Clark Aposhian's office looks more like a classroom than a place to conduct business. Blue rubber handgun replicas sit on a table with folding chairs crammed around it. White boards with notes detailing the proper handling of a gun sit in the corner.

It's Aposhian's ability to educate even those who oppose concealed carry that gives him his power at the Legislature. That, and the ready ranks of gun-rights activists who can fill a committee hearing or inundate a lawmaker's e-mail in-box more quickly than just about any group.

The strategy's proof is in the policy. Lawmakers finally forced the University of Utah to allow concealed guns on campus and they defeated the Appeals Court nomination of Judge Robert Hilder, who made an unpopular ruling in that battle.

"We may not always agree, but he's available, informative, honest, and provides me with his perspective and expertise when I've asked for it," said Salt Lake Democrat Rep. Jennifer Seelig, who has taken Aposhian's concealed-carry class.

Aposhian, chairman of the Utah Shooting Sports Council, points to his ability to matter-of-factly educate lawmakers about unintended consequences of bills.

"I maintain a really good working relationship. It doesn't pay to have enemies," he said.