3 Sworn Statements of Moral Character for a Pistol Permit?

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Bear2000

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I live in Orange County, North Carolina. In order to purchase a handgun, I need to first buy a pistol permit for $5.00 from the County Sheriff. Fair enough, I guess. But part of the application process is getting three sworn statements from non-relatives that I am of good moral character and can be trusted with a handgun. I'll get them - it won't be a problem. But it's a bit annoying, especially since I need to drag my friends and neighbors down to the notary.

Is this normal? It seems a bit onerous to me. And the processing can take as long as 30 days.

This is all in addition to federal background checks, which I personally (hope this doesn't get me in trouble!) don't have a problem with so long as they are quick and efficient. But getting three sworn statements seems a bit excessive. What if I were new to town and/or a recluse?!
 
It is not normal for NC.

I was unaware that could be done, but then again Orange and Durham counties have stretched the laws about as much as they can to make it difficult for gun owners.

Just another reason to get a CCW permit.
 
you think that's bad-
my bill came to $101.00, 11 for the application, and 90 for the background check and fingerprinting. plus I had to have four sworn statements of "good moral fiber."
and it takes 6-8 MONTHS for them to return it to you.
 
That's not normal for my county, but I'll bet Orange County is dominated by Chapel Hill politics.

The last time I got a purchase permit in Guilford County (which was a few years ago now), I just went to the sheriff's department, asked the lady at the pistol permit desk for a couple permit forms, filled them out, handed them back to her along with $5 for each one, and waited five business days. My purchase permits were ready when I came back the next week.

If it's too much of a pain, just get your concealed handgun permit, and don't bother with the purchase permits ever again.
 
I was told by an Ace Hardware sporting goods dept. clerk that when he bought his first handgun, many years ago, he had to find 3 people who would vouch for him to get a pistol purchase permit. I don't remember how long ago that was but that would really suck. I don't even like having to pay $5 and I look forward to my CCW coming in soon here so I won't need them anymore.
 
The problem is that the Sheriff must issue the permit, if there aren't any legal reasons not to. So various Sheriffs make up all kinds of hoops you have to jump through. Just get a NC CCW and you won't need a permit to purchase from the Sheriff. I used to be a Deputy so I know how some of the Sheriffs can be, the permit system gives them more power. The NC Sheriff's Association fought the CCW law when it was passed.
 
More of the racist roots of gun control. "Three sworn statements of character" means "You know three white people".
 
I predict a day when one will need letters from 200 of their closest friends... :rolleyes:

Um, I had to get 3 letters up here in CT for my Carry Permit. :barf:
 
Unfortunately, NC state law leaves the requirements for a pistol permit up to the sheriff (a legacy from the Jim Crow era), and some sheriffs make up silly hurdles in order to make the process as discouraging as they can.

And what constitutes "good moral character"? No tattoos? Teetotaler? Wears golf shirts and Dockers instead of baggy jeans? Sexual practices line up with those of the sheriff?
 
The only letters of "good moral character" I have to show down here were penned by the US Treasury and include portraits of past presidents.

Even our carry permit doesn't require that. (as best I recall) ... though my county sheriff required references before he'd sign on any Class-3 transfers.
 
It would be interesting

To see a lawsuit about this (letters of reference) problem.
We as a society move around a lot, I know very few people here in Reno, I don't know if I could find 3 people to write a letter for me.
Why isn't there the same process when it comes to owning a printing press?
 
Is this normal? It seems a bit onerous to me. And the processing can take as long as 30 days.
Click to expand...
I go to my dealer, point, say "that one, Will," let him swipe my card, and I'm on my way to the range. Usually with a coupon for a free session, and a recommendation as to which ammo to use.

I think the 4473 is onerous, but at least it's not my state imposing it.
 
I live in Stokes County and here you have to fill out paperwork with 3 non related references who live in the county, get a criminal record at the clerk of court ($10) and turn it all in to the Sheriffs Office. They check it while you wait, get the Sheriff to ok it and sign your permits. You can get 2 at a time and they are $5 per permit. So in and out in an hour with cost of $20 for two permits. Not too shabby. Forsyth below us has a 7 day waiting period before you can pick them up.
 
Intrepid - I was reading your post and thinking that "Wow - they offload a bit of work to you, but they sign off right there... not too shabby." Then I saw "two at a time" and was a little confused. Then I picked up that this was not the procedure for a carry permit, but for permission slips to purchase. :-(
 
In order to purchase a handgun, I need to first buy a pistol permit for $5.00 from the County Sheriff. Fair enough, I guess. But part of the application process is getting three sworn statements from non-relatives that I am of good moral character and can be trusted with a handgun.
Click to expand...

What part of "...shall not be infringed..." do they not understand?


What do the three sworn statements prove? I bet even Michael Vick could find three people to say what an upstanding citizen he is.
 
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