| Updated: 1/03 10:09 am |
Published: 1/02 9:12 pm
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The FBI reports an unprecedented 2.7 million background checks for gun purchases were made in December alone.
The number of Oklahomans who registered for handgun permits last year more than doubled the number of applicants in 2011, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
"In today's time, you've got to be safe. You just got to be," said rapper Strapp Nasti.
Last year, over 46,000 people across the state felt the same way, but in 2011, fewer than 30,000 Oklahomans submitted applications for a license to carry a gun.
Over the past 12 months, 16 mass shootings have served as motivation. A shooting at a theatre in Colorado killed 12 people and wounded 58 others. Then, a gunman in Oregon killed two people at a mall before killing himself. In Connecticut, 26 people, including 20 small children, were killed at an elementary school before the gunman took his own life.
"I know that criminals are going to have guns regardless of the laws," said Strapp Nasti.
Strapp Nasti said that's only part of the reason he has guns.
"It's more of the fear that our rights are going to be taken away," said Strapp Nasti
All the talk of possibly regulating what kind of guns he can have. Already, he owns two .40-caliber handguns and an AK-47.
"Just fun to shoot at the shooting range," said Strapp Nasti.
He said it was an early Christmas present. He also told FOX23 it should be plenty of firepower to avert a bad situation. Even so, he's not done.
"I want a shotgun. I had one before and I think that's the best home defense weapon," said Strapp Nasti.
In Oklahoma, about 145,000 people are registered to carry a gun. The open carry law, which has been in effect since November, requires you to present your permit to law enforcement if asked.
Only handguns no larger than a .45 caliber are permitted and they must be in a holster if carried openly.
