A growing number of area residents are putting a gun into a holster or a purse as they gather their keys and wallets and prepare to leave their homes.

Since 2004, law-abiding Ohioans who complete a 12-hour safety course and apply for a concealed carry permit have been allowed to carry a gun that is tucked away out-of-sight.

Approximately 1,000 Washington County residents have such a permit. More than half of those permits have been issued in the past year. Statewide, the statistics are similar.

Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks said the demand for concealed carry permits is fueled by concerns of more restrictive gun control. He said most people believe if they have a permit prior to any law change, they may be entitled to keep their permit.

"It's a general concern across the nation that there may be some political possibilities of more regulations on handguns," Mincks said. "It isn't just permits. People are buying guns and ammunition. For a lot of guns it is even difficult to find ammunition to buy right now."

Mincks said there are still some who want to carry a gun for protection. Since the law allowing hidden guns went into effect, he said there has been no incident locally involving a permit holder defending himself.

"I support concealed carry 100 percent," Mincks said. "We have not had any problems with the people from this county."

Carrying a gun in plain sight does not require a permit in Ohio.

Marietta resident Colin Boker, 23, said he hopes to get into a concealed carry class in the near future. He said he worries about laws being changed that would prevent him from carrying in the future.

"I think gun regulations is more of an issue for states to decide and the federal government should stay out of it," he said.

Boker said he wasn't sure how often he would carry a gun; but that he thinks he and others should have the right to carry. He said concealed carry is preferred because most people don't want to draw attention to themselves or advertise they are carrying a gun. Also, he said would-be wrong-doers are less likely to cause trouble if they don't know who might be carrying a gun.

In 2004, 342 Washington County residents were issued a concealed carry permit, which is good for four years. In 2008, 228 new permits were issued and 272 renewals were granted. Since January, 305 new permits have been issued in Washington County and 45 renewals were granted.

Through June, 158,000 Ohio citizens were licensed to carry handguns, according to Buckeye Firearms Association.

No major gun laws have been adopted or considered since President Obama took office.