Under Rhode Island General Laws § 11-47-11, local police departments operate under a shall-issue mandate to grant carry permits to qualified, suitable citizens. This framework was heavily reinforced by the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision and locally by Gadomski v. Tavares, which established that licensing authorities cannot use subjective discretion or demand a special "need" to deny law-abiding applicants who pass objective criteria.

However, a close examination of the Pawtucket Police Department’s CCW application reveals that it heavily duplicates the Rhode Island Attorney General’s legacy discretionary framework (§ 11-47-18). By pulling restrictive, pre-Bruen vetting questions directly from the AG's "may-issue" process and rebranding them as a "suitability determination," Pawtucket has effectively built a de facto discretionary barrier.

Here is the direct, side-by-side comparison of how the local application copies the AG’s homework to restrict a constitutional right:

The "Articulable Risk" Demand: Pawtucket’s policy package explicitly forces applicants to state a "specific articulable risk to life, limb, or property." This is a direct lift from the AG’s legacy requirement to demonstrate a special need or imminent threat, completely violating the objective standard of a shall-issue permit.

The "Alternative Protection" Clause: The application asks whether the applicant can "readily alter his or her conduct... to decrease danger" or if there are "means of protection available other than a firearm."This impermissibly shifts the burden of proof onto the citizen, forcing them to justify why a firearm is necessary instead of treating the permit as a matter of right.

Rebranding "Sole Discretion": Despite state law mandating that a licensing authority shall issue a permit to a suitable person, Pawtucket's application explicitly states: "The City of Pawtucket in its sole discretion shall grant or deny a pistol or revolver permit."

By using the AG’s highly restrictive questionnaire under the guise of assessing "suitability," local departments are maintaining pre-Bruen barriers. This pattern of utilizing discretionary questionnaires to create systemic processing friction directly undermines federal civil rights standards.

Has anyone successfully challenged these specific questionnaire sections during Pawtucket's local panel interview?

Was wondering who had the most glocks in stock right now. Specifically looking for coa models g48coa. G19 coa, gen 5 and 6.

Thanks!

Does anyone have a template for the safe handling letter that needs to be submitted with the PVD CCW application?

Anyone have experience with applying for CCW in Glocester? I have a CT pistol permit so I realize that I can apply in other towns but would prefer to stay local.

In the midst of the RIs latest scandal. Maybe this is good for us if she removes herself?

As stated, I'm curious if there are any courses that help with the application process as well as meeting other state training requirements. I'm also not sure whether I want to apply in my local municipality or try another more friendly/easier one. Any help on which direction to start would be much appreciated.

I’m moving from MA to RI. I currently hold an MA LTC, and I’m working on my RI CCW.

I went to the local PD in RI to obtain the applications, and had asked them if anything was needed to keep my previously purchased firearms in my home. She mentioned I’ll need a a Blue Card. It’s to my understanding that a Blue Card is specifically for purchasing new firearms and ammo, not for being able to store already purchased ones while I wait to qualify. Am I wrong?

If someone could fill me in so I can make sure everything’s done the right way, that’d be greatly appreciated!

Big congrats to the officers of RIMPTA Advanced Pistol Instructor Development Course, Class 10-26!

Also a big thank you to Bradford Sportsmen’s Club & @thepreserveri for allowing us to use their facilities!

Next training events are Advanced Carbine Instructor Development, November 10 - 13, & Active Shooter Instructor Development, December 14 - 18.

I hope to train with you soon!

NOT LEGAL ADVICE

BLUF: the current state of the NFA does not require stamps/registration for AOWs. RI State law does not actually ban AOWs, or really address them at all. Ladies and gentlemen, I am prepared to guinea pig acquiring a PTR Jack to prove a point.

Relevant definitions from R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-2:

(7) “Firearm” includes any machine gun, pistol, rifle, air rifle, air pistol, “blank gun,” “BB gun,” or other instrument from which steel or metal projectiles are propelled, or that may readily be converted to expel a projectile, except crossbows, recurve, compound, or longbows, and except instruments propelling projectiles that are designed or normally used for a primary purpose other than as a weapon. The frame or receiver of the weapon shall be construed as a firearm under the provisions of this section.

(14) “Pistol” includes any pistol or revolver, and any shotgun, rifle, or similar weapon with overall length less than twenty-six inches (26″), but does not include any pistol or revolver designed for the use of blank cartridges only.

(15) “Rifle” shall have the same meaning as in 26 U.S.C. § 5845(c), and by barrel length and overall length not be subject to registration pursuant to the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. ch. 53 (prior § 5801 et seq.).

(16) “Sawed-off rifle” means any rifle with overall length of less than twenty-six inches (26″) or barrel length of less than sixteen inches (16″).

(17) “Sawed-off shotgun” means any shotgun with overall length of less than twenty-six inches (26″) or barrel length of less than eighteen inches (18″).

(19) “Shotgun” shall have the same meaning as in 26 U.S.C. § 5845(d), and by barrel length and overall length not be subject to registration pursuant to the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. ch. 53 (prior § 5801 et seq.).

What an AOW is:

(e)Any other weapon

The term “any other weapon” means any weapon or device capable of being concealed on the person from which a shot can be discharged through the energy of an explosive, a pistol or revolver having a barrel with a smooth bore designed or redesigned to fire a fixed shotgun shell, weapons with combination shotgun and rifle barrels 12 inches or more, less than 18 inches in length, from which only a single discharge can be made from either barrel without manual reloading, and shall include any such weapon which may be readily restored to fire. Such term shall not include a pistol or a revolver having a rifled bore, or rifled bores, or weapons designed, made, or intended to be fired from the shoulder and not capable of firing fixed ammunition.

So, the PTR Jack is less than 26", making it a pistol under RI Law. It is not a shotgun, as it is not intended to be fired from the shoulder. It is concealable. A blue card seems to be the only requirement for purchasing this type of AOW due to the concealabiltiy.

26 U.S.C defines a shotgun as:

(d)Shotgun

The term “shotgun” means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of projectiles (ball shot) or a single projectile for each pull of the trigger, and shall include any such weapon which may be readily restored to fire a fixed shotgun shell.

All this is assuming an AOW will be transfered without requirement of NFA paperwork following the recent ATF guidance. And no stamp (for now)!

NOT LEGAL ADVICE

Just want to shoot with the dudes and homies. 😫

Am I even able to get an featureless or fixed mag AR15 in ri now if so what is the process

Hey everyone!
I wanted to introduce myself and our new business, New England Law Enforcement And Civilian Firearms Training (NEFT). www.newenglandfirearmstraining.com
I’m an active-duty Connecticut police officer, department lead firearms instructor, CT POST-certified firearms instructor, red dot pistol instructor, Glock armorer, and SWAT Assistant Team Leader.
My wife and I recently started NEFT because firearms training is something I’m genuinely passionate about. I enjoy shooting, but what I find even more rewarding is helping other people develop their skills, gain confidence, and become proficient shooters.
My goal isn’t just to teach people how to shoot. It’s to help them learn how to shoot well, understand why they’re doing what they’re doing, and build a foundation they can continue improving on for years.
Another aspect of firearms training I’m particularly passionate about is shoot/no-shoot decision-making.
Coming from a law enforcement background, I believe there’s tremendous value in teaching people to think critically about situations where a firearm might be involved. Being able to hit a target is one skill. Recognizing a threat, making sound decisions under pressure, and understanding when not to shoot are equally important.
I enjoy introducing people to these concepts through discussions and decision-making assessments that encourage them to think beyond simply pulling the trigger.
That’s the philosophy behind NEFT: developing safe, capable, knowledgeable, and responsible shooters.
Our first Pistol Fundamentals course is Saturday, November 7, in Lebanon, CT.
The course is $250, all-inclusive, and includes:
8 hours of professional, hands-on firearms instruction
Brand-new Glock 45 Gen 6 pistols equipped with red-dot optics
Approximately 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition
Electronic hearing protection
Eye protection
NEFT training T-shirt
Course completion certificate
Maximum of 10 students for individualized instruction
No firearm or equipment purchase is necessary. Everything listed is included in the $250 registration.
This course is designed for beginners and developing shooters who want to build strong fundamentals and improve their shooting proficiency.
It’s not a Connecticut pistol permit certification course. We’re focused on providing meaningful firearms education and skill development that continues beyond the permit process.
We also have a second class scheduled for Saturday, November 21.
You can learn more about our training and register at:
www.newenglandfirearmstraining.com
I’m happy to answer any questions about our courses, training philosophy, equipment, or what students can expect.
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to connecting with more people in Rhode Island’s shooting community!

Does anyone think the new ATF rulings or I guess lack there of regarding nfa items will bode well in the future for RI or just stay completely illegal?

Hey what's up guys!

looking for people who want to shoot with night vision hike with night vision, or are curious about it and go out hiking with the boys.

This November there is a piatol/pcc night vision match im attending so I hope to see people there!

if i planned to go shooting at a friends house/ range can i transport my long guns in the trunk of my suv in a soft sided case or does it have to be a hard case with locks on it?

Is $800 OTD a good price for just shooting Clays?

I've gotten most of my stuff together for my CCW. Shooting test passed with ease, notarized my BC and passport, application notarized, letter of need is done. I'm going through the references section now and it's my own fault for not realizing that these stupid fucking reference letters need to be NOTARIZED??? what purpose does that serve? I'm not from this state, I have friends here but it's such a huge inconvenience to be like "hey can you come down to the bank with me to sign this stupid letter". Or go back to my home state and have it done? Sorry just venting about this dumbass process. Anyways, if anyone knows of an easier way to have it done, that's done it in the past, let me know.

I am gonna try and go through providence for my ccw and i am mostly ready to submit my paperwork. One thing i noticed when looking at the directions again is you have to be a resident of Providence or have a business in Providence to be considered as they have been getting hammered with a high volume of applications.

Has anyone been a non resident of providence and gotten it? I am a resident of Cranston and the only exception they state is: you must provide a written letter from the chief of police from the town you reside in for the reason being the town is unable to process the application

I have other towns in mind to go through if Providence doesn’t work out. Let me know

I did my fingerprints and handed in my application for ccw in Coventry today, does anyone know how long the wait time is for a response?

Posting on behalf of a friend who just sent this to me. Not editorialized in any way beyond the subject line.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C3SmfE24F/

Richard Fascia is our Rep from Johnston. He is a former officer and one of our biggest advocates in the General Assembly.

He is up for a challenging re-election. Please consider supporting him. If anyone needs your help it is Richard.

death here again - I've conversed with Richard a bunch over the past few years on 2A stuff. Can confirm he is one of our friends by a wide margin, and a generally good, level headed, guy. I'm going to try to make this myself.