In Mo (rules changed recently) requirements are 1 8HR class (100-150$). During the class one must shoot 60 rounds of 22rim from a revolver and 60 rounds from a semi-auto @ 7 yards. Groups must be anywhere inside a large "torso" paper-target. The instructor photo copies the target and fills out a "pass" form (the ammo 120/.22 is included in the class fee).
Then, you take the form to the local sheriff, pay 90$ (as of 2014- 2013 it was 60$) get finger-printed and wait to receive an approval letter sent to home address. THEN, you go back to the sheriff show the letter of approval and get the permit, which is as sturdy as a grocery store receipt and looks like a photocopy of a photocopy. 3$ to have it lamented. It took about 10 days for the approval letter. A few people (fake/unlicensed CCW class teachers) were busted in the past few years for accepting the $$$, forging the 7 yard proficiency paper targets, lying about the 8 hour (state law) requirement for CCW Ed.
I like the idea of people having to show to an instructor that they know how to properly load/chamber/unload/un chamber their EDC/CCW. This may be to the ire of others on this forum- but it seems sensical to myself. As for the fingerprinting, of course my beef with that would be the potential for being "registered" into a fed. Database. The CCW permit lasts 5 years btw.
I live in a very populated area (3+ million). With so many new CCWs being issued and hearing+observing some horror stories e.g. A new CCW carrier walking into a LGS asking a question while casually pulling out a loaded/chambered firearm, /w finger on the trigger, pointed at the LGS salesman asking a question about recoil reduction...I see an obvious safety issue.
It's seems much different in rural areas, where ppl grow up around firearms and are aware of fundamental firearm safety.