The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Records Division has reported the number of pistol permit applications and amendments for the first two months of 2013 has increased by at least 30 percent over 2012 numbers.

Staff members said they’ve been handing out application forms “like crazy.”

There were 74 new applications during January 2013 compared to 28 during January 2012.

And there were 330 amendments to add firearms or update personal information filed in January 2013 versus 100 in January 2012.

As of Feb. 15, 311 amendments have been filed this month. Kathleen A. Larkins, the division’s head, said Thursday at least 50 more amendments had been filed since Feb. 15.

The demand has been so great the division had to close its window Thursday and Friday to complete routine payroll work.

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