Can I even Get a CA CCW?

[Bob barker]

I am a Marine stationed on Camp Pendleton, and a new Michigan CCW Holder. California does not reciprocate the Michigan CCW/CPL and I'm wondering if it's possible for me to get a CA CCW so that I can still Carry while in the state that I (Most of the time) Reside in. I haven't been able to find this answer anywhere, can anyone help me with an answer, or tell me who to contact? Living in Vista, San Diego County. Thanks.

[Dan M.]

Bob, thank you very much for your service. We surely do appreciate it.

As far as the CCW goes, you're pretty much out of luck. Being stationed in CA doesn't count as residence. I wish there was a better answer for you. You can send CCWI (who posts here) a PM or an e-mail for more info.

[X-ffdo]

Carrying at the base is of course "verbotten", obvious.
Let me give you an angle. Might work, maybe not.
You have your orders, PCS to Pendleton, Ca. I have heard that a Permanent Change of Station, gives you the same rights as a resident of that state. I have actually read that info in the CRPA book, I think. May be correct, maybe not. You must of course, have to produce the PCS documents.
I believe after all is said and done, it will depend on the sheriff of your county. Bottom line. I hear San Diego is not one of those counties that has a level playing field, meaning the prospect of a CCW is not favorable.
Having said that, "If you don't shoot, you can't score". Go for it, WTH, what is there to lose?
Good Luck, and thank you!
If you need help, we are here.

[Poogsdad]

Originally Posted by X-ffdo

Carrying at the base is of course "verbotten", obvious.
Let me give you an angle. Might work, maybe not.
You have your orders, PCS to Pendleton, Ca. I have heard that a Permanent Change of Station, gives you the same rights as a resident of that state. I have actually read that info in the CRPA book, I think. May be correct, maybe not. You must of course, have to produce the PCS documents.
I believe after all is said and done, it will depend on the sheriff of your county. Bottom line. I hear San Diego is not one of those counties that has a level playing field, meaning the prospect of a CCW is not favorable.
Having said that, "If you don't shoot, you can't score". Go for it, WTH, what is there to lose?
Good Luck, and thank you!
If you need help, we are here.

Welcome to the forum Bob Barker and thank you for your service.

X-ffdo is correct. In addition to California, I have held CCW permits in Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia.

My Alabama and North Carolina permits were issued while I was on active duty stationed at Fort Mcclellan, AL and Fort Bragg, NC respectively. In both cases I used my PCS orders as proof of residency. I also needed a Provost Marshal endorsement for both as well.

Granted Alabama and North Carolina are both Shall Issue states and are more "Military Friendly" than California, but, as X-ffdo said "If you don't shoot, you can't score".

Good Luck Marine. Keep in touch and let us know how it works out. There are a lot of resources here that may be of help as well.

Thanks again for your service, you are appreciated.

[X-ffdo]

Poogsdad, Thanks for the assist!
Oorah ! Go get them, tiger!

[Hoser]

I think your biggest hurdle maybe that you're in SD county. It's tough for permanent residences to get a CCW there.

But like others have said, you can't score if you don't shoot...go for it and good luck!

[Mad Geek]

Welcome to the forum and California.
Thank You For Your Service To Our Country.

[Kindsvater Flat]

To me there shouldn't be an issue with service men acquiring a ccw regardless of there residency. They already have the right in protecting our country.

Welcome to the boards and also thanks for you service.

[INTEL]

Interested to know how your application goes Bob. I'm also a Marine and will apply but, not until after I return from Iraq. Deploying Dec 27th and will be gone for at least 14 months. No point in applying now but I think I have a legit "good cause" that I'll be running by the "subject matter experts" on this site. By the way, i'll be keeping up with the forum while deployed. Thanks!

[Dan M.]

Originally Posted by INTEL

Interested to know how your application goes Bob. I'm also a Marine and will apply but, not until after I return from Iraq. Deploying Dec 27th and will be gone for at least 14 months. No point in applying now but I think I have a legit "good cause" that I'll be running by the "subject matter experts" on this site. By the way, i'll be keeping up with the forum while deployed. Thanks!

Intel, at LEAST 14 months? Wow. Many thanks to you also for your service. Do your best to come home (like you need to be told, right?). We look forward to what you're able to tell us about conditions over there (understanding that there may be limitations on what info you can share).

Riverside is definitely an easier county than San Diego.

[Dan M.]

Originally Posted by Dan M.

I wish there was a better answer for you.

Hey, Bob Barker, I got my wish. X-ffdo and Poogsdad both had better answers than mine. I hope their responses bring a favorable result for you.

[INTEL]

Yeah Dan, I miss the 6/7 month deployment days. I'll keep the forum posted if they're interested and I'll give you the straight scoop keeping OPSEC in mind.

It's good to know that Riverside is easier than San Diego and i'll have the year to write and think about my good cause. Again, i'll be running it through you guys for a sanity check. Thanks again.

I do have a question though. Is the training involved with obtaining a CCW to learn how to treat and handle a gun? Is it mandatory? And are there any waivers for military or cops who deal with guns of all calibers?

[Dan M.]

Originally Posted by INTEL

Is the training involved with obtaining a CCW to learn how to treat and handle a gun? Is it mandatory? And are there any waivers for military or cops who deal with guns of all calibers?

In Orange County at least, learning the legal aspects of CA CCW is just as much a part of it as the firearms handling. I don't know the answers to the waiver part.

[NSP]

I don't have any info on how to help you obtain a CCW in Ca.

I just wanted to thank you for your service as well

[mtmman]

I also can't advise on the CCW, but I wanted to add my thanks for your service to our great country!

Good luck, best wishes and stay safe!

mtmman