WA CCW holder interested in CA CCW

[seafarinman]

Hey guys,
This is an interesting forum you have here. I am in the military, and while CA is my legal state of residence, I am stationed in Washington State. I have had a WA CCW permit for 7 years now. I really appreciate the way that firearm laws are written and enforced in WA state. In WA, the state laws pertaining to firearms are the law, and localities are not allowed to pass laws that override or are more stringent than the state law. As a "Shall-Issue" state if you are legally qualified then then you receive the permit. PERIOD. I have been interested in the possibility of getting a CCW permit in my home state, but it has been my understanding that the CCW system in CA seems to be corrupt-reserved for those that are politically affluent or wealthy. Is this correct? Am I to believe that only those who rub elbow with politicians or the wealthy are the only ones that have the RIGHT to protect themselves? I am interested in the CCW because I travel home to CA from time to time. I want to try to get the Oregon CCW permit if possible as well. I looked through the threads but did not see any information for Solano County. Does anyone have any information? Thanks.

[NiteQwill]

Originally Posted by seafarinman

Hey guys,
This is an interesting forum you have here. I am in the military, and while CA is my legal state of residence, I am stationed in Washington State. I have had a WA CCW permit for 7 years now. I have been interested in the possibility of getting a CCW permit in my home state, but it has been my understanding that the CCW system in CA seems to be corrupt-reserved for those that are politically affluent or wealthy. Is this correct? Am I to believe that only those who rub elbow with politicians or the wealthy are the only ones that have the RIGHT to protect themselves? I am interested in the CCW because I travel home to CA from time to time. I want to try to get the Oregon CCW permit if possible as well. I looked through the threads but did not see any information for Solano County. Does anyone have any information? Thanks.

Oregon should be a little easier since the issue to neighboring states, the only downside is you physically have to go there to apply. (also look into a Utah permit, since being military, you may travel around)

CA, as I've learned, is interesting in its own ways. It's limited by what the Sheriff or PD of that county or area says. Some are easier, Orange County, and others are extremely difficult, San Fran. If your county is CCW friendly, you may have a chance.

Also, since your legal residency is actually here in CA (versus WA), I actually don't know how that works with the application (since residency for CCW purposes here in Cali is based on actually physically living here, correct me if I'm wrong someone). I'm sure someone will chime in.

YMMV

[Akzl]

I think you have bad info. I'm not wealthy or rub elbows with politicians and have a CCW in CA. Do some more browsing on previous threads and you'll find it depends on the county your residence is in and what your good cause is to carry.

[akulahawk]

Just hazarding a guess, but being that you're stationed in Washington, I highly doubt that any Sheriff or Chief of Police will (or even can) issue you a CCW in California.

[Dan M.]

Solano County is one of the tough ones. Do a thread search for Solano and you'll find lots of info.

But to echo what's been said, there are no wealthy elbow rubbers here.

[NiteQwill]

Originally Posted by akulahawk

Just hazarding a guess, but being that you're stationed in Washington, I highly doubt that any Sheriff or Chief of Police will (or even can) issue you a CCW in California.

I agree. But to be the devil's advocate, residency is still considered to be in California by law if the servicemember chooses to do so, regardless of military station.

[akulahawk]

Originally Posted by NiteQwill

I agree. But to be the devil's advocate, is his residency still considered to be California by California law regardless of military station?

I have rephrased the question to more accurately reflect what I suspect you mean...

[NiteQwill]

Originally Posted by akulahawk

I have rephrased the question to more accurately reflect what I suspect you mean...

Thanks! To clarify...

Yes. Being in the military, I am well aware of this. Living in several states and overseas, my residency has always been California. Voting, car registration, residency, medical licensure, etc has always been California, and is so recognized by California and Federal law through military service.

[akulahawk]

So if a Sheriff were to send an investigator to your permanent address of record, would you be found actually living there? That's the problem. It's not that I'm trying to make this difficult or bust your chops. It's that the issuing authority would probably not issue to you because of a second residency problem. It's just that there are folks that try to "game the system" to do get a CCW, and one of those ways is to try to claim a "second residence" when you actually don't live there.

[NiteQwill]

Originally Posted by akulahawk

So if a Sheriff were to send an investigator to your permanent address of record, would you be found actually living there? That's the problem. It's not that I'm trying to make this difficult or bust your chops. It's that the issuing authority would probably not issue to you because of a second residency problem. It's just that there are folks that try to "game the system" to do get a CCW, and one of those ways is to try to claim a "second residence" when you actually don't live there.

True. But if his/her GC was sufficient and s/he elaborated on his/her military service during the actual interview or on his application, I'm pretty sure they would understand the whole picture. Not saying it's possible, or remotely possible, but not impossible. S/He is not gaming the system and the particular circumstance is valid and in fact, legal.

[IAmASensFan]

Originally Posted by NiteQwill

I agree. But to be the devil's advocate, residency is still considered to be in California by law if the servicemember chooses to do so, regardless of military station.

CCW requires physical PRESENCE in a county. Frankly, I think there would be a big uproar if folks who didn't even live in the state were issued CCW's when people who are physically present are denied time and time again.

And military experience means jack to those that issue. Generally in CA, they don't care what your quals are, they care what makes you a more likely victim of Crime (and that would be in California), and if you don't live in the state, then you are at LESS risk than the average citizen.

[NiteQwill]

Originally Posted by IAmASensFan

And military experience means jack to those that issue. Generally in CA, they don't care what your quals are, they care what makes you a more likely victim of Crime (and that would be in California), and if you don't live in the state, then you are at LESS risk than the average citizen.

I never stated anything about experience or qualification, so I pretty much agree with you. Again, I was just pointing out the reference to "residency," through personal experience, that's all.

In any case, there are certain circumstances that would qualify for a CCW in traveling as a service member, but that's only if he/she was in the law enforcement or SO part of the military.

[Bombard]

Originally Posted by NiteQwill

I never stated anything about experience or qualification, so I pretty much agree with you. Again, I was just pointing out the reference to "residency," through personal experience, that's all.

In any case, there are certain circumstances that would qualify for a CCW in traveling as a service member, but that's only if he/she was in the law enforcement or SO part of the military.

I can think of many good causes that a person in the military could have, that would have nothing to do with their military service. My day job, for instance, prohibits me from having a firearm on the premises or even in the parking lot. My business - which I work at off hours - gives rise to circumstances that make a CCW reasonable.

The military residency issue is interesting, and I think above our skills. I ain't no lawyer, but I'd suspect federal law on residency for military personnel would trump state law. It probably doesn't matter since we're talking about Solano county, but in a more reasonable county it would be an interesting question.

A guy I work with lives in Florida. He owns a home there. He's on extended assignment in California. He and his wife are staying in an apartment paid for by the company. They fly home every 4-6 weeks for a few days. When the project is done, he's going back to Florida. He's a Florida resident - even though he has to pay California income taxes on the money he makes while he's here.

[seafarinman]

Thanks for the replies. I guess that I will just have to retire in a state that recognizes the rights of its citizens. There are no requirements in WA state other than than the fees and the background check. It is already assumed that simply applying is exercising a constitution right, and not a privilege.

[Bombard]

Good place to retire. Also (like Florida) no state income tax.