By David Fleet
Editor
For more than 40 years area resident Ken Davis has carried a concealed weapon.
“It’s been necessary for me due to the way the world is today,” said Davis, 78. “I’ve got a friend in my pocket that I can count on.”
Davis is just one of about 600,000 concealed pistol license holders in Michigan according to data compiled by the Michigan State Police. That’s about 6 percent of Michigan’s adult population. There are about 78,000 CPL holders in Oakland County and 28,000 in Genesee County as of June 1.
The number of concealed weapon holders may change if some lawmakers have their way.
Legislation enabling law-abiding citizens to carry concealed pistols without obtaining a government-issued permit was approved by the House Judiciary Committee on May 30. The legislation will now go to the full house for consideration.
Supporters like Davis say under current law, a person without a concealed pistol license could be legally carrying a gun openly on his or her hip and merely putting on a coat makes them in violation of the law.
“I don’t like to carry (a gun) open—I just don’t want to draw attention,” said Davis. “I don’t really want people to know I’m carrying a gun.”

Davis also supports the change in the concealed weapons law to save the taxpayers money.
“As long as there’s a background check and it’s a responsible adult, I see nothing wrong with a concealed weapon,” he said. “In my years I’ve never used or had the opportunity to pull my gun out.”
State Rep. Triston Cole (R), who represents Antrim, Charlevoix, Otsego, Montmorency and Oscoda counties introduced Michigan House Bills 4416-4419. The proposal would eliminate criminal penalties for those who carry concealed pistols without permits, effectively lifting the requirement in most parts of the state.
State Rep. John Reilly, R-46th District which serves Brandon along with Oxford, Addison, Orion and Oxford townships will support the legislation.
“The right to self-defense is a natural right, enshrined in the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Michigan,” said Reilly. “The U.S. Supreme Court has also ruled that the Second Amendment protects ‘the individual right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation.’ This legislation says that those who already may lawfully carry a handgun out in the open may now also carry it in a concealed manner. This is a much safer way to carry a handgun as those who would commit crimes would not know that a potential victim is armed.”
Michigan law does not expressly allow open carry, but courts consider it legal because there is no prohibition in state statute.
Tonya Bory is manager of Hunters In Sight Firearms, 950 M-15, Ortonville. The local business has sold handguns, long guns along with ammo and reloading supplies for about the past three years.
“I understand both sides of the concealed weapon issue,” said Bory. “About 15 percent of people who come into the store to buy a gun for the first time are confused about the laws. They have a lot of questions regarding gun handling and permits needed to carry in Michigan.”
Bory emphasizes providing sources for safe handling, training classes and understanding the law.
“We take the time to educate gun owners,” she said. “There are a lot more hand guns in communities than people think and it’s not just for protection either. They love the sport of competitive shooting and are very conscientious. Not everyone is a gun-toting outlaw.”
Currently the concealed pistol permit costs $100 to obtain and $115 to renew every four years. In addition, a fingerprint fee and training classes fees are also required.
Oakland County Undersheriff Michael McCabe did not return calls for comment as of presstime.