NYS Concealed Carry (CCW) Course in Syracuse, NY: Overview and Legal Requirements

Obtaining a concealed carry (CCW) permit in New York requires completing a state-mandated firearms training program. New York law now requires all new concealed-carry applicants to complete an 18-hour safety course before they can obtain a pistol permit. This training covers both classroom instruction and live-fire range practice. In Syracuse (Onondaga County) and across New York, applicants must satisfy the new education requirement and other state criteria before a permit is issued.

Importantly, New York no longer requires applicants to show a special “need” (such as a self-defense justification) to carry a gun – instead the law focuses on objective qualifications and training.

Legal Background and Recent Updates

The new law also imposed an 18-hour training requirement (16 hours classroom + 2 hours live fire) for all applicants, as well as restrictions on carrying in “sensitive locations” such as Times Square, schools, and government buildings. Licensees must now renew or recertify every three years rather than five.

The state’s official guidance emphasizes that the 18-hour CCW training “must meet the [DCJS] minimum standards” and be taught by authorized instructors. The course is intended to teach safe handling, storage, and carry practices, including conflict de-escalation, firearm laws, and use-of-force rules.

In short, the revised law focuses on ensuring applicants are properly vetted and trained, rather than on any individual self-defense need.

Eligibility for a NY Concealed Carry Permit

·         Applicants must meet standard requirements: be at least 21 years old (or 18 for honorably-discharged military), a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and a resident of New York (or apply in a NY jurisdiction).

·         They must be of “good moral character” and not have disqualifying criminal history (no felonies, drug offenses, domestic-violence misdemeanors, etc.)

·         New York specifically added new disqualifiers: for instance, an assault conviction within the last five years bars a license.

·         Applicants should gather supporting documents (proof of residence, ID, etc.) and four character references. The State Police advise applying through the county or local licensing officer with a completed application package.

Required NYS CCW Training

The above-mentioned 18-hour course (often called the “Pre-License” or CCW course) covers a comprehensive curriculum. The state’s minimum standards specify that the coursework include (among other topics):

General firearms safety and operation – Handling, cleaning, and maintenance of pistols.

Safe storage practices – How to safely store firearms and ammunition.

New York and federal gun laws – Licensing rules, prohibited conduct, disqualifiers and penalties.

Concealed carry techniques – Drawing, holstering, concealment methods, and situational awareness.

Conflict de-escalation and awareness – Strategies to avoid or defuse violent encounters.

Interactions with law enforcement – Protocol during traffic stops or encounters, including disclosure of a firearm permit.

Use-of-force law – Legal circumstances for self-defense, duty to retreat, and restrictions on deadly force.

Sensitive locations – Places where firearms remain prohibited (e.g. schools, bars, courtrooms).

Suicide prevention – Recognizing risks and resources related to mental health and suicide.

Basic marksmanship – Fundamentals of shooting form and accuracy.

These topics are mandated by New York’s DCJS training standards. In the classroom, instructors use presentations, videos, and discussions to cover these subjects. Students must usually pass a written exam (often 80% score) at the end of the classroom portion to demonstrate understanding.

The remaining 2 hours of live-fire training take place on a firing range under supervision. This hands-on segment emphasizes range safety, proper loading/unloading, trigger discipline, drawing from a holster, and engaging targets.

Instructors conduct a firing proficiency exercise; students must demonstrate safe handling and shooting skills to the required standard. Upon successful completion of the full 18 hours and any exams, the instructor issues a training completion certificate. That certificate is required to apply for the pistol permit.

Applying for Your Concealed Carry Permit

Once training is complete, applicants submit their paperwork to the county or local licensing officer. The typical steps are:

Prepare Documents: Gather proof of training certificate, identity (ID and residence documents), fingerprint cards, and four character reference forms.

Application and Fees: Submit a pistol permit application to your county clerk, sheriff, or local police department (depending on the locality). Pay any required fee.

Interview and Fingerprints: Schedule an in-person interview with the licensing officer. Be ready for fingerprinting and possibly a background interview.

Additional Information: You must disclose personal information like social media accounts (as required by law) and residential history as part of the investigation.

Background Check: The licensing authority conducts a thorough background check (state and federal databases).

After submission, applicants typically wait several weeks (or longer) for approval. If approved, you will receive a concealed-carry permit (a statewide license) that allows you to carry a concealed handgun in compliance with New York law.

Lions Pride Training Group (Syracuse, NY)

Lions Pride Training Group is a firearms training institute based in Syracuse (a division of Rochester Personal Defense). They offer a full range of certified firearm and CCW courses for civilians and law enforcement.

The core offering relevant to pistol permits is the 18-hour NYS CCW Course (Pre-License course). Lions Pride instructors are DCJS-authorized, ensuring the course meets New York’s legal standards.

Key training programs at Lions Pride include:

18-Hour NYS CCW Course – The mandatory pistol-permit pre-license class (16 hours classroom, 2 hours live fire).

NRA/USCCA Safety Courses – Basic firearms safety and marksmanship classes certified by national organizations.

Women’s Defensive Handgun Courses – Ladies-only classes to build pistol skills in a focused environment.

Multi-State CCW Permit Course – Training to qualify for concealed-carry permits in multiple states (combines NY CCW with other states’ requirements).

Basic Handgun Training – Beginner courses on safe handling and shooting fundamentals.

For each class, Lions Pride provides practical, no-frills instruction aimed at developing real skills. Completing the 18-hour NYS CCW course at Lions Pride results in a state-required training certificate, which applicants can submit with their pistol permit application.

What Lions Pride Students Can Expect

Experienced firearms instructors, classroom sessions on NY laws and safety topics, live-fire range practice, written exams, and a training completion certificate. The training is geared to satisfy all state requirements so that graduates can successfully apply for their New York pistol license with confidence.

Lions Pride Training Group in Syracuse offers the state-approved 18-hour NYS CCW Course and other certified classes, taught by professional instructors. After training, applicants apply through local law enforcement with the course certificate, submit to an interview, and await approval.

By following these requirements and completing the training, eligible New Yorkers in Syracuse can obtain a concealed-carry license under the state’s current laws