AirForce Shooter: Well, as you know, permits are "restricted" in WC. Still are, and there's still is a bit of paperwork to get one: (4) references, must take 5 hour safety course, no record (duh!)--most civilians are restricted to "target and hunting", but that restriction has no basis in the state law--as I understand it, violating that is not even a misdemeanor---but an administrative violation. You'd most likely lose your permit, but that's it. (Providing you hadn't violated any laws as well. . ) First time permit applications still take about 6--8 weeks to process.
My range owner (former Mt. Vernon PO)offers new applicants a deal whereby he gives the 5 hour class, plus fills out all your paperwork, except the references, and submits it for your for $150.00. I guess that's a good deal for the paperwork challenged, but I didn't find it that big a deal. Course that was in the 80's.
Anyway, the real pain, is of course, you have to have your permit "amended" every time you buy, or sell, one of your handguns, since NYS registers them. However, my range owner tells me that this process is only taking about (2) weeks. (Except in summer, when many of the admin. judges take vacation.) My last amendment took about (6) weeks--that was 2 years ago. WC has gotten more organized--permits are computerized, with digital pics, and a digital thumbprint on the permits as well. So, it's still a pain, but it's a more organized pain-- if that makes sense. No doubt if NYS didn't make you amend your permits, I would own several more pistols than I do now, or at least would have tried more (bought then sold).
