News 12 at 11 o'clock -- Saturday, September 4, 2010

AUGUSTA, GA. -- Some local gun shops like Shooters say business has doubled since a burglar was shot in Superior Court Judge Carlisle Overstreet's home.

With suspects like Franklin Wright on the loose, gun experts say it's important to know how to use a gun to protect yourself.

Range owners say people aren't just buying guns for the first time, they're making sure they know how to use them too.

For Candace Lynch and her daughter, Kara, Saturday was the first time they had ever shot a gun at a gun range.

"My daughter was the first time too and she was the only one who hit the target," Candace said. "It's exciting. I didn't expect it to be not as strong. I thought I was going to get up there and it was going to be really powerful."

It wasn't her husband, Dennis Lynch's first rodeo. He learned the power of the pistol less than a year ago, but now it's Candace's turn.

"I think it's really important to learn the correct way because you know accidents happen," Candace said. "You have to be protected and have to protect yourself and your family."

She's one of many signing up for lessons with shooting instructor, Frank Demato, she said.

"A number of people who were hesitant, who would come in and talk about taking lessons and buying a gun are flocking in and they are buying guns," Demato said.

He teaches them how to use all different type of guns, specifically the ones with an infrared scope. He says they help point out an intruder in the dark.

"In a stressful situation for somebody who is not trained, you're not going to have your grip proper and the gun is going to jam on you when some kind of drug crazed thug is attacking you," Demato said.

The fear of being attacked is leaving empty spots in the glass at gun shops as well at different shops like Shooters, said assistant manager Jason Burchfield.

"We're seeing a wider variety of people as far as where people live, their socioeconomic status, their degree of education," Burchfield said. "All these things are no longer a factor."

They say the main factor is safety and knowing how to defend yourself and your loved ones if you have to.

"It's important to know how to hold the gun because just one little slip and we get to have an accident," Candace added.

For those who are hesitant about guns, Demato recommends putting an old cell phone in a room you can get to and lock the door if someone breaks in because you can still dial 9-1-1.

Tasers, defense sprays and knives always are good too, he added.