THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 2, 1995 TAG: 9508010098
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
DATELINE: CARROLLTON LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
THE PHONE CONTINUES to ring at Guns Unlimited in Carrollton. And the shop's owner, J. Michael Dick, answers questions fired at him from the public about Virginia's new concealed-handgun law.
The law passed the General Assembly early this year and went into effect July 1.
Under this less-restrictive law, an application is filled out, a $50 fee is paid, fingerprints are taken and a criminal check is run - and then the permit is either denied or approved by a Circuit Court judge.
The questions come because most people don't know where to go to get an application for the permit, Dick says. Answer: Get them from the local Circuit Court Clerk's office.
The whole process takes about two weeks to complete, he says.
It's a good law in his view because he thinks it could reduce violent crime among strangers. ``Since no one will know who's carrying a concealed weapon, criminals may be less likely to confront citizens.''
But there are also some problems.
For those who are granted the permit, a gun safety course is required. But, Dick says, there are few handgun courses available. The closest thing is a hunter safety course, he says.
``And that's not sufficient for those wanting to learn about handguns. You're really talking about two different things. You will get some of the same basics in a hunting safety course. But there's a big difference between hunting safety and handgun safety.
``For example, how should a person feel before they shoot someone? They would have to feel that their life is in peril.''
Dick says he would like to offer a handgun safety course through Guns Unlimited taught by instructors that would include police officers.
That idea is still in the beginning stage, he says.
Name: J. Michael Dick
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? Native
Birthdate/hometown: Sept. 13, 1962, in Chesapeake
What's your fondest childhood memory? Anything involving my grandfather.
Marital status/children: Wife, Hope; David, 11, and Jamie, 1
Pets: Two dogs and one cat
What was your first job/worst job? Opening the pool at Churchland Swim and Racquet Club. Removing chicken litter from Perdue chicken houses.
Occupation: Owner of Guns Unlimited/Real Estate.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? United States senator.
Your favorite night out on the town: Dinner at Amory's or Lone Star Steakhouse and then take in a comedy club.
Favorite food/drink: T-bone steak and a beer.
Favorite movies/TV shows: ``Kelly's Heroes,'' ``Patrons,'' ``Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid''/``E.R.,'' ``Friends'' and ``Wings.''
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? Horseback riding and sailing at St. Kitts, West Indies.
I can't resist: Fresh-baked sweets.
Few people know . . . that I donated blood marrow to an unknown recipient.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? Buy a house in South Nags Head or St. Kitts. Travel the United States, Europe and the Caribbean.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? ``If you help enough people succeed, you can't help but succeed yourself.''
What do you think is the best thing about yourself? My ability to see issues and problems from all sides.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? A space shuttle astronaut exploring the last great frontier.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My children.
Something you wish to say but haven't: ``If people had a greater understanding of where they came from, they would have a better idea of where they want to go.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
KEYWORDS: PROFILE by CNB