There were 79,251 active concealed-handgun permits in the state through April, according to the Nebraska State Patrol. In addition, the patrol has processed 3,869 initial permits and 2,779 renewals through the first quarter of 2021.

Linda Holmstedt of North Platte is among that group. She has been a gun owner for two decades and got a concealed-carry permit for a sense of protection.

While she went through the initial classes to obtain the permit, she has kept up with training and safety.

She is one of Windhams students and was out at a range on Larry Goldens property recently.

When I first got (a gun) I was single, living by myself and didnt have a big enough dog to be serious (protection), said Holmstedt, who had a purple .22 target pistol with her. I just believe in the right to be a gun owner and to protect my property and own life.

Windham has taught classes for multiple individuals as well as one-on-one work with a single person or couple.

Ive had a husband-and-wife team come out here and a guy who just wanted a quick tuneup, Windham said. He had shot in the past so I spent about an hour with him. I just think everybody should get some type of training.

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Since start of pandemic, handgun sales have boomed in North Platte and nationwide - North Platte Telegraph