i LIve in california what do I have to do to get a CCW???
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Honest advice?..
Get a firearm, be comfortable with it, try few dry fire sessions. Go to the range, find firearm Instructor, take few basic classes.
Once you know you are able to accept responsibility for every round coming out form the barrel - find CCW course. I hope California Members will post some good locations. 
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Thanks Jerzy!
^^^^^this
Hello and welcome @Eugene52
Not a CA member but do work there occasionally. It is not the simplest process out there. In some counties you cannot get a permit unless you are rich, famous, or bribe the local sheriff.
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Assuming you mean CCW permit. My humble opinion is you have to first want to save lives. Welcome to the community.
Thanks for the advice Jerzy
Check out the USCCA Reciprocity Map for your state
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/ca-gun-laws/
This includes âlicense informationâ and âapplication processâ sections with links.
Hope you live in a good county
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In California, call your local Sheriff or Police Department. Most gun shops will have the number to call for the officer in charge of such things. They can fill you in on the local situation and schedule an interview.
Youâll need a gun and a CCW class. In CA your gunâs serial number is on your CCW license so itâs a good idea to settle in on a make/model/caliber which you can shoot well before further pursuing your CCW
Good luck!
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Which county? Each county website has detailed information.
For example, in Santa Clara, check this out https://countysheriff.sccgov.org/concealed-carry-permits-ccws
or pay to play
âUnprecedented:' Santa Clara County DA Sounds Off on Grand Jury Corruption Accusations Against Sheriff
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@Eugene52 Welcome to the community and hope youâll enjoy all the input and advice as you can see itâs already coming in so take advantage because youâre at the right place, and the right time. For starters know California gun law as Nathan57 stated. Donât be shy about anything you need to know, there are MANY MEMBERS in the community COAST TO COAST to help you out in any way. Stay safe, stay in touch!
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Yep, the best advice right there
Thanks Ronald 150, great to be aboard!
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I live in Los Angeles County! Thanks for the info BeanCounter!
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Thanks John292!
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Do not live in a open County! Thanks for the info Nathan57!
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Yes I do Robert1246! Thanks for the welcome!
Thanks Shamrock!
Hello Karacal, Thanks for the info & welcome!
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That will depend on the county that you reside at in California. California is a May Issue state which means discretion over issuing the license will be up too the issuing sheriff when you apply for the permit. Generally you will have to demonstrate a legitimate need or cause for wanting a CCW permit. Requirements for applying will typically include proof of firearm live range time, proof of range training such as a training certificate or concealed carry class, fingerprinting, photographing at the sheriffs office, character references, etc.
You would be more likely to be issued a permit away from a huge urban city like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Diego but thatâs up too the sheriff as too whether they will issue you one or not. Itâs darn near impossible to be issued a concealed weapons permit in those cities or counties where those cities are located. You pretty much have to be connected to the societal elites, the wealthy, or somebody famous. Generally in California if you are issued a concealed weapons permit you are only allowed to carry concealed within that county and there are different rules for carrying concealed regarding the circumstances and where you are carrying. For example you can carry concealed if you have a valid hunting or fishing license but your firearm must be unloaded. Which totally defeats the purpose. Why even bother carrying if the gun isnât loaded? It wonât do you any good if it isnât.
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