We need to get the word out that CCW is open to all.

[Snoopy47]

I'm at the range a lot. I'm an RM at least once a month during public hours at a private range.

Folks just don't know. A lot still think one needs a justifiable reason. A lot don't know about the removal of the micro stamp requirement.

A LOT is going our way in California.

I don't know what more I can do to get the word out, but keep that in mind. Let people know at every opportunity.

I know those here on these forums are in the know, and jumped on CCW for the sake of it, but CCW is for the common person that merely wants all the self protection options available to them.

Nothing is more impactful to the CCW right than an individual with no interests in firearms beyond the ONE pistol they own simply for the sake of CCW. Get those folks on board and then there will be power in numbers.

[M1A Rifleman]

My recent experience is people are informed that a CCW is a right, but they don’t want to be troubled with the California process - waiting almost two years upon submission of an application, interviews, Livescan background checks, psychological exams, 16 hour training classes, HIGH cost/fees, and then repeat in two years.

[ldsnet]

Its amazing how much happens in our legislature and courtrooms that just doesn't make it into people's lives ... Even here, 350,000 unique members (over 2 decades?), currently, 6,358 active members (I know with all the up and down of the server, our participation is lacking); I remember seeing 30,000 active members... which is STILL a drop in the bucket! CA has almost 40 Million Residents, how many are gun owners? 4 Million? 8 Million? 12 Million? Even with Every Gun group on Every Social Media and web page, we have reached maybe 750,000 CA gun owners Ever?

But getting that word out to Every Gun Owner, and convincing them, It Matters! There should be close to a Million CCW holders in CA .... (if we follow the national average of 1.5% of the population will jump through the hoops to get the permit to carry)....

[Rumblemonkey]

Legislature does make it thru to our lives, and a lot of hoops in Calif., the responsibility of a CCW permit is huge. The legal stranglehold on when, where, and how you MUST comply is pretty outrageous. (IMO) The cost, time, and effort to do this in Calif. is a barrier to many. I have known folks here who have gone thru the process only to let it expire and not renew. The fact that they made it available without specifics is good, but I do not know if you would receive this permit if you did not provide some reason other than stating "self-defense". If you are granted a permit, all the constraints on carrying are almost overwhelming. Heaven help you if you actually have to use it, regardless of "fearing for your life"! Is there strength in numbers? For sure. But politicians in general do not carry out the will of the people they represent. Maybe in Calif., where we are at, is the will of the people?

[Matt P]

Rumblemonkey, you bring up some excellent points, as others have done in this thread. I will offer some opinion why we are so few.

In no particular order.

Expense. My area renewal is $200-$300 every two years. Initial is going to be double those amounts.
Actually carrying. Most only carry rare and infrequent times. Commonly leaving or having the handgun in a vehicle. Maybe 10% of clients I have carry as much as they can. Easy to let it lapse, hardly make use of the actual permit.
Currently, neither agency that issues in my area make any effort to advise permittees the need for renewal. Recent change of past 90 days, start all over, has caused several to abandon since they forgot.
Time involvement. 16 hours of instruction is significant for someone who has never attended formal instruction before. How many persons are familiar with attending self pay training.
A certain business representing CCW activity as fraught with liability, risk, and even possibly jail or prison time. This is a MASSIVE disservice. I continue to hear from clients their concern over this aspect. This presented concern or risk, by at least one company, is definitely stopping persons from renewing/applying. I address this very effectively by applying practical thinking. Way too big of a topic to cover here in this response.
Limitations imposed by SB2. Or, their misunderstanding of what they are. I am unsure how much of a role this is playing. When I discuss SB2 in a renewal class, most have no idea of it or in passing heard about it. Additionally, at the point I am discussing it they are already renewing.

The above reflects my opinion on low numbers carrying. I know there is much more to it than what I am offering.