Back in 2004, Ohio started giving our concealed gun licenses to those who qualified. Since that time, the number of Ohioans carrying concealed handguns has skyrocketed.
"It's small, thin, compact," that's how Ron Miglesz describes his concealed gun.
"I would never be looking to use my weapon or even draw it," Miglesz said. "It's simply for defense, but if I need it, I've got it."
Miglesz is one of thousands of Ohioans who now carry a concealed firearm.
After a background check and 12 hours of gun training, he said he's prepared to use it.
"What if I just pulled a knife on you, how do you respond?," asked ONN's Jim Heath.
"Well, if you're far enough away, I'll let you know I have a gun and I'll probably go ahead and pull it out. It's as simple as pulling it out and the safety is on the side, and it's ready to go. If you're willing to pull a knife, I've got a gun," Miglesz explained.
Last year a record 56,691 concealed weapons permits were issued in Ohio. The previous high was 45,497 in 2004. Ohioans now carry nearly 200,000 concealed handguns.
Experts say they know why.
"I mean Eric Holder as Attorney General. Rahm Emanuel Chief of Staff. This is the all-star dream team for the anti-gun force being put in place," according to Ken Hanson from the Buckeye Firearms Association.
Hanson said President Obama's election, and cabinet picks, sparked massive gun sales early last year.
"You couldn't order guns in for four or five months after the election," Hanson said. "Just because the demand went through the roof."
While gun owners feared Obama would confiscate their weapons, Hanson said that has not been the reality.
"The National Parks bill is a great example of that. Bush had eight years to deal with that, and didn't even start looking at it until the last six months of his administration. Here we have the first six months of an Obama administration, and he signs a bill," said Hanson.
For Miglesz , the issue wasn't politics, but personal safety. And he has advice for those considering carrying a concealed weapon.
"Make sure you're willing to accept the responsibility of carrying it. If you pull it, that's a real problem."
