Question: What is required for me to obtain a pistol permit in Connecticut?

Answer: Our NRA Basic Pistol Safety class is mandated as a prerequisite. After successfully completing our NRA class, you then obtain a pistol permit application from the police department in the town where you reside or work. After filling out the application, you return the application to the police department with the NRA certificate we give you. Upon completing a background check , you will be issued a Temporary 60 day Connecticut Pistol Permit. After obtaining the temporary permit, you then go to the Bridgeport State Police Barracks, or the Department of Public Safety in Meriden. There, you will be photographed and issued your permanent Connecticut Pistol Permit, which is valid for 5 years.

Question: After my Permit expires in 5 years, am I required to retake the NRA Basic Pistol Safety Class and reapply for my permit?

Answer: No, your permit is renewed in person at the 2 aforementioned locations within 90 days of the expiration date. A fee of $35 is due at that time. Retaking the NRA class is not required as long as you do not allow your permit to expire.

Question: What does my Connecticut Pistol Permit allow me to do with a firearm?

Answer: The permit allows you to purchase, transport and carry a handgun on your person within all legal guidelines of the law. You can find information about Connecticut firearms laws at: http://valleyfirearms.com/links.html.

Question: Must I prove a "need" for a pistol permit in order to be issued one?

Answer: No, Connecticut is known as a "shall issue state," meaning if you apply for a permit, and are a law abiding citizen, you will be issued a permit provided you fulfill all of the application requirements.

Question: How long will it take from the time of application for me to receive my permit?

Answer: State law says to allow 6 to 8 weeks. It also states that if you are notified of a delay, to allow another 2 to 3 weeks, making the total process no longer than 11 weeks from the date you applied.

Question: If I decide to carry a gun on my person for self-defense, am I required to conceal the gun?

Answer: There is no law in Connecticut mandating the gun be carried concealed, HOWEVER, it is stated that if it is carried in plain view, and it causes complaint or alarm, your permit to carry can be jeopardized. For this reason it is recommended any firearms be carried concealed and out of plain view.

Question: Does my Connecticut permit allow me to carry a handgun in other states besides Connecticut?

Answer: In general, your Connecticut permit only allows you to carry a handgun in Connecticut. However, there are some states that offer reciprocal carry privlidges to holders of Connecticut permits. For information on states offering reciprocity, go to http://www.packing.org.

Question: What is the best firearm for me?

Answer: There is no one firearm which is perfect for everyone. At Valley Firearms, we spend time with you to tailor the correct firearm for its intended purpose. We carry a wide variety of firearms from all of the major manufacturers. Simply put, we know what works and what doesn't. When your job is selling people the tools to protect themselves and their loved ones, only the best will do.

Come see us, it may save your life.