To get a New York State pistol permit (concealed carry license) in Syracuse, NY, applicants must complete a mandatory state-certified firearms safety course. This guide explains the training requirements, course curriculum, application steps, and local training providers. Syracuse residents can take a fully approved 18-hour firearms permit course Syracuse NY to satisfy New York’s CCW licensing requirements.
NYS CCW Training Requirements and Eligibility
18-Hour Training Requirement: In New York, all concealed-carry license applicants must complete an 18-hour approved safety course. This consists of 16 hours of classroom instruction plus at least 2 hours of live-fire shooting practice.
Topics Covered: The course syllabus includes firearm safety, storage, New York and federal gun laws, use-of-force principles, conflict de-escalation, situational awareness, suicide prevention, and basic marksmanship. Topics are mandated by DCJS/DSP standards.
Testing: Students must pass a written exam (usually 50 questions, 80% minimum score) and a shooting qualification (fire five rounds at 4 yards with at least four on target).
Instructor Approval: Courses must be taught by a “Duly Authorized Instructor” certified by DCJS/DSP. Local trainers like Lions Pride Training Group offer certified 18-hour CCW training to meet NY requirements.
Other Permits: New York also offers an optional 4-hour “premises” course for a license allowing firearm possession at home or hunting grounds. This is separate from concealed carry and can be done in one day.
Legal Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident. He/she should not be disqualified under federal or NY law. Disqualifiers include felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, or unresolved mental health adjudications.
Application Steps: After training for a firearms permit course in Syracuse, NY, applicants submit a detailed pistol permit application to their county clerk, including the course certificate, fingerprints, photographs, character references, and fees. The licensing process involves a background check, local police review, and judge approval (procedure varies by county).
18-Hour CCW Course Curriculum
The NYS CCW course is divided into two parts and covers a wide range of topics:
Classroom Instruction (16 hours). Core topics are:
General Firearm Safety and Handling (2 hrs) – Safe loading/unloading, cleaning, maintenance, and range rules.
Secure Storage (1 hr) – New York safe-storage laws and safe transportation.
Gun Laws and Licensing (2 hrs) – Federal and NY statutes governing possession, purchase, and concealed carry.
Situation Awareness – How to carry safely, avoid threats, and recognize sensitive locations to make sure you end up on the wrong side of the law.
Conflict De-escalation – Verbal and non-verbal tactics to defuse confrontations instead of using force.
Alcohol/Drug Awareness – Risks and legal penalties of using firearms while impaired.
Interactions with Law Enforcement – Best practices during traffic stops or emergencies, including when to present one’s license.
Use of Deadly Force – Legal justification for self-defense, NY’s duty to retreat, and case law.
Suicide Prevention – Recognizing warning signs and resources.
Marksmanship Fundamentals – Stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control.
Holster & Drawing Techniques – Safe use of holsters, carrying positions, and drawing a concealed weapon.
Written Exam
At the end of classroom training, students take a written test (typically 50 questions, 80% passing score) covering the above subjects.
Live-Fire Training (Minimum 2 hours)
Participants practice safe shooting and demonstrate proficiency. Typical drills include drawing from concealment, shooting from the holster, reloading, and firing five rounds at a target. Instructors conduct these exercises at a certified range, under strict safety protocols.
Applying for Your CCW Permit
Complete the 18-Hour Course: Attend an approved course, to pass the written exam and shooting test.
Gather Documents: Prepare ID, photocopies of license/photos, and fingerprints.
Background Checks: The county conducts criminal and mental-health background checks, interviews character references, and often requires a police investigation.
License Renewal: New York does not require renewal for an unrestricted carry permit (licenses do not expire outside NYC/LI counties), but counties may impose refresher training or requalification.
Lions Pride Training Group
Lions Pride Training Group is a Syracuse-area firearms training institute that caters to private citizens and law enforcement. Operating as a division of Rochester Personal Defense, LLC, Lions Pride has provided expert gun-safety education for many years and is a reliable institute if you are looking for a firearms permit course in Syracuse, NY. Key features of their program include:
Comprehensive 18-Hour NYS CCW Course: A class covering the full NYS concealed carry curriculum. Topics include handgun handling, legal use of force, situational awareness, safe storage, and marksmanship. Their syllabus aligns with state standards. Upon completion, participants receive the official NYS certificate required for a pistol permit.
Other Courses Offered: In addition to the 18-hour course, Lions Pride runs related classes such as:
- Ladies Only Courses.
- Handgun Training.
- NRA/USCCA Courses.
- Multi-State CCW Courses.
- Special Events.
The bottomline is that if you want to have a firearms permit in Syracuse or any other region in the state of New York, you have got to make sure you understand the right way to go about getting it. Getting all the relevant information and following the right steps, not only increases the chances of getting the permit in the first attempt but also saves a a lot of time and effort.
