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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- They come in all shapes and sizes: pistols and other handguns.  Certified arms instructor David Churilla spends a lot of time teaching people how to properly defend themselves with these weapons.

A good amount of his clients are women and minorities.

"And there's been an increase, I believe, in daytime crime," said Churilla.  "A lot of home invasions occur in the daytime, people are upset and scared."

Anyone who wants to obtain a concealed weapons permit in South Carolina must fill out a SLED application, then take an 8 hour course with an instructor like Churilla.       

"Heavy emphasis on safety and storage of the weapon, maintenance of the weapon in the course," adds Churilla.  "The person walks away with a good understanding of what the weapons are and how they work."

Since your right to bear arms is guaranteed in the Constitution, Churilla says you don't need a concealed weapons permit to have a gun in your home.

"Of course we always advocate keeping it under lock and key if there's any children around, or any possibility of children being around, and you can carry one in your car without a license, loaded, in the glove compartment, center console or in the trunk."

However, there are certain places even concealed weapon holders can't bring their guns.  They include:

- Police, sheriff, or highway patrol station or any other law enforcement office or facility;
- Detention facility, prison, or jail or any other correctional facility or office;
- Courthouse or courtroom;
- Polling place on election days;
- Office of or the business meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special purpose district;
- School or college athletic event not related to firearms;
- Daycare facility or pre school facility;
- Place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law;
- Church or other established religious sanctuary unless express permission is given by the appropriate church official or governing body; or
- Hospital, medical clinic, doctor’s office, or any other facility where medical services or procedures are performed unless expressly authorized by the employer.

What do you think about South Carolina's gun laws?  Vote in our poll below and leave a comment.