San Mateo

[Gun Kraft]

I thought we were allowed to have 22 LR pistols on our CCW in San Mateo?

Nope. See the "Allowed pistol and modification" section of this page: https://www.gunkraft.com/training-ccw_san_mateo.htm
San Mateo has always restricted CCWs to certain calibers.

[simonp]

I recently got an email that my application is moving forwards (I applied last year in September 2023). But they told me that they are removing my 22 LR pistol from the application (that was my only gun on the application). I thought we were allowed to have 22 LR pistols on our CCW in San Mateo?

Why would one put a .22 on the application for a CCW?????? and why would one list only one gun???

[db556762]

Very odd, maybe the policy just changed and you were on the unlucky side of the cutoff. I hadn't heard of interviews from the recent renewal folks (albeit a small sample size).

I just asked to do an interview for my renewal as well.

[martis880]

Nope. See the "Allowed pistol and modification" section of this page: https://www.gunkraft.com/training-ccw_san_mateo.htm
San Mateo has always restricted CCWs to certain calibers.

Interesting when I search this San Mateo forum thread I see other people say 22's are fine assuming you can pass the qual with it. Maybe that changed.

I responded to the CCW officer if they could have the decision reviewed as 22LR is not mentioned in their "unauthorized calibers" list that they sent me (and they said any caliber larger than what is on the list is also unauthorized); will update this thread when I hear back.

[DJD100]

Interesting when I search this San Mateo forum thread I see other people say 22's are fine assuming you can pass the qual with it. Maybe that changed.

The SMSO has always had a .380 minimum caliber. Some cities might be different?

[DJD100]

I just heard back from the S/O about my renewal. Before they can issue a renewal, they need to conduct an interview.

I didn't have to do any type of interview for my initial permit, so it's interesting that I do have to do an interview for my renewal.

Hmm, no interview for the initial permit seems odd, as most including myself did interview for the initial permit. The lack of that initial interview might be the reason for interview now?

[martis880]

Why would one put a .22 on the application for a CCW?????? and why would one list only one gun???

I don't want this to spiral into a discussion on "why 22LR for self-defense". That is discussed ad nauseum elsewhere on the internet; I'd prefer to keep this thread focused on San Mateo's CCW process and whether or not 22LR are allowed. That said, my short answer is: extremely low recoil, low cost (can practice more), plenty reliable with good ammo, meets FBI penetration specs with the right ammo, easily concealable (means you are more likely to carry it with you), revolver fits 8 rounds, something is better than nothing.

> Why list only one gun???
Not everyone has multiple guns. Not everyone can afford multiple guns (especially in California).

[db556762]

I also didn’t have to do an interview when I first got my permit, but have to do one now.

[Gun Kraft]

Why would one put a .22 on the application for a CCW?

I agree .22LR isn't my first choice for defensive use (too many misfires for my comfort) but it is a viable choice for people with physical limitations who can't manipulate a centerfire pistol.

and why would one list only one gun???

About a third of my CCW students only put one gun on their application.

[martis880]

Interesting when I search this San Mateo forum thread I see other people say 22's are fine assuming you can pass the qual with it. Maybe that changed.

I responded to the CCW officer if they could have the decision reviewed as 22LR is not mentioned in their "unauthorized calibers" list that they sent me (and they said any caliber larger than what is on the list is also unauthorized); will update this thread when I hear back.

Ok I got confirmation from the CCW investigations team, as others have said 22LR is not an authorized caliber for concealed carry in San Mateo.

[simonp]

Ok I got confirmation from the CCW investigations team, as others have said 22LR is not an authorized caliber for concealed carry in San Mateo.

Wow, San Mateo does something right for a change lol.

[heyjerr]

My renewal comes up in a few months. I also was not interviewed the first time around so I'll be interested to hear from those who are being interviewed for the first time for their renewal.

[SandHill]

Very odd, maybe the policy just changed and you were on the unlucky side of the cutoff. I hadn't heard of interviews from the recent renewal folks (albeit a small sample size).

Yes, I was also told that I need to do an interview for renewal. I didn't have an interview for my initial application because that was before SB2. Seems to be policy now that everyone has to do it for renewal. They gave me a choice of times but the slots filled up fast so they are doing a lot of interviews.

I think SMCSO has had the caliber restrictions for a long time. I saw a PDF on the subject online that looked like it was years old. They also have had a minimum capacity of five rounds for some time, so no derringers. I'm guessing the permitted calibers and 5 round rule were initally instituted for off duty LEO's, on the theoty that the SO's wanted them to have some effective minimum level of firepower. Then when CCW became avaialbe to ordinary civlians, the rules just carried over. Both rules make sense to me.

[martis880]

Both rules make sense to me.

Why? Surely in both cases, something is better than nothing (for the individual carrying); if you are carrying, you don't lose the option to run.

If you are saying you'd personally prefer to have a larger caliber and more rounds, that's fine, I just don't understand why that preference should be mandated.

"Guns for me but not for thee". IMO, you can't consider yourself a 2A advocate if you are ok with arbitrary rules that prevent law-abiding responsible citizens from the right defend themselves.

It should be up to the individual to choose which pistol they want to use for their own protection. We already have the roster to determine what is "safe" for us, we don't need another layer. As a side note, I'd argue shot placement is more important than caliber.

Since my Ruger LCR 22 (hasn't failed in over 3000 rounds with federal punch) is not allowed, I was then considering a 32 revolver. Also not allowed... minimum approved caliber in San Mateo is 380.

[mural9999]

My renewal was approved in early August. I was not asked to complete an interview.