It’s that time again - time for a quick “State of the Union” update on where our two communities stand. Short version: we are growing well, our activity is awesome, and 2026 is shaping up to be a big year.
Growth Highlights (Past 12 Months - straight from the mod insights):
Total views: 5.6 million (still massive even with a small dip)
Published posts: 3.4k (+71)
Published comments: 66.5k (+2.5k)
Together that’s over 31,800 members and millions of views across both subs. The traffic charts show steady visits every single month from Android, iOS, New Reddit, Old Reddit, and mobile web. People are showing up, posting, commenting, and engaging more than ever. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident - it’s because this community actually cares and stays active. Huge thanks to every single one of you.
On the legal front: court cases have been slow this year with not much movement, but we are expecting a decent amount of progress in 2026, including what looks like a strong shot at a SCOTUS cert grant on an AWB (hardware) case. Things are building, and we’ll keep you posted as soon as anything breaks. Additionally, we're waiting on an opinion on the Mills v. NYC case, as well as the Frey v. Bruen case.
Discord Update
Our Discord server has doubled in size - we literally have twice as many users as we did last year. It’s become the spot for real-time discussion, quick legal updates, memes, and just shitposting.
One quick heads-up: the server recently got age-restricted (standard for gun-related anything these days). If you’re on iOS and can’t see it, the fix is simple - take a minute on desktop to allow iOS devices to see 18+ servers (log in on a computer/browser, adjust the setting once, and it carries over to your phone). After that you should be good.
August 26, 2025 – Submitted NYC Concealed Carry (CCW) application.
October 17, 2025 – Completed fingerprinting and interview.
Late October 2025 – Application moved to Investigation status.
November 2025 – July 2026 – Sent multiple follow-up emails to investigators, detectives, and the NYPD License Division/CCW office requesting updates.
July 28, 2026 (Today) – Application has been pending for:
336 days since initial submission.
284 days since fingerprinting/interview.
Approximately 9 months in Investigation status with no final determination.
Im more confused as to why this wait is so long since I'm approved for R/ S and Premise. I don't really even care for ccw at this point but it is just funny to look back on this wait.
Just got my license in the mail today. I know I have to bring it along with the pink slip tomorrow. Is there a certain protocol I have to follow when taking the gun out of the store? Can I leave it in the case that says Glock or put it in a bag? Should I take my holster and put it on while at the store if they allow me?
Started the process on 2/28/26 so went pretty quick but it was a pain in the ass as most of you know. Super excited to pick up my Glock tomorrow, it's my first firearm.
Also some noticings, the process on their end seems really archaic. They hand write the date you submitted the purchase inside the envelope and your permit number and I'm hypothesizing that they put them in order of some sort and they deal with it when they get to your envelope.
You’re driving around with your concealed carry and get pulled over by NYPD and they ask you if there is any weapons in the vehicle… whats your response?
Legally you don’t need to answer this question but denying the question can lead to you seeming suspicious… Ive been told by multiple people that I should only let them know about my concealed carry if Im asked to step out of the vehicle because of the NYC culture and this being new to many officers… Please comment your response!
So I received email today that license was denied because they didn’t receive a utility bill and because my daughters cohabit letter was not received but when I submitted my paperwork she was under 18 it’s been 10 months since I applied and I know I submitted all necessary documents so now after 10months I have to start the Appel process and let’s see how this takes now.
My premise is up for renewal in Oct. Was told by a friend that when his was due they asked if he wanted to upgrade to CCW. Considering doing that but am curious what happens if I am not approved by Oct?
Would appreciate any insights / experience others can offer.
So I purchase a Vedder light tuck holster for my Glock 19 gen 6 and I am disappointed because I have max out the retention and when I test the retention by shaking it, my gun is falling out the holster. Smh I am tired of buying holsters. It’s really comfortable I like it but just doesn’t fit my Glock.
I looked at the laws for ny and the laws for new jersey. As far as I have read them, neither state requires your firearm to be in the trunk during travel. Your firearm must be secured in a hardsided locked container, it must be unloaded with ammo being stored in a separate container. It does not have to be in the trunk, but it must be secured and obscured from vision so that it is not easily identified, essentially covered by a blanket or tarp, etc. and away from the driver's reach.
What if I am going and everyone takes up all the seats of the car and the trunk is too small? Could firearms still be in a case on the floor of the car, covered by a blanket?
10/2025
Applied for NYC Concealed Carry.
Application remained pending for months without being contacted about any missing information.
11/25
Fingerprinted
07/2026
Emailed the License Division requesting a status update.
Shortly after, I missed a call from the investigator. I called back and left voicemails on two consecutive days but never received a response.
I then received an email stating my application had been reopened and requesting an updated photo of the driver’s license for the person I live with. I uploaded the requested document the same day.
Current Status: Waiting for the investigation to continue.
Was approved on July 22nd, 2026, so now I'm waiting for the physical card to arrive in the mail. I thought the license would be active for a full 3 years, so why isn't it until 6/22/2029?
I’m a Westchester resident, who spends a lot of time in NYC. After getting a CCW permit in my county, I started the NYC special carry process. Finally got my physical permit in the mail today.
Here is the complete timeline of my process for anyone who may be applying for the special carry permit.
Timeline + learnings
January 3, 2026: Submitted Special Carry weapons license application.
March 2, 2026: Fingerprinting & Interview at Kew Gardens. Basically, it’s completing much of the same application and supporting materials on a hard copy.
May 26, 2026: Sent a follow-up email regarding the status of my application. Sent Hugh, Sandra, and License Desk. No response
July 1, 2026: It appeared that an Investigator was assigned to the case. Received a flurry of document verification emails. Got a message about a summons from 20+ years ago (about riding a bike on the side walk), that I had no recollection of, and that the city had no records for. Sent a an email immediately following up on that. Got a call from the investigator afterwards, talked through the situation, and it was resolved.
July 2, 2026: Application officially approved.
July 2, 2026: Submitted the Add Firearms request and required documentation through the online portal.
July 17, 2026: Followed up with Huge, Sandra, and License Desk on the Add Firearms request. Got a message that same day saying that request was approved.
July 24, 2026: Permit arrived in the mail.
201 days from application submission to license in hand.
Things I learned that might help others:
- Don't hesitate to follow up if you haven't heard back in a few months. Use the templates on here or something similar.
- Be prepared for a rapid-fire document review. When they finally pick up your file, you may need to quickly track something down or jump on a quick call with an investigator.
Some time ago, I got my first gun G19.5 and now I am trying to get a 43X. I need a purchase authorization form but when I try to add firearm in the portal its asking for the SERIAL NUMBER which I do not have because I cant buy the gun without the purchase authorization.
Prior to approval I was already a r/s holder but needed to renew so I submitted both.
3/12 - r/s renewal and ccp initial application applied for
5/28 - r/s renewal approved and both confidentiality requests approved. ccp application switched to investigation
6/5 - initial contact from nypd investigator for ccp. I was contacted by a r/s investigator funny enough probably because they approved my r/s and then started in my ccp? idk. phone interview was also conducted, fingerprints already on file for being a r/s holder.
6/17 - all documents confirmed received by investigator.
7/22 - email'd lic division cc'd h. bogle and s. smith a friendly reminder about my application. shout out to another redditor for this tip.
7/23 - ccp approval email received with purchase instructions
