Actually the "possess" permit, everywhere but NYC is not bad cost wise...$10 and about 6 months wait. It is a shall issue permit if you are clean. In NYC that same permit is $375 for the same permit to "possess", and is good for 3 years only. This means in your home and personal property ONLY. (NYC home only) In NYC they don't want any of the poor people to be able to afford to defend themselves. (Think Jim Crow law)
The "have and Carry" license is discressionary, some counties require "training" some don't. Some counties automatically issue unrestricted "have and carry", and other counties only issue restricted (range/hunting etc) "have and carry" licenses, strictly up to the judge's discression. "Have and Carry" licenses also take about 6 months. Most jrestrictive "have and carry" license is in NYC and it is very expensive...I forgot the exact amount but like $800 for 3 years, and is only issued to those that regularly carry high dollar items, or are politically connected.
NY state constitution does NOT have a 2A equivilent.
Not at all calling you out, but having just moved to Vermont last week from NY (Albany area for the past year, upstate since birth) I decided to chime in. While NY is supposed to be a shall issue, it's a hit or miss. You can be denied for no reason, even if all checks out. I was a county correction officer, had never had even a ticket and got denied my first time, while my coworker got a full carry permit with a misdemeanor on his record. It's also way more than $10 unfortunately, it's robbery.
The pistol permit process is strictly discretionary, and while I can't say anything about NYC's prices, I can tell you each county is different. For Washington county, it costs $10 to pick up the paperwork, $10 to drop it back off and $100 charge for the processing. The paperwork consists of personal and background information, as well as needing three references who are living in the county at least five years, who are not related to you or each other. Each reference must sign off on three pieces of paper, write and mail a character reference, and the county will call them for an interview. They must attest that they think you should own a handgun, and I have heard stories of someone changing their mind about the person (as it could be upwards of six months) and causing them to be denied. You also must have finger prints done on three different sheets. After all this, if you are denied none of the money is refunded. You could apply for a carry permit and be issued a target only permit, it all depends on the judge and his/her mood. Oh, and did I mention you only have 30 days to bring all the paperwork back?
Albany/Watervliet is a whole different beast. The paperwork is able to be printed online for free, the references and such are the same, but you must find a place yourself to do fingerprints, and that could cost between $75-200. Most judges in this area (Schenectady/Albany) do not even consider issuing carry permits until you've had your permit at least a year and have taken multiple classes.
You also must take a NYS handgun class before being able to apply, at your own expense. Buying one is a mess, not to mention having to pay $2-5 each time to have it added to your permit.
Thank god I'm in Vermont now..
EDIT: oh yeah, and they have to be renewed every four years, and are no good for NYC..
