Best "Season" For CT Pistol Permit? --Update In OP--

I am currently waiting on my Pistol Permit to come back (tomorrow the 6th, marks 3 weeks).

Is there any time of the year where it will go faster than others? Or is all times equally slow?

I think I kinda screwed myself doing it right before the Christmas / New Years holidays, as there was allot of days off.

I would think the beginning of summer would be worse, as that's when "shooting season" starts, unless you have access to an indoor range.

UPDATE: Looks like the holidays were no issue. I was told it would take on average 6 weeks. Got the call today, exactly 6 weeks after I turned in the application, that it is ready for pick-up. NICE!

When I submitted the paperwork for mine it was in May. I had it 4 weeks later.

The thing that takes the longest is when the paper sits on the Chief's desk awaiting his signature (unless you live in one of the towns where a detective calls your neighbors, then your place of employment, and then comes to visit you at home to grill you about why you need a carry permit, i.e. Enfield ).

Nope, don't live in Enfield, thank god LOL.

All they asked for was 2 letters. I didn't mind doing them, as I work in a gun-related environment, got a letter from my boss who is a permit holder, and he actually encouraged me to get it. Figured that could only help me apply.

I've never heard of the time of year being a problem. But I'm sure the holidays kinda slows things down just like it does everything else. The major problems I've seen with getting a permit was with the town you live in. And with the people in the town not taking the time to even look at permit apps. But that's what you have your state reps for.

When I applied for my permit, I applied in June and got it 8 weeks later. However, I had to wait a number of months for an appointment- because that is how my town organizes things. However, the wait time for an appointment may have been magnified by the Obama election....the Records clerk mentioned that there was a lot of interest because of the election. In the past, they were taking 16+ weeks to process applications....

State mandates the local issuing authority either approve or deny the permit within eight weeks. Doing it during times where there are holidays means that it could be extended a day or two depending on how many holidays (both state and federal) there are, and if they fall on a weekend, during that eight week time frame.

It seems based on others comments that many towns tend to come in within eight weeks no matter the time of year the application is submitted. However some towns, usually the larger cities may not. It is not unheard of for a larger city (like oooh say New Haven), in the past, to take upwards of five or six months to issue a permit. When I submitted my permit application to NHPD in the middle of October, 2007. NHPD didn't approve my permit until early April 2008. Total wait time was 177 days, or 25.28 weeks. Which is just a wee bit longer than the state mandated 8 week time frame.

There are time frames mandated by the licensing statue that the locals are supposed to follow. Once you understand the time frames you see that there really is NO reason for the locals to drag the process out past eight weeks. It has been said, elsewhere from what I remember, that the FBI background check turnaround is something like 48 hours and done electronically. The following is from a CCDL PDF. Once you have submitted your completed application the clock starts ticking.

• No later than 5 days after positively identifying you and, if necessary, taking your fingerprints the local issuing authority must by law submit your information to the State Bureau of Identification to conduct a background check - CGS §29-29(b)
• No later than 1 week (7 days) after receiving results of national background check, the local issuing authority must by law notify you of it's decision - CGS §29-29(c)
• No later than 8 weeks (56 days) after submitting a sufficient application you must be informed as to whether you were approved or denied an application, CGS §29-28a(b)
• The 8 week deadline can only be extended if the issuing authority hasn't received the result of the national criminal history check, in which case, they must notify you inwriting within 8 weeks (56 days) of submitting a sufficient application - CGS §29-28a(b)

Once you go past eight weeks the BFPE now has a method and a sample letter for appealing.
http://www.ct.gov/bfpe/cwp/view.asp?a=1252&Q=254192&bfpeNav=|

I thought 5 weeks was long Also, my town didn't need anything from me, all I had to do was get fingerprinted. That was last year in july if that helps.


But seriously, I'd add an extra week because of xmas and new years, maybe 2.
So say it was going to take 6 weeks, now it'll probably take 7.

At about a month I'd call your pd and ask for a status.....at least this will remind them so your app isn't forgotten somewhere lol and it'll help pass the time as you get the update.
Or just call now to make sure they didnt forget about it over the holidays.

I'm sure the holidays slow things down a little bit, but I would recommend starting the process as soon as possible.

Little office lady's at work are talking about permits and guns at lunch. I say nothing on the subject because I'm usually strapped against the rules so I play dumb. Let's just say that when the office henhouse is talking CCW instead of dancing with the stars, anyone who they beat to it is severely behind the times.

This is an interesting topic as I'm also about 4 weeks into the wait for my pistol permit. I was given a paper at the local PD that stated 8-12 weeks was the time frame. I had to get two sets of fingerprints at the pd while I submitted the application. I had the three checks for the payment of the BC and one for the town. The town cashed there's last week so I'm assuming they approved it but haven't heard anything yet. I was told they would call me when it was in and told not to call and check with them on the status if I hadn't been 12 weeks. I hope I'm not getting jerked around. But now I'm starting to wonder.

The town has 8 weeks, if they take any longer you can contact the board of firearms examiners.

http://www.ct.gov/bfpe/cwp/view.asp?a=1252&Q=254192&bfpeNav=|

"The issuing authority has 8 weeks to review your application and approve or deny. A denial may be appealed to the Board of Firearm Permit Examiners as provide in C.G.S. Section 29-32."

Which town?

Connecticut courts have held that the statutory time-limit for processing is not a hard number and that it does not actually bind the local issuing authority. Yes, you can appeal if the 8 week mark passes but you should consider the totality of your situation when you make that decision. In this case, it is fairly obvious that there might be a slight overage on time–– you should have some idea about actual average processing in your area based on what other members of your community have experienced. There is NO way that going to BFPE will get you an appeal processed quicker than the extra few weeks that finsihing application process may take. Depending on local situations, you might actually find that you are actually stepping on peoples toes when you do that which may (or may not) be problematic in the future.

Thread tagged.

I'm taking my NRA course 1/14.

can't wait. Local PD is very friendly to this. Hillbillies win again.

Stay tuned for your shooting buddy to ask a gazillion questions.

That is why I've been shooting all your handguns lately, gotta make up my mind.

Glock 30SF 11 rounds of .45ACP

I'm listening to an interview with Massad Ayoob talking about his affinity for it right now.

Thanks for all the answers guys. Today marks 3 weeks thus far. I was told average is 6, but have seen people in my town get it in as little as 3.

And good luck with your course / application Cavgunner!

Plainfield, the PD was very cool about the whole process. I double checked the paper work today and it does state 8-12 weeks wait. I'm at the 5 week mark so I'm not too concerned just yet. Sorry to the OP for the hijacking. Thanks for the info guys.

Yeah, same for the hijack, sorry.

You are really hot on that G30 Dan? You know my affinity for 45ACP. I'm just wondering if 9mm shouldn't be my first pistol. And I do love 98cobras MP9 with stippling and the trigger job.

At the least a G17 belongs in the WTF kit. I need to try MP45 too.

There I go again, hijack city. Typical CT thread, all blowed up yo! We are so undisciplined...and full of joy!

I am unclear how a timeline in the statute, and a well defined one at that, does not constitute a "hard number". This is not a poke at you for bringing it up, but can you provide some more detail as to where the courts have said this?

The CT tax statutes are pretty clear on dates, and if I violate those I am fucked. Should it not be the same for towns?

I would love to see a $100 fine for each day in excess of 8 weeks for the towns. Those fines would be earmarked for public shooting ranges ONLY. The permit problem would be solved pretty quickly.

Get both

That is the nice thing about the Glock or the M&P. The guns are so similar across calibers and sizes, that you could easily buy a used G17 on the cheap for practice, training, plinking, or whatever and then get a big bad G21 for carry/HD. Same thing with the M&P and M&P compact. The trigger, sight picture, handling, and manual of arms are the same across all of my guns that I use for defense.

The M&P with the APEX trigger is really nice too.

Start what you are more comfortable with and branch out from there.

Don't worry about the hijacks, I'm sure the OP has questions too.

Blame the Connecicut judiciary.

Here is a citation that is included with 29-28a on the CGA site. I am having difficulty finding the decsion through online databases- I am going to try and make an effort to go to a law library this week and do some research.

I was able to go to the law library and look the cited case up this afternoon. Apparantely, there has never been any appellate cases regarding the 8-week limit- only superior court cases. Two of those, including the on ecited by CGA, involved Chief Ambrogio from Hamden. The first was decided in JD New haven in 1982, when there was a 1-year FBI moritorium on fingerprint classification. The other, which is cited andis relevant was decied in 1992.

Background: After not receiving notifiation of approval or denial within the 8-week statutory time limit applicant Donald Henriques filed an appeal with the Board of Firearm Permit Examinrs. The BFPE determined that the time limit described in the statute was mandate on the issuing authority and ordered Chief Ambrogio to issue Mr. Henriques a permit. ggrieved by that order, Ambrogio filed suite Against the Board of Firearm Permit Examiners in the Judicial District of Hartford-New Britain (then in seated at Hartford).

Legal Issues: The Superior Court considered 2 legal issues wen it heard this case.
1. Did the Superior COurt have jurisdiction to hear this case as an Administrative Appeals matter (as filed by Chief Ambrogio)?
2. Did the 8-week timeframe described in the statute compel issuance of such a permit if no dissqualifying information was discovered at the 8-week mark?

Arguments:
Q1. The BFPE alleged that the Superior Court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case as an administrative appeals matter, as filed by Chief Ambrogio and instead requested that the court issue a writ of mandamus against the Chief to compel him to comply with the order that he issue a permit to Mr. Henriques. The Chief argued that he had a stattorily enumerated right to appeal to the Superior Court because he was aggrieved with the BFPE ruling.
Q2. Chief Ambrogio argued taht the time-limit defined by statute did not bind him to issue the applicant a permit at the 8 week mark, because such a requirement would undermine his ability to the deteremine the suitability of the applicant as required by statute, which limits issuance of such a permit to a suitable person. This includes individuals disqualified by per-se criterium (specifically a felony conviction from any jurisdiction in te United States) as well as the discretionary determination of suitability to be made by the issuing Chief. Significant emphasis is placed on the FBI criminal history report which is distinguished from the Connecticut SPBI report because of its national scope.

Tests:
Q2 The decision in this case was made resultant to a test to determine whetehr or not he 8-week limit specified by statute was mandatory or directory in nature. To determine that, the Court applied a test developed in Teamsters v. Shapiro which begs the question of whetehr the requirement is a matter of substance or convenience. If it is a matter of substance, then it is mandatory in nature. If it is of convenience, then it is direcotry. The nature of directory requirements was further clarified by several cited cases including

Eastern Color Printing v. Jenks (1963) which defined a requirement as directory if it was intended to secure order, system and dispatch proceedings.
Winslow v. Zoning Board (1956) Direct what should be done, but is not invalidated upon failure.
Tramontano v. Dilieto (1984) Regulatory duties of public offices are generally directory

"A second test was also introduced from Zoning Board of Appeals v. Freedom of Information Commission (198 Conn 498) 1986, citing, "Unless the legislature intended for a duty not to be performed at all except within a the time prescribed......" [it is directory] (As the Court explained, this means that if the 8-week time limit were mandatory, then the legislature would not have wanted the issuing authority to process the FBI BG check or make a determination on suitability outside of the week time limit. The Court specifically states belief that the legislature intended for the issuing authority was intended to be able to perform those functions beyond the 8-week limit...)
Holdings:
Q1. The Cort ruled in favor of Chief Ambrogio and determined that they did have jurisdiction to rule on this case, finding that the BFPE misinterpreted the section which they argued limited the court's ability to rule. The Issuing Authority's Right to Appeal if aggrieved as upheld. That right of appeal includes the right to appeal to the Superior Court. Contesting an aggireving decision is distinguished from simple refusal to comply, which would warrant a mandamus decision.
Q2. Ultimately, the Court determined that the time limit defined by statute was directory in nature, rather than mandatory, that is, that it was intended to describe what should happen (a general rule if you may). In this case, the court determined that the legislature intended for the time limit to promote a reasonable return time (hence the potential frustration in the 1982 case, where an application may sit unacted upo forever without cooperation from the FBI).To that end, the court held that the issuing authority was required to process applications in a 'reasonable and dilligent' manner. In considering the strict application argument that BFPE presented, the Court held that such application would negate the material intention of the (suitability) requirement.

Order: The Court vacated the order issued by BFPE that Chief Ambrogio issue Mr. Henriques a Permit.

I'll post a scan of my notes in the evening, though everything really should be covered. I also have a PDF of the decision that I may host.

I have taken the time to upload the files to my webhosting.

http://mp510sd.weebly.com/ambrogio-v-board-of-firearms-permit-examiners-et-al.html

In March 2010 I got mine 8 weeks to the day. The hold up was with the DPS background check. I called and spoke to a desk jockey that was a real a-hole. Told me he couldn't talk to me and that I should have my local PD call him. I posted my issue on a different forum and got a PM from one of the state police attorneys. Unfortunately, I forget his name. I got his personal line at the DPS and left him a message. An hour later he called me back and sure enough, my background check came back clear and was just about to be mailed...I have no doubt that I would have been waiting much longer had I not been on top of where my permit was in the process. If hey tell you the FBI is the delay, they're lying. I called the FBI during my wait and their turn around is 24 hours! Any delay is with the state or the town.

I live in a very permit friendly town, so didn't have to deal with any of the bullshit references and interview nonsense. If you live in a similar town, I think the right people are concerned about the delay at the DPS, but there are too many applications and not enough guys driving the desks. For those of you living in towns that make you jump through hoops, I wish you the best of luck.

Today I called to check on the progress since it's been 8 weeks and 4 days. I was told the paper work states 8-12 weeks. And they're waiting on the FBI and State. I then mentioned I had called the FBI and they cleared me in three days. Then I mentioned the statue to them and they seemed taken aback. I'm ok with waiting but don't like being lied to like I'm an idiot. They told me the town clerk puts the paperwork together and it does state 8-12 weeks. So I suggested they get the facts strait and know the rules They agreed ,which made me laugh. Again our tax dollars hard at work.

Wow, that blows.

I am just over 4 1/2 weeks now. Friday marks 5 weeks. No news back yet from local PD. Was told average of 6 weeks, which will put me at the last weekend of January. Hoping it comes back sooner, but who knows.

It took almost exactly 8 weeks to get mine (Trumbull). 2 years ago. At some point during their "investigation", the detective assigned to my file called me (since I was new to the state), and said, basically, Geez, don't you know anybody around here we can talk to? I gave him the number of a gun-friendly lawyer I'd done some work for, and a couple of weeks later I had my permit.

Still pisses me of that my landlady came up to me about a month later and said, "So, did you ever get your pistol permit?"

Couldn't see any reason that she, and presumably the rest of my neighbors, needed to know that.

I got mine back when they did not do that shit. No criminal record= here you go!
They never talked to an employer or a neighbor. Hell, then never even interviewed me!
Life was a little better back then

That is some pure unadulterated bullshit right there.

If they pull that shit with me, I got answers. 2 guys near by that I will give them them to contact, that I shoot with. And inform them of the 2 felons in my neighborhood I dont' want to know that there are weapons available for theft. Then I'll get my state rep and state senator involved, both STRONG 2A advocates, one of which is an NRA member. The shit will rain from the heavens I say.

Ahhh but ho worries, CLEO in hillbilly ville doesn't pull that crap on us.

If I remember right, it took about 5 weeks for Portland to approve it when I got it a few years back. I certainly do not miss Connecticut's permit process.

Folks, the CCDL does a fine job of documenting and assisting in permiting issues in this state.

please see here for a town-by-town assessment

http://www.ctregion3.net/ctpistolpermitissues.com/suitability_study/Study.html

Their resources are understandably superior to the quote-a-statute mongers present in the CT-HTF. (we love you guys too )

Also, please make a donation to their cause instead of buying a few special-edition chris costa pink p-mags. They are the ones fighting on the ground every legislative session and in-between.

When I went to submit my paperwork they told me 12 to 16 weeks. When i laughed at him and told him he had 8 weeks to get back to me i got a really bad look from him. He blamed it on cut backs. I thought i would never get it and in 4 weeks to date i got a call saying it was ready. weird how thing work.

Encouraging.

Yep the CCDL site has a good breakdown of our statues into an understandable level for the non lawyers. But its still a good idea to read and understand (if possible) the actual statutes... that us quote-a-statute monger's post.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse, its wise to read both CCDL's documents along with the actual CT firearm statutes.
For those who are new to CT or new to possessing guns in CT, you should have this link bookmarked, it has a collection of the important firearm statutes for this state.
http://www.jud.ct.gov/LawLib/Law/firearms.htm

Well, I finally got the call today, my permit's in. I'll be heading to Middletown on Monday to finish the process. So just a shade over 8 weeks. Now to go ACP shopping, woo hoo.

Matt

There are four gun stores on your way home

Lucky you.

Tomorrow will mark 6 weeks, what they told me was an "average wait". I also checked, and the 3 checks I had to give them were cashed. Not sure if that's a good sign or not.

Luck for me though, I literally work right up the street from DPS, so getting there for my state permit will be quite easy.

Congrats on getting yours! Now go have fun

Just remember to leave all your weapons in your vehicle before entering the building! (in case the 5 signs on the way in aren't enough to remind you)

I had to laugh today when I called to find out who the bank check needed to be payable to. The lady acted as if I was retarded for asking. Unlike state employee's my time is valuable and I'm not making two trips. Now I just can't decide which ACP to get. Really leaning towards M&P 9mm.

New Haven PD had the same attitude when I called and asked about why the forms listed the cost of the fee's differently. The state form list one set of fees, and a separate document from New Haven listed the cost of fee's differently. The guy replied after long exasperated sigh, and I swear I could hear his eyes roll over the phone, "its right there on the pistol permit application forms." So I asked him to look at the forms and read back to me what the fee's were. After a very long, very pregnant pause, he guy replied sheepishly that now he was confused. More He put me on hold and went to ask someone else, he eventually came back and said to pay the fee's the the state form indicated. but to pay the FBI background check fee the separate document indicated.

I forgot she also said to me "who did you make the first to checks payable to?" I replied DPS, she then tells me I need to make it payable to the treasurer of the state of CT. So I'm glad I called I would have been super PO'd if I had to drive back down a second time. Is the renewal by mail?

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