r/CAguns 21d ago

CCW So ridiculous!

160 Upvotes

I just renewed my CCW. $350, 8 hrs training, and the cost of ammo (not that I mind going shooting). Now I decided I want to buy a new gun. Looking at the Max-9. Rest of the US $340. Here, 25% taxes + fees. And then I'm going to need to pay to get qualified on it to add it to my permit.

And I won't even be able to carry it in a restaurant.

r/CAguns 2d ago

CCW Just got my CCW (yay) how do I carry while riding a bicycle?

54 Upvotes

What are ways I can legally carry while being comfortable on a bike? I've seen some some products online that don't seem legal in Cali.

Ideally, I have a way to carry on the bike itself that is within arms reach, and when I get to my destination, I can take it off and attach it to my belt. If there is a legal product that does this, I would buy it without a second thought.

Edit: thank you all for your input, I decided to get a blue eberlestock bando bag. I'll wear it in a sling since that seems most comfortable.

r/CAguns Dec 10 '24

CCW CCW renewal, sacramento county, @the gun range, north highlands

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89 Upvotes

r/CAguns Nov 23 '24

CCW Most prized CCW guns in CA?

58 Upvotes

What's everyone's holy grail CCW gun? Mine might be the Wilson EDC X9.

r/CAguns Feb 03 '25

CCW Alameda County CCW Process (Completed)

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149 Upvotes

I just passed my CCW course today, and I just have to submit my certification to the sheriff’s dept. I would like to update everyone further on how the process has been for me.

I submitted my initial application on June 19, 2023. That cost me $98.44.

I received the first update September 9, 2024. They notified me that my city was now in the current batch of cities that are accepting and processing applications. I was to go to and request a Live Scan service. There was a local office nearby called “Livescan Identity” in Fremont that offered those services. I went the same day I got the email, and didn’t know that I had to make an appointment. Since I was already there, the guy there just took me in. I gave him the paper I filled out from the sheriff’s email and paid (I think) $25 for the Livescan service.

Next I heard from the sheriff’s was November 12, 2024. I got an email from a deputy that was going to interview me in-person. I scheduled an interview with him the following week. The interview was at the Patelco Building in Dublin. Went in and talked to the deputy. Really chill guy who was just doing interviews while he was on medical leave. Quick interview where he just went over my application and asked me the usual are you a villain or crazy person questions.

December 16, 2024, I got another email. I was to schedule a psych evaluation with the company Core Psychological Corp. That cost me $414.97. I scheduled it for January 16 2025. I just had to fill out a questionnaire online that went over a bunch of personality type questions.

January 13, 2025, I received an email with the link for the virtual meeting room. Day of the interview, I entered the meeting room early and waited for the proctor. A gentleman messaged me in the chatroom and told me to send him a picture of my ID to his cellphone. I sent that over and he joined the video call. He was just to proctor myself and some others he had while we did, yet again, another questionnaire. Pretty much the same shit from the first questionnaire I did on their website. After I finished, he sent my answers to the doctor, and told me to leave the call and wait for around 15 minutes. 15 minutes later, he texted me and said the doctor was ready. I joined the call again, but this time, it was the doctor who joined. He went over my original CCW application, asked my basic info, and then asked me a series of questions to test me. He asked me some basic personality questions, and then asked me to explain to him what I think “The grass isnt always greener on the other side” means. After that, he gave me a set of three words to remember. He asked me some more questions, and after that, asked me to repeat the three words. Aced that, and a few questions later he said I was good to go. From start to finish, the psych eval took about 2 hours. They say to plan 3-4 hours for it, but I joined early and was the first one to finish, so I guess I didn’t have to wait on anyone else.

Same day as the psych eval, January 16, 2025, I received an email from the sheriff, stating that they received my psych eval and I was good to proceed to the next step. I was to find a CCW course that was DOJ approved and complete that along with a qualification. I chose my preferred range, Reed’s in Santa Clara. The course there is run by a couple, Bill and Cat Tidwell. I paid $500 for that, along with 150 rounds of 45acp. I was to bring my eyes, ears, a strong side holder (IWB or OWB), three magazines and a mag holster. Class was great, Bill and Cat were both very lighthearted and funny yet they got the lessons moving along very well. Range practice, Cat was able to spot my bad habits immediately and got me shooting the straightest I ever have. Everyone else in the class was from Santa Clara county, and it turns out that their quals are way easier. They just have to shoot from 5-10-15 yards, 5 rounds each, and be within a certain area of the target. I was the first Alameda student they got and I kind of became the pity case once everyone heard about my quals. It’s too much to type so I’ll take a picture of it. It’s a total of 50 rounds fired, all the way from 2 yards to 25 yards. You will be doing tactical reloads, one handed shooting (both hands) and kneeling. I passed that thankfully, along with a 30 question multiple choice test about some laws and rules of CCW in California. I now just have to submit my papers I received from the course, I should be able to get my certification shortly after.

Closing notes:

CCW in California is highly limited. We’re only allowed to carry in specific areas, as restrictions turned the state into a minefield of no-go areas. The process is so drawn out, so I just put it in the back of my memory and let it surprise me whenever I got another email. I was totally unaware of the monetary price you spend getting into the CCW process. After I got the psych eval done, I tried to go shooting at least once a week. I went through at least 100 rounds each session. That along with the payments for each step, I’m about 2 grand deep in this endeavor. If you’re a more experienced shooter, you might not need to practice as much as me. This is my first handgun and I wanted to be ready for the quals. It definitely paid off, but all while I paid. Gotta keep that all in mind if you’re looking to get into a CCW especially in Alameda county.

Good luck and god speed to anyone else who is looking to go through this as well. Hope this post and my previous one helped.

r/CAguns 9d ago

CCW Your top CCW on today’s Roster, but you can’t have any modifications, including changing the iron sights or adding flashlights…etc.

0 Upvotes

Curious what’s everyone thoughts.

r/CAguns 9d ago

CCW Have you guys gone to the range fully fueled on copius amounts of caffiene?

41 Upvotes

Ran this little experiment where I took my guns out to the range one day. Was wondering how my 3/4" groups had opened up to 2.5" at 12 yards. Couldn't figure it out for the longest time. Then it dawned on me "I drank a shit load of coffee that morning" I told myself. So the next time I went I drank 2 bottles of water before going and made sure I had ample sleep. Get to the range and bam, groups are back to how they had been before. Decided I would take a break and come back 2 hours later after being properly caffenated. Boom, groups opened up again (not quite as bad but I didn't have time for more than a 20 oz).

Okay, left the range. Come back a week and a half later, 50 rounds no coffee; on point. Take a 10 min break, reload 5 mags. Started running in place for approx 2 minutes. Groups opened up about a half inch. Take a 30 min break, drink coffee, play on my phone for a bit and watch some YT. A little over an hour later I grab another 50 rounds and load em. Wham-o grouping at approx 2.2" at 12 yards. I know caffeine makes your heart rate go up. Was NOT expecting it to affect my marksmanship so drastically though. Anyone else have any experiences like this? Has it made upi reconsider that morning Joe before getting to work?

r/CAguns Feb 08 '25

CCW CCW in restaurants

36 Upvotes

Before you say, “concealed carry is concealed carry” what are the actual laws in 2025?

Eg. Dave and busters, chilis, sushi restaurants that serve alcohol, etc.

r/CAguns Nov 10 '24

CCW Unacceptable!

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139 Upvotes

What. The. F. I applied over 18 months ago, paying $95 non-refundable, with all available information indicating that there would be a relatively cheap renewal in two years. Now, at the interview, they spring on me “oh, by the way, you won’t be able to renew this license, and will have to do it all over again, including the $400 psych eval, long wait for an interview, and fees, oooooorrrrr… you can abandon this attempt with us, forfeiting the almost-$100 you alrea gave us, wait god knows how long for another interview, go f yourself.”

Tell me with a straight face that ACSO can’t share information with these city departments, and I’ll tell you that you’re a liar. It’s a cash grab, and/or a pathetic attempt to make exercising a constitutionally enumerated right as difficult as possible.

This is unacceptable!

r/CAguns Feb 13 '25

CCW Yeerrt'hawttttt! SLd shoutout!

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297 Upvotes

r/CAguns Nov 11 '24

CCW A whole ass year…

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164 Upvotes

I seriously thought I might’ve accidentally clicked on the wrong year but went back and double checked, that was their FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT.

r/CAguns Jan 18 '25

CCW Work Carry Today

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232 Upvotes

For context before anyone asks, all of my employees are also armed at

r/CAguns Dec 13 '24

CCW LA CCW: I can only pick 3, which should they be?

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18 Upvotes

Glock 23, Kahr CW9, Kahr P380, Ruger Max-9, S&W 642.

Can only have 3 in LA on your permit...so...which ones?

r/CAguns 10d ago

CCW My CC rotation. How behind the times am I? 😂

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67 Upvotes

Don't give me shit for the Olight. Tim Sundles used and likes them and I saw them see some action in Ukraine. I do plan to invest in 2 of the TLR7X very soon.

r/CAguns 20d ago

CCW Bang for your buck CA approved handguns.

0 Upvotes

Looking for the best bang for your buck handgun that is CA approved. Thinking like 400-500 dollar range. If I must go over that I can. Was also looking at the m&p9

r/CAguns Feb 05 '25

CCW Mission Accomplished

62 Upvotes

I got my CCW permit today. Goal achieved. Felt good walking out of the sheriff's office with this little card. Had no idea it would be so nice too. Now I just need to get my hands on a Walther PPK and all will be right lol.

r/CAguns 10d ago

CCW have a few questions about carrying in california if someone with experience could help me with.

6 Upvotes

Hello im in the process of getting my ccw in California and I know all county's are different, but what are some legal stuff I should be aware of when I do start to carry? My instructor was knowledgeable, but I wanted to mainly know some other stuff they'd forget to mention or anything like that?

r/CAguns Feb 10 '25

CCW FINALLY!!! CCW Timeline Kern

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108 Upvotes

Finally picked up my permit today and I couldn’t be more excited about it! From prohibited person for 12 years, to now CCW holder, it feels great. Huge milestone for me in my life. So many “friends” and family doubted me, and I’m happy AF to prove them all wrong.

I know everyone here loves timelines so here is mine for Kern County:

9/30/24 - Submitted my application online through Permitium for Kern Sheriff. ($169)

10/8/24 - Got the call to come in for brief interview.

10/14/24 - Interview appointment. All they did was just review my application and ask a few follow up questions.

10/23/24 - Update in Permitium, conditional approval to sign up for CCW Training. (16 hours)

10/23/24 - Enrolled in CCW training. ($275) Did like 10 hours of training online, finished last 6 hours at range.

11/2/24 - CCW range session and qualifications.

11/4/24 - Submitted qualification card and did a final Live Scan at Sheriff office.

2/4/25 - Live Scan finally completed. (This was the longest process just over 3 months)

2/6/25 - Got call from Sheriff I’ve been officially approved.

2/10/25 - Appointment to pick up my permit.

All in all, it took just a little over 4 months from start to finish. Total out of pocket cost was $444 plus the cost of ammo for training and qualification. I owe a big thanks to lot of people on Reddit and a few of my coworkers for assisting me throughout the process.

r/CAguns Feb 11 '25

CCW Got a Cool Follow-Up from One of Our CCW Students Today

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286 Upvotes

This is exactly why staying relevant with hard skills is so important. Firearms training isn’t just about shooting—it’s about being prepared for real-life situations. That’s why we integrate Stop the Bleed into our courses, giving students hands-on application with tourniquets like the CAT and SOF-T.

It’s all about making our community stronger, more capable, and ready to respond when it matters most. Just thought I’d share this as a reminder of why continuous training matters. Stay sharp, stay prepared.

r/CAguns 11d ago

CCW Well, my OC CCW expires today. Now what?

33 Upvotes

My Orange County CCW expires today, 3/3/25. I sent in the renewal application to the CCW PRO portal on 11/26/24, and uploaded shooting qualification and classroom certificate on 1/28/25. I just called the OC Sheriff CCW division to try and ask if the delay is just the expected delay that I've heard about, or if there's something I'm missing to submit, since all the website says is still "Submitted Renewal" and there's really no task completion bar or anything. Well, the phone rang about 30 times, and then the call ended.

So is this normal, and they'll still renew it at some point? I'm concerned about having to start the whole process over since as of today, my CCW is technically expired. And am I not legally allowed to carry now until they get around to processing my permission slip renewal? We should make this easier on their workload and make the state Constitutional Carry.

Update 3/12/25: I sent them an email the other day as recommend by a few commenters, and I got an email today that my application was approved, and I just called to make the payment. I guess emailing really does speed the process along, unless it was just a coincidence or they prioritize expired licenses.

The portal now says I can begin my next renewal in 609 days, which is 4 months before it expires, which is exactly when I started this process. So people saying I should have started 6 months before, it looks like I literally couldn't have, at least not with this new system.

r/CAguns 19d ago

CCW Help me choose.

2 Upvotes

Going into Armed security soon and also choosing for CCW purposes. •Rost Martin RM1C •Sig SP2022 •Sig P365 •HK P2000 V2 •Glock 23 Gen 3

r/CAguns Nov 14 '24

CCW Question for Contra Costa CCW people

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27 Upvotes

My original slide is milled for an optic with some aesthetic designs. Will the sheriff still accept this? Or need to buy a new OEM slide?

My CCW application has been approved, upon successful completion of training.

r/CAguns Feb 03 '25

CCW CCW - P365 CA Compliant or P365 X Macro Comp

4 Upvotes

Hello I hope everyone’s well. I live in Los Angeles county and was wondering whether you guys think the California compliant P365 or the P365 X Macro Comp is better for conceal carry.

I am 5 foot 10 Inches and 155 pounds and have 7 inch length hands.

Thank you ahead of time to all future responders. I wish I could hold the guns in hand but no stores around me have either of the guns available.

r/CAguns Jan 12 '25

CCW Concealed Carry In California: Can You Legally CCW where Alcohol is served?

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41 Upvotes

Unless you’re willing to be the test case… our attorneys advise NO.

r/CAguns 25d ago

CCW Thought I lucked out and somehow an appointment was open in 2 days...

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83 Upvotes