A New York State Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit (often called a concealed carry license) allows a qualified resident to carry a handgun concealed for self-defense. New York strictly regulates handgun carry – you must have this license to carry a pistol on your person.
In Syracuse, NY, completing an NYS CCW course Syracuse NY is the first step, since state law now requires firearms training for permit applicants. Obtaining this permit confirms you meet all legal criteria and are trained in safe gun handling.
Legal Requirements and Eligibility
To qualify for a NYS CCW permit, applicants must meet several strict criteria:
Age and Residency: You must be at least 21 years old and a resident of the county (or city) where you apply. Residency and identity documents are also required.
Pistol License: New York distinguishes between pistol licenses and the CCW permit (carry concealed). Applicants typically start with a regular pistol license, then upgrade to concealed carry.
Good Moral Character: No felony convictions, disqualifying misdemeanors, or serious mental health history. You cannot legally possess firearms under state or federal law (18 U.S.C §922(g) disqualifies certain persons).
Documentation: You must complete all the required documentation. A state background check (fingerprinting) will also be conducted.
Interview Requirement: New York law requires an in-person interview with the licensing officer or their designee before issuing a concealed carry permit.
NYS CCW Training Course (18-Hour Requirement)
Under New York law, all new concealed-carry license applicants must complete an 18-hour firearms safety training course. This course is known variously as the “Carry Concealed Course,” “Pre-License Course,” or simply the CCW training.
Key facts about the course format and content:
18-Hour Total: The program consists of 16 hours of classroom instruction and 2 hours of live-fire range training. These must be taught by a DCJS-authorized instructor.
Classroom Curriculum (16h): Topics cover all aspects of safe and lawful gun ownership. Students learn general firearm safety (handling, cleaning, storage) and marksmanship basics. They study New York state and federal gun laws and also cover situational awareness, the proper mindset, conflict avoidance/de-escalation tactics, the effects of drugs/alcohol on judgment, and the legal use of force (e.g. recognizing when deadly force is justified). Sensitive locations (schools, government buildings) are also reviewed and discussed as required by law.
Live-Fire Training (2h): On the range, students practice safe handling and shooting under supervision. The live-fire segment evaluates fundamental pistol skills like, range safety, drawing from a holster, target acquisition, dry firing drills, loading/unloading procedures, and safely firing the weapon, etc. Each student must pass a written proficiency test (minimum 80% score) on the course material, and a range qualification to demonstrate competency.
Certificate of Completion: Upon fulfilling the 18-hour instruction and passing the tests, the instructor issues an NYS training certificate. This certificate is required paperwork for the permit application and is valid statewide, as long as the course met all the DCJS standards.
Steps after Completing the NYS CCW Course
Once you have your 18-hour course certificate in hand, follow these steps to get your permit:
Gather paperwork – Ensure you have the training certificate, passport-style photos, proof of NY residency (e.g. NY driver’s license), and two copies of the completed NYS pistol license application (PPB-3) plus any county-required forms.
Submit application – Deliver or mail the application packet to the concerned department/authority. Include your certificate and the non-refundable application fee.
Fingerprinting – After submitting, the office will notify you to get digitized fingerprints taken. This allows NY and FBI to run criminal record checks.
References and Interview – Prepare for an in-person interview; this is a routine step to verify your application and training.
Await approval – The license office will process everything. Check for any follow-up requests (additional info or clarifications).
Receive permit – Once all checks clear, you will be approved. Pay any remaining fees (if applicable) and pick up or receive your pistol license card authorizing concealed carry.
Lions Pride Training Group (Syracuse)
Lions Pride Training Group is a local Syracuse-area firearms training organization that offers the mandatory 18-hour NYS CCW course (among other programs). Key points about Lions Pride:
Established, Certified Instructors: Lions Pride Training has a team of experienced, certified instructors. This underscores their credibility in firearms education.
Wide Range of Courses: Lions Pride offers a full complement of firearms, self-defense and pistol permit training classes. This includes the required 18-hour NYS CCW course, as well as standard handgun safety classes, NRA/USCCA certification courses, women’s-only classes, and advanced tactics training. Below is a snapshot of the courses they are offering:
18hr NYS CCW Course – The state-mandated concealed carry training for pistol licenses.
Handgun Training – Courses for new gun owners on safe handling and marksmanship.
Ladies Only Courses – Women-focused self-defense and firearms classes (building confidence and skills).
NRA/USCCA Courses – Nationally recognized training programs covering basics and concealed carry specialties.
Their course catalogue means a student can start as a beginner and advance to tactical training all with the same provider. Instructors bring real-life experience into the classroom and use proven, structured methods. The approach is hands-on and scenario-based, designed to build skills and judgment
As a Syracuse-trained group, Lions Pride Training Group is well-known. Local students and law enforcement personnel have trained with Lions Pride, reinforcing its reputation.
Why Choose Lions Pride
Prospective students often cite the group’s experienced staff, comprehensive curriculum, and friendly teaching style. Competitive pricing and flexible scheduling (weekend courses, group events) make Lions Pride a popular choice in the Syracuse area. Their emphasis on real-world preparation and credentials-backed training makes them a standout local option for anyone seeking the mandatory NYS CCW course or any pistol-permit training.
