1.
Go to the police department where you live and request a pistol permit application. Many towns will give you an instruction sheet with the application. That sheet will typically spell out everything you need to know about the process in your town or city. If no instructions are provided be sure to ask when they provide fingerprinting services for pistol permits. If your town does not have a police department then you will need to go to the State Police barracks that services your area. Non-residents of CT must call the DESPP at 860-685-8290 and request a packet.
2.
Choose a class accepted by the State of CT. We teach the NRA Basic Pistol Course which is the most common course for pistol permit applicants in CT. The class is designed to teach you the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for safely handling a firearm. We provide lecture time, hands-on training in the classroom, and live fire of both revolvers and semi-automatics. We also go over the application in class to ensure you understand it completely. We can notarize it for you as well.
Keep in mind that course settings, locations, content, and proximity to the firing range vary substantially so choose your class wisely. Some questions you might want to ask:
-Where will you be shooting? The class you choose may be close to your home, but is the range on site? We have dedicated range space within 3 miles of the classroom.
-What will you actually shoot? At Gun Stoke you will shoot approximately 50 rounds from at least four different quality guns. You will have a chance through repetition to become comfortable loading, unloading, aiming, and firing.
-How large or small will the class be? The NRA has proven through extensive research that classes with too many or too few students can be highly ineffective. Our classes are typically 5 to 10 students whenever possible.
-What is the setting where the class is being held? We utilize a permanent classroom in a professional environment complete with visual aids, AV equipment, and a large variety of class guns.
3.
After you’ve completed the course you will be ready to apply for your permit. You will need to bring your completed application, a copy of your course completion certificate, a copy of your driver’s license or passport, and the proper payment to the police department during the hours when they will fingerprint you. Once you turn your application in it is supposed to be processed within 8 weeks.
4.
Assuming that your application is approved, you will be issued a 60 day temporary permit. This is essentially worthless for anything other than to get your permanent license to carry. You cannot use the temporary to purchase or carry a firearm. You must go to either the DPS Headquarters or one of the State Police locations listed in the pamphlet provided with your temporary slip where you will be photographed and given a permit valid for 5 years. This entitles you to purchase and or carry any firearm legal in the state of CT along with any ammo as well. There are currently no waiting periods or limits on how much you can buy or how often you can make purchases of guns and ammunition.
5.
Exercise your 2nd amendment right as much as possible! Join groups like the NRA and CCDL who are fighting to protect your rights. Practice with your firearms so you can be safe and proficient in their use. And finally, introduce others to the sport.
