California CCW: Anyone got one?

[FreeLancer]

Wondering if I could get some feedback from any Californians who have been successful in getting concealed carry. 

I live in the county that supposedly issues more permits than the rest of the state combined, but after looking at the application packet requiring letters of reference, statement of need,  intensive background check, 6-12 month wait, etc., I'm not eager to put all that effort into it only to get shot down and then have to report being previously denied when I apply again in the future.

And, no, moving is not an option.

[USMCAllen]

In my county in Cali the sheriff put out a statement that could be summed up as "if u want it come get it"

Still tHe processors is a hassle and the papers are still at home yet to be filed.

[FreeLancer]

I'm in San Bernardino County and the papers are gathering dust as well.  Where are you, if you don't mind my asking?

[USMCAllen]

Shot you a pm

[Dangerous Dan]

I did some work for a musician here in Nashville that just moved from Cali.  He made it sound like it was easy to get. Maybe you need to have your "manager" file the paperwork for you and tell them your an entertainer.

[FreeLancer]

I did some work for a musician here in Nashville that just moved from Cali.  He made it sound like it was easy to get. Maybe you need to have your "manager" file the paperwork for you and tell them your an entertainer.

I've always suspected that it had more to do with having the right "connections" than anything else.  That's why I'm fishing here on the forum to see how others might have done it.

[scott]

Here in Sacramento county our new Sheriff (Scott Jones) has made it public that he will issue freely.  Which hasn't got the positive media attention it should.  We have been under the crony loving thumb of McGinness whose opinion on concealed carry was very different so the general mindset here is that you (the little people) can't get one. 
It is said to be very different now, I've yet to give it a go.  Applications are way up and so is issuance so it seems Jones is legit on this issue. 

[Alpha Mike]

There are a hand full of county sheriffs that are pro "shall issue" CCW's. Most counts are not.  It requires connections (contributions to the sheriffs campaign fund) to get one. 

[FreeLancer]

Disappointing....I had hoped someone on the forum would have been successful, as I need some motivation to start the process.

[Greywolf27]

I know of a few people who were successful at acquiring their CA CCW's.

I do know that we need to have our reps vote for SB 610, this would streamline the process... make CA more of a shall issue, instead of a may issue.

Link to the NRA article here:
http://nramemberscouncils.com/legs.shtml?summary=sb610&year=2011

[16onRockandRoll]

Go for it.  San Berdo Co is known as being pretty good about issuing.  Its a hassle, but partly because they are all busier than ever because so many people are applying.  It's usually a long process, so get it started sooner than later.

[UA8]

On a side note does anyone have any experience with Sonoma county? I may be living there some point in the future and would like to know what I'm in for ahead of time.

[Greywolf27]

If I remember correctly, Sonoma is one of the "nicer" counties.  Not quite as nice as Kern (issued more CCW's then all other counties combined, IIRC)

[Kevinoman0221]

Sonoma County native here - I looked into it a while back and found this helpful map:
http://www.calccw.com/Forums/county-faq/7158-county-map-california-ccw-issuance.html

It shows which counties issue and which don't. Actually, a surprising number of California counties seem to give permits to anyone who asks for one. Unfortunately, Sonoma is not one of them...

Having the permit from any county allows you to carry concealed anywhere in the state, so if your residence was in, say, Lake County, you should be able to get your permit there, and still carry concealed in Sonoma County. The commute is a little rough, but you wouldn't be the only one doing it.

Property prices in Lake County are a lot lower than Sonoma, but the job situation is a lot worse too.

[FreeLancer]

Well, I'm now about 2/3rds of the way through the process, with the biggest hurdle, the background check, behind me.

I've been writing about the ordeal on this other thread, for those who might be interested:  http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=56630.0

[FreeLancer]

I just completed my first renewal, which must be done 45-90 days prior to expiration, and got the new 2 year card in the mail this weekend.  Not as painful as the initial, but still not easy.  Cost was about $125 and a mandatory afternoon class, plus fill out the entire application form including the statement of need and go through a mini interview with a deputy.  Didn’t have to qualify at the range, though, since I didn’t change the three guns on my card.  Adding or switching a gun requires a range day for weapon inspection and qualifying, and the changes can only be made at renewal time.

The number of CCW holders in my county is over 8500 and the sheriff has four deputies doing background investigations full time, and it sounds like the sheriff’s commitment to the CCW program remains strong.

[armymars]

 When I applied for my CPL here in MI I also had to have two reverance's. I put down my son and wife. the cleric looked at my wife and said " and how did your husband treat you on Christmas ".