Hi, the name's Kevin. I am a Marine stationed at Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina. I am currently deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. I will be back home most likely the first week of August. I will not be 21 until October. I want to get a CCW permit. My question is, should I wait a few months and get a North Carolina permit, having to take the class and all or should I apply for a Florida permit since you only have to be 18 if you are in the military and I wouldn't have to take a class for it. I hear that Florida's takes the full 90 days because so many people apply for their non-resident permit. I've heard that my county in North Carolina (Craven) only takes a few weeks. In many cases as little as 2 weeks. So should I wait until I turn 21 and get the NC permit or go ahead and send in for the FL permit as soon as I get back in Aug? If you have any other suggestions that would be fine as well. I hear Utah is good but I don't know what kind of breaks they give for military. North Carolina doesn't cut any slack and I've spent the last half year carrying around an M16 around a bunch of people who give me the evil eye and don't even speak my language. Why does the USA trust me with a weapon in a hostile country but not in my own town??? (That one was a retorical question haha) But anyways, I would also appreciate some input on what type of weapon to get. The only two pistols I have are an HK USP .45 ACP full size and a Colt SAA in .45 Colt. Big guns. And I'm a skinny guy at 5'9". I've handled those two guns fine for the past 4 years but I need something more concealing to protect my wife and daughter. Or maybe just a good holster?
Hello from southern Afghanistan!
- Thread starter kevin333
- Start date
cosmicdingo
New member
Beretta nine is out.Minimum caliber(9mm,380).I'd say a baby Glock in nine.
Thank you for making the security of us and the body politic your personal business.
I just have the Florida CCW permit so I can't compare and others here smarter than me will chime in. For the smaller gun, well, you're an experienced paid hit man for Uncle Sam. You should tell us.
May you have a joyous homecoming.
I just have the Florida CCW permit so I can't compare and others here smarter than me will chime in. For the smaller gun, well, you're an experienced paid hit man for Uncle Sam. You should tell us.
May you have a joyous homecoming.
While I was stationed in NC, I had my TX CHL so I don't know how the NC CHL goes. I did think about getting a NC DL and CHL though as it was a hassle getting pistol permits everytime I wanted to by a new handgun.
Whichever you do, make sure you study the NC carry laws as they've got some weird ones like this one:
2. Assemblies and Establishments:
North Carolina law also prohibits any person carrying a gun, rifle, or pistol into
any assembly where a fee has been charged for admission or into any establishment where alcoholic beverages are both sold and consumed. Again, the individuals exempted from carrying concealed weapons cited in paragraph III. A. of this publication are similarly exempted under this law. A concealed handgun permit does not allow a permittee to carry a weapon in these areas.
I learned the hard way when I carried into a movie theater.
After that I brushed up on their laws myself. 
Whichever you do, make sure you study the NC carry laws as they've got some weird ones like this one:
2. Assemblies and Establishments:
North Carolina law also prohibits any person carrying a gun, rifle, or pistol into
any assembly where a fee has been charged for admission or into any establishment where alcoholic beverages are both sold and consumed. Again, the individuals exempted from carrying concealed weapons cited in paragraph III. A. of this publication are similarly exempted under this law. A concealed handgun permit does not allow a permittee to carry a weapon in these areas.
I learned the hard way when I carried into a movie theater.
After that I brushed up on their laws myself. I hear ya. I know the laws pretty well but will be taking a class to further my knowledge a little. I don't know how it was when you were stationed in NC, but my gunshop told me now you only have to have a CHL from ANY state, as long as you're a resident, to buy a handgun in North Carolina. I was told that when I was trying to buy some .45 ACP but was turned away when they said I had to be 21. It wasn't that way in Kentucky. In KY you have to be 18 to buy any rifle or pistol caliber ammunition. To buy shotgun shells in KY you have to be 14 I believe. I don't know how NC deals with shells, but appearantly you have to be 21 to buy pistol caliber ammo. It sucks. Being 20 years old and legally owning handguns and not being able to go to Walmart to buy some range ammo. Except for my .45 Colt. That's considered a rifle caliber hehe. I'm the youngest person among my fellow Marines. I joined the Corps right out of high school and boy do I get crap for it. I signed up almost 2 years before I graduated. I knew what I wanted, what can I say?
This is a pet peeve of mine, we can send 18 year olds to war, using multi-million dollar weapons systems, be we can't trust them with a pistol when they get home.
I don't know about the states you mentioned, but if they require the training, I don't see why not go a head and get it while you are waiting.
SALSA
I don't know about the states you mentioned, but if they require the training, I don't see why not go a head and get it while you are waiting.
SALSA
I have been in the military, and I understand many Military personnel claim Florida as their residence since there is no State Income Tax. The same can be said for PA and a few other States.
You could claim Alabama, and have zero income tax on your military retirement if you choose to make the military your career.
You can receive a concealed carry permit within 15 minutes if you are a resident in many counties in Alabama. I have not researched the age question in Alabama.
Either Way, Thank You for your service and Sweet Home Alabama.
Lets face it, the military is a large family, and as you know there are some in it with little experience with weapons.
It depends upon your training. Although, we have served for everyone's rights and freedom it does not make us any better or more priviledged than any other upstanding and law abiding citizen.
You could claim Alabama, and have zero income tax on your military retirement if you choose to make the military your career.
You can receive a concealed carry permit within 15 minutes if you are a resident in many counties in Alabama. I have not researched the age question in Alabama.
Either Way, Thank You for your service and Sweet Home Alabama.
Lets face it, the military is a large family, and as you know there are some in it with little experience with weapons.
It depends upon your training. Although, we have served for everyone's rights and freedom it does not make us any better or more priviledged than any other upstanding and law abiding citizen.
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USMC
Glock 19 is a good choice. An FNP-9 is also a relatively inexpensive SA that offers the traditional double action trigger. Try one out; the single action in the FNP is quite good. Check out Nutnfancy's YouTube review of the FNP-9.
Be careful out there. I've seen too many Marines coming back from Afghanistan missing body parts.
Glock 19 is a good choice. An FNP-9 is also a relatively inexpensive SA that offers the traditional double action trigger. Try one out; the single action in the FNP is quite good. Check out Nutnfancy's YouTube review of the FNP-9.
Be careful out there. I've seen too many Marines coming back from Afghanistan missing body parts.
My girlfriend got her CHL at the age of 20. 
Hello from the "Other" Carolina
Hey Kevin:
Great to hear from you bro.
I used to live up the road from Cherry Point in New Bern.
Lots of cool CCW pistols around. I'm currently looking @ the Kahr CW9 & Ruger SR9c.
Stay safe over there, & say hello to Manny Torres (USMC from SC currently in your neck of the woods) if you can.
Stay Safe!
JB
Hey Kevin:
Great to hear from you bro.
I used to live up the road from Cherry Point in New Bern.
Lots of cool CCW pistols around. I'm currently looking @ the Kahr CW9 & Ruger SR9c.
Stay safe over there, & say hello to Manny Torres (USMC from SC currently in your neck of the woods) if you can.
Stay Safe!
JB
Kevin first off thank you so much for your service. I just spent a couple of days on LeJeune for the NC Hunters Safety Course. I have nothing but respect for our military and especially the Marine Corps for the sacrifice you and your families make to keep mine safe. Thank you all.
In New Hanover County the wait is 120 days thereabouts. The class is about 14 hours and runs from $60-150 depending on where you take it. As much as that stinks, if you are going to live here then I would recommend taking the course here. Tons of time spent on the nuances of NC CC law. Btw, way word on the street is they are loosening and changing or deleting many of those asinine laws now that the Republicans have the State Legislature. Check http://www.grnc.org/ for more info specific to the Tar Heel state.
In New Hanover County the wait is 120 days thereabouts. The class is about 14 hours and runs from $60-150 depending on where you take it. As much as that stinks, if you are going to live here then I would recommend taking the course here. Tons of time spent on the nuances of NC CC law. Btw, way word on the street is they are loosening and changing or deleting many of those asinine laws now that the Republicans have the State Legislature. Check http://www.grnc.org/ for more info specific to the Tar Heel state.
JAG office; new DoD policy; FL Div of Licensing...
If you are a active duty service member or can provide your US military ID card(during my service it was called a form 2A), you should be able to get the Florida concealed license(W) training requirement waved.
Florida uses licenses too not "permits".
See www.Mylicensesite.com . That is the state office that issues licenses & enforces the related state laws/SOPs.
As for your time on base(CONUS) I suggest speaking to your base JAG office or the law enforcement station re; concealed firearms, on base housing(family quarters) DoD policy etc.
Robert Gates, the outgoing SECDEF & the DoD made a few major changes after the tragic FT Hood Texas spree killing(some say terrorist attack).
I'd take the time & effort to know-learn the proper laws/SOPs re; firearms & ammunition.
Stay safe in OEF and thank you for your military service.
ClydeFrog
If you are a active duty service member or can provide your US military ID card(during my service it was called a form 2A), you should be able to get the Florida concealed license(W) training requirement waved.
Florida uses licenses too not "permits".
See www.Mylicensesite.com . That is the state office that issues licenses & enforces the related state laws/SOPs.
As for your time on base(CONUS) I suggest speaking to your base JAG office or the law enforcement station re; concealed firearms, on base housing(family quarters) DoD policy etc.
Robert Gates, the outgoing SECDEF & the DoD made a few major changes after the tragic FT Hood Texas spree killing(some say terrorist attack).
I'd take the time & effort to know-learn the proper laws/SOPs re; firearms & ammunition.
Stay safe in OEF and thank you for your military service.
ClydeFrog
irish52084
New member
Get both, if you can. I know the Florida one is good in multiple states.
As for a gun suggestion, that boils down to what you like ad shoot well. For me, I'd say minimum 9mm and whatever gun fits you well. I like XD's and M&P's better than Glocks in plastic striker guns. The FNP/FNX pistols are excellent, so are the CZ's which are a favorite of mine. Lots more so I'll star a list and maybe people can just add to it and you'll have lots of options.
XD service 4" or XDM 3.8"
S&W M&P
CZ p-01, PCR, 75 compact, p-07
4" 1911 or your personal choice
FNP/FNX
Glock 19/23/32/30/29
Sig 229
Kahr k9/p9
As for a gun suggestion, that boils down to what you like ad shoot well. For me, I'd say minimum 9mm and whatever gun fits you well. I like XD's and M&P's better than Glocks in plastic striker guns. The FNP/FNX pistols are excellent, so are the CZ's which are a favorite of mine. Lots more so I'll star a list and maybe people can just add to it and you'll have lots of options.
XD service 4" or XDM 3.8"
S&W M&P
CZ p-01, PCR, 75 compact, p-07
4" 1911 or your personal choice
FNP/FNX
Glock 19/23/32/30/29
Sig 229
Kahr k9/p9
I was in Kabul about 19 months ago on a NATO PSD. In Iraq atm, again. My brother, is in S AStan, via Ft Hood...Combat Eng. Be careful, Brother.
Regarding permit...I would just wait until youre 21. The reason I say this:
1. When you redeploy back to the states you will have your hands full squaring away equipment, cleaning your gear, getting your barracks knocked out, etc. By the time youre back to normal again, youre either back in the field, taking some leave, or you will be 21 in which case you can then apply for your permit. Take some time to DECOMPRESS.
2. Youre almost there. Traveling to FL, to endure 2-3 months processing only to get the permit in roughly the same time is not worth the effort.
3. Spend your time going to ranges and trying several of the firearms listed in this post to get a feel for what works for you. Im 6'2", 205. I hate the Beretta, but several others in that size are nice. I will list preferences below.
Firearms:
Glock 19/23/26/29 - 9mm/.40/10mm - Personal choices
CZ-75 - ton of fun, QUALITY full-size steel 9mm...very good price too
Sig 229/220 - 9mm/.357 Sig/.40/.45
SP-101/GP-100 - Great .357 Magnums (SP101 in .327 Mag is impressive, as well)
Makarov - Several pedigrees...nice price, quality gun/fun calibre
Stoeger Cougar - Beretta quality (made in Turkey)...very nice 9mm/.40 $400-ish
Cant go wrong with any of the above. Be careful, check six...for next couple months. Enjoy yourself when you get back.
Regarding permit...I would just wait until youre 21. The reason I say this:
1. When you redeploy back to the states you will have your hands full squaring away equipment, cleaning your gear, getting your barracks knocked out, etc. By the time youre back to normal again, youre either back in the field, taking some leave, or you will be 21 in which case you can then apply for your permit. Take some time to DECOMPRESS.
2. Youre almost there. Traveling to FL, to endure 2-3 months processing only to get the permit in roughly the same time is not worth the effort.
3. Spend your time going to ranges and trying several of the firearms listed in this post to get a feel for what works for you. Im 6'2", 205. I hate the Beretta, but several others in that size are nice. I will list preferences below.
Firearms:
Glock 19/23/26/29 - 9mm/.40/10mm - Personal choices
CZ-75 - ton of fun, QUALITY full-size steel 9mm...very good price too
Sig 229/220 - 9mm/.357 Sig/.40/.45
SP-101/GP-100 - Great .357 Magnums (SP101 in .327 Mag is impressive, as well)
Makarov - Several pedigrees...nice price, quality gun/fun calibre
Stoeger Cougar - Beretta quality (made in Turkey)...very nice 9mm/.40 $400-ish
Cant go wrong with any of the above. Be careful, check six...for next couple months. Enjoy yourself when you get back.
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accipiterxd
Inactive
Kevin, if I were you I would edit your original post for OPSEC. AKA, you might want to remove your estimated return. For location you might want it left as just Hi from Afghanistan.
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chadstrickland
New member
Hey man..thanks for your service..and come on down to alabama..im 19 and got a permit...the sheriff normally don't give them out to people under 21 unless he thinks they know there ( doo doo )...or I may have just caught him in a good mood 
Yo Kevin333,
Where ? --- I like Superfuzz's advice. (upstream post #17)
What ? --- Get the smallest pistol you can manage, would recommend you look at the Walther PPS, with the smallest mag it hides really well (almost anywhere), also takes larger mags that make the grip larger should you desire. They are tack-drivers.
Best of luck to you, and remember to,
Check your 6.
Where ? --- I like Superfuzz's advice. (upstream post #17)
What ? --- Get the smallest pistol you can manage, would recommend you look at the Walther PPS, with the smallest mag it hides really well (almost anywhere), also takes larger mags that make the grip larger should you desire. They are tack-drivers.
Best of luck to you, and remember to,
Check your 6.