SACRAMENTO (KPIX 5) – Gun rights advocates in California are cheering a court ruling that could allow more people to obtain a concealed weapons permit. Advocates estimate two million more Californians could soon get the permits.

The ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals shoots holes in requirements by some sheriffs. In some areas, permits are only given if a gun owner has “good cause” beyond self-defense.

Gun advocates told KPIX 5 that the court’s decision is a victory for the Second Amendment.

“Sometimes they’ll say, ‘You know, prove you’ve already been assaulted and then we’ll give you a license or prove how much money you carry or what kind of jewelry you wear,’” said Brandon Combs of the Calguns Foundation.

Wednesday’s ruling was an affirmation of a previous decision in February.

John McGinness of the California Peace Officers Association said, “More guns, more potential for problems.”

McGinness who was the former sheriff of Sacramento County used to approve concealed weapons permits. He admitted, “In my personal history, there’s never been a case in which a person who was issued a concealed weapons permit used that weapon improperly.”

The decision was issued by three judges. A spokesperson for the 9th Circuit Court said Attorney General Kamala Harris and the state can request the case be reheard by the full 11 judge panel, or can appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court.

[display-posts category=”trending” wrapper=”ul” posts_per_page=”6″]