Applying for a permit..

Applying for a permit to carry pistols and revolvers in Connecticut.

You must successfully complete this course, or one like it, to be able to get a pistol permit in the state of Connecticut.

Next you must go to the city or town where you live (or own a business in) to apply for a local permit. Simply walk into the police departments' front desk area and request a pistol permit application packet.

It takes anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on police workload. Your local authority will do a thorough background check on you. Eventually you'll end up with a slip of paper signed by the chief of police saying that you're OK'd to carry a handgun in that jurisdiction..

With the police chief or the first selectman's OK in hand, you may go to the Connecticut State Police Special Licensing & Firearms Unit. Here you'll apply for the Connecticut state permit to carry pistols and revolvers. This is a one-day deal once you get your local permit. Note: Do not bring a handgun to the CT State Police Special Licensing & Firearms Unit under any circumstance. We will discuss all the things needed to apply for a permit & what to expect as requirements go.

Remember, it is a privilege to have a pistol permit. In Connecticut you receive a photo ID for a pistol permit. The size of your drivers license, it is equally, if not more important to you as a citizen than your drivers license. Almost anyone can get a drivers license, but you have to be a good citizen to get a pistol permit.

Connecticut is one of the strictest states in the nation as far as owning a handgun goes. You must fill out applications to the tee. In the end you'll be able to do such things as buy guns in any store, transport any handgun, and carry one upon you with your valid pistol permit. This is an awesome responsibility entrusted to you.

You've gone through exhaustive tests of marksmanship, gun handling skills, safety procedures, background checks for good citizenship, and a paper chase that would make most folks quit. But if it were easy, then everybody would be doing it.

When you have a permit to carry pistols & revolvers in the state of Connecticut you'll have succeeded in one of the hardest processes in the nation.