Pistol Permit or Eligibility Certificate?

I've recently gotten interested in purchasing a rifle for marksmanship target practice. After doing some research I've found I can't just walk into a store and purchase a rifle anymore, like I thought I could - at least after April of this year.
So, after more research I determined I need either an Eligibility Certificate to Purchase Long Guns, or a Pistol Permit, to purchase the rifle and ammo. And it seems like 75% of the hassle for just the Certificate, so why not just get the pistol permit even though I don't plan on purchasing a pistol or carrying one.
Living in New Haven I anticipate this to be a huge PITA, and not having a rifle until next year some time by the time I have a piece of paper to purchase something.

What do others think?
What is the waiting period for the Certificates now?

Do neither and build your own rifle.

davidmcbeth said:

Do neither and build your own rifle.

Click to expand...

This is Truth!
The AR platform is an easy home build. Inexpensive too. No numbers, no roll marks, no permission.

http://aresarmor.com/store/FAQ

Maybe I'll get into the AR DIY scene some day, but for now I have my eye on a particular off-the-shelf bolt action centerfire rifle. But if there is any other legal method to obtain said rifle without getting a permit or certificate I'm open to suggestions. Still need a cert for ammo anyway, so meh...which brings me back full circle.

korwintkr said:

Maybe I'll get into the AR DIY scene some day, but for now I have my eye on a particular off-the-shelf bolt action centerfire rifle. But if there is any other legal method to obtain said rifle without getting a permit or certificate I'm open to suggestions. Still need a cert for ammo anyway, so meh...which brings me back full circle.

Click to expand...

Well you don't need a ammo cert. to buy ammo .... the seller needs to insure you have one. the burden of buying ammo having a mmo cert is not upon you, the purchaser. I've had no problem buying ammo and not showing a ammo cert. or pistol permit. Plus you can reload too!

You can build the gun for a bolt action too ... handguns, various rifles, almost anything.

What ya trying to get? if ya want help building.

But if you a dead set on getting a pre-built one, you should just get a pistol permit .. you might get one in 2-3 yrs (maybe the issuing authority won't like your car, who knows?). Fingers crossed!

Of course, its a rifle, I think you can buy one out of state and bring it back into the state...PA13-3 & 220 only covers sales within the state...under the conditions of the state you purchase it in .. maybe NH?


Q: From whom may an unlicensed person acquire a firearm under the GCA?

A person may only acquire a firearm within the person’s own State, except that he or she may purchase or otherwise acquire a rifle or shotgun, in person, at a licensee’s premises in any State, provided the sale complies with State laws applicable in the State of sale and the State where the purchaser resides. A person may borrow or rent a firearm in any State for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes.

https://www.atf.gov/content/firearms-frequently-asked-questions-unlicensed-persons

Others may chime in w/their opinion ... likely the gun does not have to be registered ...

Mislead

Come on Dave, less not mislead!

davidmcbeth said:

Well you don't need a ammo cert. to buy ammo .... the seller needs to insure you have one. the burden of buying ammo having a mmo cert is not upon you, the purchaser. I've had no problem buying ammo and not showing a ammo cert. or pistol permit. Plus you can reload too!

You can build the gun for a bolt action too ... handguns, various rifles, almost anything.

What ya trying to get? if ya want help building.

But if you a dead set on getting a pre-built one, you should just get a pistol permit .. you might get one in 2-3 yrs (maybe the issuing authority won't like your car, who knows?). Fingers crossed!

Of course, its a rifle, I think you can buy one out of state and bring it back into the state...PA13-3 & 220 only covers sales within the state...under the conditions of the state you purchase it in .. maybe NH?


Q: From whom may an unlicensed person acquire a firearm under the GCA?

A person may only acquire a firearm within the person’s own State, except that he or she may purchase or otherwise acquire a rifle or shotgun, in person, at a licensee’s premises in any State, provided the sale complies with State laws applicable in the State of sale and the State where the purchaser resides. A person may borrow or rent a firearm in any State for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes.

https://www.atf.gov/content/firearms-frequently-asked-questions-unlicensed-persons

Others may chime in w/their opinion ... likely the gun does not have to be registered ...

Click to expand...

Building your own AR in Connecticut does not make it legal. You still need to deal with the lower and whether or not it is pre or post ban.

Read up and get involved:
http://ctcarry.com/Store/Product/3b4541a0-05ef-4c99-9f33-685ff215aa71

davidmcbeth said:

Well you don't need a ammo cert. to buy ammo .... the seller needs to insure you have one. the burden of buying ammo having a mmo cert is not upon you, the purchaser. I've had no problem buying ammo and not showing a ammo cert. or pistol permit. Plus you can reload too!

You can build the gun for a bolt action too ... handguns, various rifles, almost anything.

What ya trying to get? if ya want help building.

But if you a dead set on getting a pre-built one, you should just get a pistol permit .. you might get one in 2-3 yrs (maybe the issuing authority won't like your car, who knows?). Fingers crossed!

Of course, its a rifle, I think you can buy one out of state and bring it back into the state...PA13-3 & 220 only covers sales within the state...under the conditions of the state you purchase it in .. maybe NH?


Q: From whom may an unlicensed person acquire a firearm under the GCA?

A person may only acquire a firearm within the person’s own State, except that he or she may purchase or otherwise acquire a rifle or shotgun, in person, at a licensee’s premises in any State, provided the sale complies with State laws applicable in the State of sale and the State where the purchaser resides. A person may borrow or rent a firearm in any State for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes.

https://www.atf.gov/content/firearms-frequently-asked-questions-unlicensed-persons

Others may chime in w/their opinion ... likely the gun does not have to be registered ...

Click to expand...

This used to be a very useful website with solid information and advice. Now, with misleading posts like this being the norm and not the exception, I'm afraid it has become more dangerous than useful. I guess it is time to take it off the forum list. Too bad.

Thanks to all who replied.
I'm going to try and find out how long the Cert takes and just spend the money if it is much less time and hassle than the permit.
Once I have that, if I'm so inspired, I might try for a permit and re-spend most of that money again, at least with no timeline in mind.
I signed up for the Basic Course on 8/9 and will just start there.

I'm looking at a Marlin X7VH 308, scope, bipod. Maybe one day I'll try DIY, but for now I just want to buy something inexpensive, but decent and durable.

Skinnedknuckles said:

This used to be a very useful website with solid information and advice. Now, with misleading posts like this being the norm and not the exception, I'm afraid it has become more dangerous than useful. I guess it is time to take it off the forum list. Too bad.

Click to expand...

Adios ! Nice insult without backing up your statement. Don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.

korwintkr said:

Thanks to all who replied.
I'm going to try and find out how long the Cert takes and just spend the money if it is much less time and hassle than the permit.
Once I have that, if I'm so inspired, I might try for a permit and re-spend most of that money again, at least with no timeline in mind.
I signed up for the Basic Course on 8/9 and will just start there.

I'm looking at a Marlin X7VH 308, scope, bipod. Maybe one day I'll try DIY, but for now I just want to buy something inexpensive, but decent and durable.

Click to expand...

Its a shame that just getting gov't permission will cost as much as the gun ... I would ask your state rep or senator to pay for all your costs...I did find some folks who could produce 80% receivers for it .. its not a high volume rifle like the AR ... but some appear willing to puke out a 80% that you could finish off with a mill (I don't think the old-drill press AR method would work for the Marlin). Its a nice gun...I like Marlins.

So I finished the NRA Basic class on Saturday. I had all my paperwork lined up to submit both the Pistol Eligibility Certificate at DESPP and the Pistol Permit at the New Haven PD. I know it's twice the money, but I'm hopeful I'll get the Pistol EC soon (they said 4-6 weeks) without the hassle of New Haven. While in the mean time just have the Pistol Permit working it's way through New Haven. I confirmed with NHPD what is said on the application - 8-12 weeks - and the LT helping me smiled and said "yeah, well, we're a little backed up."

Interestingly, no one must apply for the Pistol or Long Gun EC because no one who worked at DESPP knew what to do with it. They called a woman from the back who took care of everything. Even the guy taking my finger prints was confused why I needed two sets.

At New Haven PD, I didn't have the New Haven application with me when I submitted everything. I got a call back that afternoon that I was missing the New Haven PD specific application, so I had to go pick that up and run to UPS to have it notarized and return it. There were two pages to have notarized - one on the application page checklist (why, I have no idea), and one for a background check authorization. By the way, they require money orders for the application ($50, $16.50, $70) not checks. I made that mistake too.

Fingerprints at DESPP were $15. He was generous and printed out two cards for me. NHPD is $25 and I think on a schedule, like Mon-Fri 10am-2pm or something.

Anyway, I'll update when I hear anything or get the EC/Permit. Maybe the rest helps others.

Pistol Eligibility Certificate arrived in the mail on Friday, 9/19. That's 5 weeks from when I applied. Not bad. They hit their stated 4-6 week mark.

I brought it to a few places and everyone looked at me - and at it - side-ways. No one knew what it was or had seen one before. But whatever. I was able to purchase whatever I wanted.

Still waiting on the Pistol Permit from New Haven. It's been the same 5 weeks to this point.