CHARLOTTE -- With the growing concern of rising crime comes an increasing number of gun sales across the state. One gun shop owner says the sales are driven by self defense.

"I'm sick of looking at old people like myself getting knocked down for no reason," said new gun owner Ruth Lloyd. "I want something to protect myself.”

Charlotte area gun shop owner Larry Hyatt says the first quarter of this year might have been the busiest in the history of his business. He says the rise in sales has been driven by self defense.

Faith Lampkins says that’s exactly why she's looking to purchase a second firearm.

"I am from the Bronx and believe it or not, I was never worried about it in the Bronx but in Charlotte, I just think the crime rate has been rising lately," she said.

Lampkins isn't alone. Gun instructor Roger Ayscue says more people are coming to him for help. Classes that used to be geared toward hunting are now designed for protection

"They want to feel secure in their homes, which is something they don't feel right now," he said.

Hyatt also says he's seen an increase in women and elderly people buying guns.