Well well well, you're looking to get your firearms license are yah? Well there's a bunch of things that you need to do before even thinking about laying your hands on a firearm. In this article you'll embark on my actual process of obtaining a New York Firearm License (A pistol license in my case) so be sure to put your seat belts on because this is going to be one wild ride... Well, not really, but it's pretty informative. This is just my personal experience to help you get an idea on how it is. Each person's process and experience differs. 

      New York has to be one of the most complex places to obtain a firearm license. It holds a tight and huge system in which is so strict, even Law Enforcement and Military personnel have to be thoroughly run through it. This consist of a long application process (paperwork), investigations and a whole lot of money.

      My initial thoughts of getting my pistol license were "its either going to be impossible or one crazy-long systematic maze". It can be very intimidating if you aren't very competent to what's asked of and needed from you, of course that's how it was designed to be. Despite all the negative remarks and controversial debates about owning a firearm I've decided to go ahead and apply anyway.

Those who should have a license:

      OK, let me just say this right now and get it over with. Only competent people that are willing to go through with the paperwork and process CORRECTLY should maybe think about applying. Then only competent people who are willing to study and advance their skills as a licensee should go ahead and apply. BUT I tell you all, it's such a different life style, whether you have a concealed carry or home defense license. So much more is required from you and so many eye's will be looking upon you. Please make sure you train and study hard. Make sure you know the law, not just penal articles 35, 265, and 400 but advance further than those. Look into past cases and don't make any stupid mistakes that could've easily been avoided... There is no learning from your mistakes if you end up in jail, it'd be too late already.

I urge you to be responsible, knowledgeable, and competent in this field before applying. If you are not willing to aquire all of these qualities, do yourself a favor, don't apply. Of course this is my very own opinion, but I believe that others who have a license can agree to this.

Baby steps:

Well then, since I got that out of my system, lets begin.

April 6, 2011

Brought in all my paper work and two photos. Got finger printed, and paid my dues which came out to a total of $434.25. They told me to wait for a letter in the mail.... I went home.

May 18, 2011

Got my letter for an investigation appointment in which I called in right away (Highly recommended). Got my date which was for June 16, 2011. In between those days I was asked to bring in a few more documents.... My mission began.

May 31, 2011

Got all the paper work done, mission complete!... Now the waiting game.

June 16, 2011

I went to one police plaza for my investigation, it was kind of nerve wrecking but I kept my cool, answered everything truthfully and I asked a bunch of questions myself. My assigned investigator was very professional and answered all of my questions and concerns. I was told that I would receive a letter from The Department of Health within a couple of weeks... I went home.

September 22, 2011

I finally got a letter informing me that I was approved and I had 30 days to come down to the station to pick up my license... I was happy.

September 24, 2011

I went to the station as soon as I could and picked up my license. It was pretty quick and the workers were really nice and professional, even mad me laugh a few times (which is hard to do). After this I went to the nearest shooting range, Westside Range and ordered my firearm, I must say, the dude's that work there are the coolest dude's I haven't met in a while.

September 29, 2011

Westside Range called me up to tell my firearm was in... I was excited.

September 30, 2011

I picked up my firearm and registered it... The process was complete! ... I'm a happy camper!

Telephone Directory for NYC:

License Division..................... (646) 610-5560

Incident Section..................... (646) 610-5154

Cancellation Section................ (646) 610-5871

Hearings and Appeals.............. (646) 610-5873

Issuing................................... (646) 610-5550

New Applications.................... (646) 610-5551

Carry Guard........................... (646) 610-4611

Renewal Section..................... (646) 610-5872

Retirees................................. (646) 610-5536

Special Patrolman Section........ (646) 610-5519

Rifle/ Shotgun Section............. (718) 520-9300

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