another asipring newbie...

[ithacaartist]

Thanks, Doug, et al.
Here's a bit more on the NY permit process:
First, I filled out a form and paid $10 to get my application, on which I'd listed the names of the others in my household, and the usual personal info.
The form itself is on 8 1/2" x 11" card stock, the back is for fingerprints. After personal and vocational info, we choose among "carry concealed", "possess on premises" and "possess/carry during employment"
Next is space to fill in illegal stuff you got caught at, beyond traffic tickets, and its date(s) of disposition and jurisdiction.
Moving along, we can fill in about being fired or militarily discharged, our alcohol & drug use, mental health hospitalization, revoked pistol or dealers license, physical limitations pertaining to safe operation, or whether involved with family court.
Now comes the space for four required character references. They must be county residents over 21, but not Shreriff's deputies or elected/appointed officials, immediate relatives of mine, or members of my household.
I moved from Tompkins County to Schuyler County last summer. The county line is about 200yds. up the road. This is a blessing, in that Schuyler County is reputed to take less time in processing and for being better for granting permits. This is a curse as well, for me, because though I've spent almost 40 years in the area (Seneca, Tompkins, and Schuyler Counties), I've lived mostly near Ithaca (Remember Ithaca--deemed USA's "most enlightened" by the Utne Reader, also referred to as "10 square miles surrounded by reality"), consequently most of the people I could use for the 4 required personal references do NOT live in Schuyler county.
So I'm scratchin' to find my four, finding some have moved away, have no phone, or in the case of two, chose not to be involved with the task. Nothing against me, they said...just didn't like guns. But I guess asking a question such as this is an opportunity to get to know someone a bit better, even if you've known them for over 30 years.
The County Clerk's office charges $10 for taking four 2"x2" pics of me, if I don't bring my own (30 days' recent)
After the originals in black ink and in duplicate are sworn, off they go!

New York City is another matter entirely. The NY Permit in any variation is not valid in NYC or Nassau County. You're not packin', are you, Clark?

[sheepherder]

In my county in NYS there is also an interview, on your premises, by the local LEO. They will want to talk to all members of your immediate family (who live with you). They will also want to see the place where the pistol will be secured. (Must be locking). These are sheriffs or your town/city police who are given a wad of applicants to interview when time permits.

The photos and fingerprints must be done by the local investigating LEO.

It's been many years since my background check & interview & all other stuff was done, but IIRC it took about nine months...

Edit: They do not want to hear the term "home defense" or "self defense". You want it for hunting, or shooting sports, or recreational use...not defense...

Edit2: I forgot; there is now a required Pistol Safety Course from a licensed instructor, I think it is a 4 hour course and a ~$10 fee...You must complete the course before buying a pistol...Also - You must have actually bought a handgun *before* starting the application process...You can't possess it, but you need the receipt from the dealer/seller...(I don't know the rationale of this)...

And all permits in my county (maybe all NYS?) are concealed carry.