it dawned on people that, 'Hey, I can carry a gun now if I go out and get the permit,' " said Dudley Brown, director of Rocky Mountain ...

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