Suffolk County, NY Pistol License

[Nathan Stackhaus]

I recently moved to New York State from south of the mason-dixon line to be closer to my family. I'm interested in obtaining a pistol license so that I can go target shooting (my understanding being that unrestricted carry licenses are all but impossible to obtain in New York State). I have a spotless criminal history, no hospitalizations for mental illness etc. it's just that I have heard a lot of horror stories about applying for a pistol license in New York.

I was wondering if anyone here had experience with the licensing process in Suffolk County. Is it difficult? How much time does it take? I am particularly interested in hearing about the "interview" that all prospective licensees are required to go through.

I appreciate any help and/or feedback.

 

[dadsluger]

Nassau County but similar

I got licensed in Nassau County a few years ago. I think the procedures are about the same. It took about 6 months from when I completed the application to get the pistol license. As you said, it is for range and hunting and not general concealed carry. They did call the 3 references who completed affidavits attesting to my "character." At the interview where the police officer fingerprinted me, he asked me: Why did I want a license? Were there children in my house? How did I intend to store my pistol? Who else would have access to the guns? Had I taken any shooting courses? I had been told by a licensed friend to avoid any suggestion that I wanted a pistol for self-defense. My answers to the questions were: To target shoot; Yes (I have children); In a hidden gun safe; Only my brother and I would have access; and I was planning to take an NRA course shortly. They cannot arbitrarily withhold a license from you. You have to say something that sounds like you might use or keep the gun illegally or unsafely. Good luck.

 

[Dominus]

Why not say you want the CCW for self defense?

On http://www.nysrpa.org/nygunlaws.htm

It has this about carrying:

A license to possess a handgun serves also as a license to carry unless restricted. If there are no restrictions written on the license, the licensee is permitted to carry a handgun, loaded or unloaded, concealed, on or about his person. An applicant for a license to carry must be required to show, in addition to the requirement for possession, that "proper cause exists" for the issuance of such a license; for example, for target shooting, hunting, or self-defense. The license can be amended to include one or more additional or different handguns. The licensee is required to carry the license on his person at all times when carrying a handgun. Possession of any "loaded" rifle or shotgun in a vehicle is illegal. A loaded handgun may be carried in a vehicle by a properly licensed individual. ("Loaded" means loaded in magazine or chamber. A loaded handgun means one for which the person possesses ammunition.)

 

[goldie]

make sure all your paperwork is in black ink or typed,& you will need some pages notorized. try not to make mistakes,they might make you start over,causing more delays.& most important,once the paperwork is filed,do not call them to see whats going on. its the worst thing you can do. just wait for them to contact you. i know people who did this & it kicked their permit back another 6 months.dont seem anxious,they dont like it.you may also need dispositions for any traffic infractions over the last 3 years,but im not positive since your just moving in.good luck....

 

[yellowsl]

it depends on what county you will live in to get a full carry permit.in ulster county it takes about 3 months but i think they only issue full carry i dont know of anyone having a restriction on there permit of just target.

i would consider one the countys in the upper hudson valley.the closer you get to the city the harder they make it to get your permit.

 

[avpro]

When I applied, you had to be a New York state resident for 2 years before you could even apply. I just read through the latest manual from SCPD and there is no mention of this requirement any more so maybe they have changed that. The whole process took 9 months for me. The interview was nothing big, they just go over your paperwork line by line to make sure everything is in order. I guess they want to see you face-to-face just to see if you are some kind of nut job.

I live in the Western half of Suffolk, so I had to apply with SCPD in Yaphank. If you live in one of the 5 Eastern towns of Suffolk, then you have to apply with the Suffolk County Sheriff. I think they are in Westhampton, but I might be wrong about that.

Either way, you will NOT get a full carry license in Suffolk county. I don't know anyone that has one. I think the "Sportsman" classification is the best you will get in Suffolk.

Good Luck.

 

[threewishes]

BTW: I got my License under an appeal. So don't give up. Its your right to own a firearm.

Lots of restrictions however. Let m e know if you need advise if you get denied.




--------------------------------
www.LongIslandFirearms.com
A place for Long Island Gun Owners.

 

[winston smith]

It varies greatly from county to county. In Orange we had a family court judge that like to put administrative restrictions like "only valid when target shooting", Ulster county now is a 'no restrictions' issuer. Details vary, but if you are serious, even in NY city all it takes is about a thousand dollars and a lawyer to get a permit.

It has nothing do do with you. Its all about THEM.