"How I got my CCW"

[CalCCW03]

This thread will be updated as more stories come in. It will be a valuable resource for new applicants to learn from people that have been through the experience.

[CalCCW03]

I have been a lover of firearms my entire life. I shoot frequently and have always had a gun ready to protect myself and my family in our home. But I just assumed that getting a CCW in California was impossible. After some digging online I started to get the feeling that maybe it wasn't impossible where I live. My work frequently requires that I place myself in situations that could 'go south' quickly. On several occasions that nearly happened. So I took the plunge, honed my good cause, applied, and in ten days had my 'Approved For Further Processing' letter. LiveScans came next and my clearance was received in six weeks. A quick trip to the armory and PSD and I was legally carrying. Enough can't be said about Sheriff Carona and his reasonable approach to CCW in an otherwise restrictive state, and the guidance of people like CCWI, who helps people through the process with an eye toward issuance, not $$$.

[CalCCW03]

When I became a Realtor I started hearing about the perils that go along with the job. Individuals pretending to be buyers luring you to vacant houses so that they could rob and beat you, armed take downs of open houses, even reports of Realtors getting hit for the sensitive financial information our clients entrust us with.

I had always been interested in shooting sports and had a hand gun in my home for personal protection. I came to the realization that if I were to become a victim, it would most likely be outside of the home. In any case I started doing research on how to get a CCW license. When I started my search there were not many local resources that were able to give me pertinent information. CCW websites I frequented invariably said that it was next to impossible to get a CCW in California period. I had heard that Orange County was an exception but did not get any good advice on how to proceed. Throwing caution to the wind, I filled out my application...

As I would later find out, I was woefully unprpared. I showed up to the interview with the investigating officer with my application filled out and nothing more. I had a basic idea of how I would answer when asked about my Good Cause, but had nothing in writing. The interview went fairly well, but I did not feel confident.

About a week later I received a letter from the OCSD PSD stating that my application had been denied for "Lack of Good Cause". At this point I gave up hope.

A few months later I did alot of research online and started asking questions. I contacted CCWInstructor to see if he could help me. We spent quite alot of time on the phone and PM'ing back and forth until I had a rock solid Good Cause statement, plus a folder of information identifying violent crimes against Realtors over the past few years. I resubmitted my application to OCSD in the form of an appeal.

This information went (I think) directly to the Lt. in charge of final approval as I received a call from him to let me know that he had my information and that I was almost there but not quite. He asked if there was anything else I could include in my GC to get me over the edge. I told him that I was a member at my local range and frequently transported firearms and ammunition. He said that would do it and to look for my approval letter within a week.

Sure enough, a week or so later I got my "Approved for Further Processing" letter. I can't tell you what a load that was off my mind. I immediately started the Live Scan and training process (w/CCWInstructor of course).

I remember the day like it was yesterday. There was a BOR lunch scheduled; on my way to meet everyone I called PSD, I was told that everything came through OK and as soon as I had my guns (that were to go on the license) inspected at the armory I could come in and pick up my license. Not being one to miss out on won tons and congratulations I kept my plans to meet for lunch with the BOR. Unfortunately becaause I did this I missed my window at the armory and had to wait until the following day to get everything completed. Thankfully I was not accosted in that 24 hour period and today I am the proud holder af a California CCW license (LICENSE!!!)

[CalCCW03]

After moving to the US from Europe in 1995 I set my goals on becoming a permanent resident first, a U.S. Citizen second and a ccw holder third. Things got screwed up a bit and I became a ccw holder (Utah first, Ca second) before becoming a U.S. Citizen.
I took FTA's ccw class in I believe 2001 after receiving my Utah permit. My firearms background is Olympic Style slow fire handgun, which I competed in many moons ago. I realized that I lacked the skills to carry a concealed weapon not to mention the skills to survive a serious confrontation and decided to get some help. FTA was recommended by the OCSD Crime Prevention Specialist in my city.
During the first day of the ccw class Bill Murphy of FTA gave some examples of what good cause can be in the eyes of OCSD. I believed I fit into one of the categories he mentioned and liked everything I heard form Bill that day (8 hours classroom). I also liked everything he tought on day 2 (8 hours range time, 450 rounds).
Fear of denial had me sit on my Ca ccw application for 2 years. I collected training certs for the various classes I took with FTA and eventually ran into a guy, who pushed me to apply. He wrote me a nice reference letter as did two of my old time buddies.
I submitted my application and got interviewd by Lady T. I stated my good cause and in the end added the fact that I transport firearms and ammunition on a regular basis. Something clicked when I said that and she scribbled down the term we are not supposed to use anymore.
Ten days later I had the 'approved for further processing' package in the mail and followed the instruction stated in the attachment. The 90 days from live scan to issuing date felt like a year. When I picked up my license I drove up to PSD with my 1911 unloaded and locked in the trunk. After I picked up the rice paper I put on my belt and gun in the car and called my friend to say 'thank you'. I wish I could have called the Sheriff, too. Maybe some other day....
God Bless America and thank you Sheriff Carona for keeping things real in The OC.

[CalCCW03]

I have always been a gun person. I guess I got it from my grandfather who had many. He took me shooting at a very early age and a lot of my best memories as a kid were shooting or hunting with him.

Anyway he had bought me my first rifle Ruger 10/22 but always said I had to wait until I was old enough to buy my first handgun before. "wise man"

So when I turned 21 I bought my first one "Berretta 92FS" that I still own.

Back then I made a lot of trips to the range. But I kinda got burned out on it. My thinking was if you could only have your weapon ready at home than it was not very useful. Where I live I am MUCH more likely to get attacked out of the home than in. So my Berretta stayed in a fast safe under my bed for the next 10 or 12 years.

Fast forward to a month or two ago. I was on a Corvette forum of all places and found myself on their off topic section. Someone mentioned concealed carry in California. To this point I had looked into CCW but never thought it was even a remote possibility. As I had "heard" that only a few dozen people had one in Orange County and those were probably celebrities etc. Well on that site someone had mentioned (another California CCW website).

So I went researching and low and behold things have changed for the better in the OC. Sheriff Carona is in town.

Well I dug deep in to the site "I recommend you do the same here at calccw". I read over 6 months of posts. Not wanting to make a fool of myself or worse. I asked some questions and was told to contact CCWinstructor. I sent (him) a PM and we started corresponding over email. I had some good cause and some things I thought were good cause but were not. I think the best thing he did for me was cut the fat from my GC statement. I had a hard time understanding what was GC verse personal defense.

So I went to the thread that had all the links to the OCSD CCW application page. I filled out the app online and printed it "so it would be nice and neat". I typed out 2 reference letters that I emailed to my references and they printed them, signed and returned them to me. I gathered my utility bill. Then I went to the range that I am a member of and asked them to write me a "Range Letter". At this point my written GC statement was about 1 1/2 pages and I felt was pretty solid.

At this point I called OCSD PSD and made an appointment. I think I called on a Monday and was given an appointment on Thursday at 9AM with (the interviewing deputy). I went back (online) and found a good overhead photo of the area of the OCSD headquarters. This was very helpful as you have to park in a garage a block or so away and walk over to the OCSD. I recommend this as it would have been hard for me to find and I was already stressed that day.

So I have my GC statement down pat. I have all the paperwork required and I head to the OCSD. Park and walk. Greeted by a deputy as I enter the door. Very cool guy but he almost threw me for a loop Deputy "so you need to carry a gun huh?" I couldn't believe it and I replied back to him my basic good cause. He looks at me and smiles and says "sounds like a good reason to me, good luck". I only mention this so you will be prepared. I have a good story about him later.

I check in at OCSD PSD saying I have an appointment and give them my drivers license and application. I am right on time.

The wait begins. I end up waiting a little over a 30 minutes. In that time I see another person waiting for a CCW "you can tell by their name badges" and I notice another person walk up without an appointment. He had NO preparation and asked if he could get an app. The lady says if he wants to wait he can get in to see (the interviewing deputy) in an hour. My thoughts were this guy is going to be scr*wed. No preparation at all. My point in all this is that it seems a lot of people are applying now.

(The interviewing deputy) finally appears and takes me to a back cubby office. I sit down. She is nice but professional. Probably doing several of these a day. First part was routine information. Then she asked why I think I need a CCW. I go over my 3 main point GC's "not as confident as I was with the deputy earlier" "I do mention to her that I have a written statement and she makes a note on her notes to see attached letter" and then I tell her my last which is my frequent trips to the range. This seems to perk her interest. She asks me for the name and phone number for the range. I have one better. I tell her I have a letter from the range. She seems pleased. She tells me I should hear within 2 weeks and I thank her and leave.

I give myself a C+ on my interview and an A on my written statement. After the interview I was VERY VERY glad I had provided a written statement as I feel some of my points would have been lost as she had written one sentence bullet points on her notes.

I must add I had to provide an extra piece of information to her which was a letter from my employer because some of the good cause I listed were work related. I faxed it to her late that day.

So one week goes by nothing. I hit the second week and on Tuesday 12 days after my interview I receive a very fat envelope in the mail from the OCSD PD. "letter dated the previous Friday" I open it and get the "Approved For Further Processing" letter!!

Wed morning call the DOJ number listed on the letter to schedule my Live Scan. I get one for that Thursday at 11 AM. BTW when I called the lady she said they do not do civilian fingerprinting anymore. I told her I was told by the OCSD to go there because I was applying for a CCW. She said ohhh ok great.

The letter says to go back to the OCSD PD department to pay your $100 DOJ fee 30 minutes before your Live Scan appointment. I followed the instructions "no appointment" and showed up at the OCSD PSD on time. I recommend showing up 45 minutes prior.

Mr. Deputy is at the door again. I walk in and he looks at me. Deputy "did I already ask you why you need to carry a gun" LOL I say yes I am the blah blah blah. He goes "oh that is right. I remember". Then he goes "you know the real answer to that question don't you" me "NO" Deputy "BECAUSE YOU CAN and if you ever are forced to shoot someone, you get the heck out of there and call the police from a phone in a safe place. You never know if the BG's friends are around the corner waiting to get you" I thanked him and he wished me good luck again. He is a very cool guy!

So I check in and wait. This time there are three others waiting for a CCW appointment? It takes almost the full 30 minutes and I am getting worried I will be late for my Live Scan when (the interviewing deputy) calls my name ahead of the others. I walk up. She is VERY pleasant and helpful today. I guess now that I have got past the first step things have changed. From what I have seen she must see many people a day and in a lot of cases, it seems quite a few that are not close to being prepared.

She gave me directions to the DOJ and told me to call her in 4 to 6 weeks if I don't hear from her. Upon leaving I told the Deputy I was heading out for fingerprinting. He asked me if I knew where I was going. I said no and he had a nice map for me. So if you go ask him.

It was a block or two away and I made it right on time. Waited another 15 minutes and got my Live Scan. That was pretty cool. It took a few takes on each hand but she finally got it to go through. That was exactly 2 weeks from the day I applied.

I am now a little more than a week into my wait. I have my first CCW training class this coming Monday with CCWinstructor. I am looking forward to it.

I hope this helps some first timers. I know the help I received was huge for me. It took a LOT of the stress out of the process. I still am amazed I actually went through with it. But it will be way worth it in the end.

Side note: I also have to thank ChrisG for his help. He PM'ed me right away and wanted me to call his personal cell phone. He gave me some GREAT advice too! Many thanks!!!