New GAO report: there are over 8 million concealed handgun permits in US

From the new report:

According to state reporting, there were approximately 8 million active concealed carry permits in the United States as of December 31, 2011. . . .
This number is an estimate based upon state reporting to GAO. Given that many states reported approximate numbers and some states that issue permits were unable to provide the number of permits, the number is likely understated. 

Earlier this year I had argued that there were about 8 million permits.