Gun Laws in CT

[bskillet]

I am possibly going to be moving from the Peoples' Republic of Illinois to Connecticut. I live out in the Western Chicago 'burbs where gun ownership is legal (mostly). I own a Stoeger Cougar 9mm and a S&W 627 PC (8 shot), and the Mrs. desperately wants a Kimber 1911 .45ACP (yes, she loves guns, yes, she knows how to use them, and yes, she loves the 45).

If I move to the Bridgeport/Stamford/Greenwich type of area, will I be able to keep my guns? What kind of regulations are involved in purchasing a new firearm? I assume, like most localities, that shotties are not a major problem unless they have pistol grips (I'm hoping to take up clay shooting some day).

What about concealed carry? I read on Wiki that CT is "shall issue," but there are a bunch of local qualifications on that supposedly.

Thanks,
BSkillet

 

[N003k]

The main concern is the AWB in CT. Heres a link to the text of it: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2005/pub/Chap943.htm#Sec53-202a.htm

Other than that, you're good. Your weapons sound fine, as far as shotguns go for the AWB this is the text for them:

(C) A semiautomatic shotgun that has at least two of the following:
(i) A folding or telescoping stock;
(ii) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;
(iii) A fixed magazine capacity in excess of five rounds; and
(iv) An ability to accept a detachable magazine;

As for the pistol permit, something important to remember is that you can't purchase a handgun in CT without one. Now, I'm sure there's a way to bring one INTO the state if you already own it, but I THINK (And don't hold me to this as I'm not positive on this aspect) that you have a time frame to get a pistol permit once you move here.

The permit process isn't too bad, basically take an NRA pistol safety course, and you're good, you go to a local PD/Sheriff's office/whatever, get a copy of the form, and fill it out. Now a thing to note here is it was recently ruled that while many towns DID have unique requirements, they can no longer deny you for not providing that information, they can only require up to what the state requires. (Info on that here: http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=6023f7975cfc040f5d86fce47&id=c5d7579463)

All in all, CT is one of the BETTER states in the North East (Not the best by far, but, not as bad as Mass, New York, or New Jersey.) And I do think you'll like it a helluva lot better here than Illinois.

 

[bskillet]

IL of course has no CCW unless you're a LEO. FOID card for purchase of a gun, but only a 3 day pistol waiting period, so not much different from CT. Obviously no handguns in downtown Chicago: Only rapists, gangbangers, and mafioso's are allowed to have guns inside city limits, and only if they make the requisite "donations" to the proper politicians and crooked cops (bribe $$$ is why Mayor Daley is fighting so fiercely to keep the gun ban). But SCOTUS is probably going to change all that very soon.

My other possible employment option is Orlando, FL. Used to live there. Shall issue, castle doctrine, no waiting period IIRC. Great state to live if you hate paying taxes, like seeing criminals behind bars, and love the second ammendment.

 

[N003k]

Oh, also forgot to mention on that note, CT has a 14 day waiting period (Picked up on day 15) but that's waived for anyone holding a Pistol Permit or a hunting license.

And also that the permit you get locally is only temporary, and you must go to the State police with it to fill out another form, get your picture taken, and get your actual permit. Which lasts for 5 years.

As for Florida, I made my first trip outside of the North East and still in the US down there back in April, Tampa area. I was surprised as hell to hear adverts for gun stores and could hardly go anywhere without seeing a billboard for a gunstore!

I'd personally rather stick to the North East though...thinking about Vermont in the future...but, hey, about to make a 2 week trip down to FL starting this Saturday, short term, I can definitly deal with the weather, and I certainly do like the political climate a heckuva lot more than CT's.

 

[beatcop]

http://www.ct.gov/dps/cwp/view.asp?a=2158&Q=294512&dpsNav_GID=1658&dpsNav=

 

[tominct]

I moved to CT from the Peoples Republic of Maryland about 2 years ago. Permits are easy or difficult, depending on the town. Trumbull, Monroe, and Newtown seem to have cooperative local LEOs, but some towns make applicants jump through more hoops than the state requires.

The only sticking point with mine was that I had very few local references, my neighbors didn't really know me, and I'm self-employed (no boss or co-workers to call).
After the sixth week, I got a call from the detective handling my application, looking for refs, and I gave him the name of a local attorney I'd done work for, and whom I knew was VERY pro-RKBA.
Got my town permit in 60 days, went to the local State Police barracks and traded it in for the state permit the following day.
You'll need to take an NRA pistol course with live fire, and then get your prints done locally and turn in your paperwork.

JUST REMEMBER..... Without your permit in hand, your pistol can't leave your HOUSE. No range trips, etc. Exception is while actually moving your guns with your household items to a new residence. As far as registration goes, there isn't any required for the guns you bring in from out of state. As long as you don't bring in anything that violates their AWB, you're good to go.

 

[bskillet]

I'm looking at Trumbull as a top candidate for a move. Any other towns in SW CT that are semi-cooperative?

 

[ConstitutionCowboy]

I'm not completely sure, but I think it's almost illegal to carry a Bible in Oklahoma without a back-up gun.

Woody

 

[19-3Ben]

ermits are easy or difficult, depending on the town. Trumbull, Monroe, and Newtown seem to have cooperative local LEOs, but some towns make applicants jump through more hoops than the state requires.

I grew up in Stamford and applied for my permit there when I turned 21 (literally that week). That was 5 years ago.

It was no problem at all. They didn't make me jump through hoops, pay additional fees, pat my head and rub my belly, etc.... nothing like that. I asked the cop if he thought it would be a problem getting the permit because of my age. He asked "you've turned 21 right?"
Me- "Yes, last week."
Him- "And there's no other reason for you to not have a permit?"
Me- "Nope."
Him- "Then why would it be rejected of there's no reason for you not to have it?"

By the way, Fairfield county is wicked expensive. PM or e-mail me. I've been around a lot of the state and may be able to help with non-gun related topics.

 

[Meta]

You really won't have much of a problem getting a permit anywhere in CT. It's almost a `Shall Issue' state. The state still retains some ability to deny an applicant on a discretionary basis, but it's hardly ever the case. As for SW CT, where you choose to live will mostly depend on how deep your pockets are. Prices can vary a great deal from one town to the next. Greenwich and Stamford are right next to eachother and you can expect to pay almost double for a comparable house in Greenwich. Then again, the schools are MUCH better and the taxes are MUCH lower in Greenwich than Stamford. Trumbull is nice, but a bit of a hike if you are going to commute towards NYC (to the Southwest of Trumbull). I-95 going that direction in the AM is TERRIBLE and just as bad going north in the PM. Keep that in mind as it will add a considerable amount to your commute times. Stay the hell away from Bridgeport! It's CT's sewer. Just about the worst place to live in CT. Crime, taxes, low property values. Also, parts of Trumbull are right next door to some bad areas in Bridgeport. Keep that in mind.
Generally speaking, the further you get towards NYC, the higher the property values- Stamford being the exception-where prices are still high but much less than Darien and Greenwich which border Stamford to the East and West. If schools are a concern, you may want to consider Greenwich, New Canaan or Darien. Top notch schools, as far as public goes at least.
Where are you going to be working?

 

[Hatterasguy]

All the towns in CT are the same as far as issueing pistol permits. They all just got slapped by the state for requiring more stuff on top of what the state requires. Now they can only ask for what the state requires and thats it.

Bridgeport is a 3rd world country, I wouldn't live their. If you are not family with Fairfield county RE prices get ready for a shock. Greenwich, Stamford, or Westport your not going to touch much for under $700k, Trumbull less than $400k-$500k.

Milford is nice, thats where I live. So is Monroe.

In general the closer you are to NY city the more expensive its going to get.

 

[CTGunner]

Bridgeport is a 3rd world country

The only reason for Bridgeport to be a destination is to catch the ferry to NY. Other than that, you are taking in your life in your hands. I moved to CT from the midwest a few years ago and while the process took considerably longer than my previous state, it was still reasonable. When you are looking for the gunshops/smiths in the state that have good deals, PM me and I'll give you the info I have. I don't know of any good shops in the SW corner of the state. Good luck with your move...my wife still hasn't taken to the East coast and constantly talks about moving back to the midwest.

 

[Meta]

All of you CT people, where are you from? I'm from Greenwich and it's always nice to network with other gun folks in the area.

 

[bskillet]

Generally speaking, the further you get towards NYC, the higher the property values- Stamford being the exception-where prices are still high but much less than Darien and Greenwich which border Stamford to the East and West. If schools are a concern, you may want to consider Greenwich, New Canaan or Darien. Top notch schools, as far as public goes at least.

Where are you going to be working?

If I get the job, I'll be working in Stamford. I'm thinking about taking the train from Norwalk every day, because where I'd work is like a 5 minute walk from the Stamford train station. I've mostly been focusing on towns with a Republican Mayor/First Selectman.

 

[Meta]

If you have the wallet for it, I would take a serious look into Greenwich. Either way, PM me when you move up here if you're interested in joining a private range or if you would like some help finding a place to live. My wife is a broker.