Oklahoma Business Holds Firearm Safety Class For Clients

Recent shootings across the country have people clamoring for concealed weapon permits. 

One Oklahoma business wants to make sure clients getting a permit safely can use a firearm.

Wealth management and firearm safety don’t seem like they should go hand in hand. But the Waterstone Private Wealth Management representatives are making it work.

They say financial security is important, but so is personal security.

This is the first time Jennifer Dan has ever fired a handgun. Before firing shots, she and her husband first had to prepare themselves.

“There's so much information that I didn't know,” she said. “[It] has been very interesting; I’m glad we made it."

Gilbert Dan said, "To me it's been very enlightening; it's opened my eyes to more things."

They are just a few of the Waterstone clients taking advantage of a free five-hour concealed handgun course.

Melanie and Ken Grant own the financial company responsible for setting up the free course.

"Gun safety and the need for that is part of the common dialogue in the community,” Ken Grant said. “And really what we want to do is provide people with safety and security."

They say with the resent shootings across the country, their clients have been asking for advice not only for their finances but also advice on how to protect themselves.

“We started calling down the list, and within two days, we had it completely filled and we didn't even start to scratch the surface,” Melanie Grant said.

It's a move millions of Americans are already making.

Data from the Crime Prevention Research Center shows murder rates have dropped nearly 25 percent in the past decade.

Some contribute that shift to the rise in concealed carry licenses.

“I feel more confident,” Jennifer Dan said. “If I were to decide to carry the gun, I would be more confident about carrying the gun because I have the information I need."

Supporters argue concealed carry holders are law-abiding citizens. However, others argue concealed carry holders are a threat to safety.

In 2014, nearly 2 million new concealed carry permits were issued nationwide.