I had contemplated the need for a self-defense handgun for years. Like so many others, I was finally motivated to apply for my CCW permit by the seemingly inevitable outcome of the ‘08 election. Not for fear of any threatened new restrictive gun laws. But by the increased dangers posed by the potential social ramifications of a radical political ideology.
Finally, close to a year after submitting my application paperwork, I have been “granted a firearms license for hunting and target shooting”.
I live near Buffalo, NY. I don’t hunt. And while I’ll obviously be at the range trying to get proficient with my chosen weapon, I have no interest whatsoever in any type of target shooting competition.
I want a gun for my personal protection.
Nothing less.
As I read these posts it‘s made abundantly clear that our concern for our safety is ongoing, continual, happening without interruption.
So what good, really, is my license to me if my gun is in my nightstand and the threat to my personal being is out in the world?
When I inquired as to how I should go about amending my application so that I may “demonstrate sufficient proper cause to be granted an unrestricted firearms license” I was told by the Pistol Permit Office to “wait three or four years and then re-apply”.
I don’t even own a pistol yet. But what’s the point? Should I feel grateful that “The Man” has granted me permission to buy a weapon but deemed it unnecessary (and unlawful!) for me to actually carry it?
Do I have any recourse but to move out of NY State?
Am I alone?