California "Carry Concealed Weapon"

"The laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of such a nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes... such laws makes things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicide, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man."

~ Thomas Jefferson ~

**

Contrary to popular belief, CCW permits are in fact issued within the State of California. The decision is made by appointed city law enforcement or elected county law enforcement. Cities generally defer the decision to the County Sheriff; therefore, the chance of issuance varies from county to county, and from elected Sheriff to elected Sheriff.

CCW Renewals in 2026

Starting January 1, 2026 ; "Note": New CA DOJ instructions:  DOJ has now mandated that any grace period between permit expiration date and renewal is limited to only 90 days.  Any more than 90 days after you expire and you will need to apply as an initial, get new live scan and take the initial 16 hr class.

ALSO - Starting September 1, 2026 you will have to get re-fingerprinted each time you renew your CCW Permit.

If your deciding on a new pistol or revolver to purchase and carry, you can search the California State data banks for what handguns are allowed in this state here. For all California firearms information, look over the entire state firearms page here.

**

Authorized CCW Instructors contracted with this range are listed below.
Contact any of them about obtaining the required training for either a new permit or to renew a permit.
For other instructors throughout your county, the counties Sheriffs website usually has a list of authorized instructors.

Hammer Stryke Self-Reliance Training, Inc
Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Stanislaus Counties and
Arizona, Florida CCW Training.
209-614-1718

M2 Firearms Training
Merced and Mariposa County CCW Training
209-386-7344

CCW Information - County Sheriffs Offices

Merced

Mariposa

Stanislaus

Madera

Sacramento

Fresno

San Joaquin

CCW Information - Out of State Contacts

Oregon (Klamath County) - Nevada - Utah - Arizona

**

Defensive Handgun Skills Clinics for CCW Permit Holders or Competition Style Shooting.

SFSA offers a variety of clinics each month on the 2nd Saturday for a fee. Advanced CCW and Competitive skill sets will be offered throughout the year. See the "Training and Education" link on the Main Page for specific event information. Participants are required to bring their own handgun, concealable holster, extra magazines or speed loaders (at least 2 preferably 3), concealable holster and ammunition carrier designed for concealed carry, and 250-300 rounds of ammunition. Wrap around Eye protection and Hearing Protection, and a brimmed hat or cap. Dress for the weather as this on an outside range.

**

So where is my CA Permit or my other state permits honored?

It is up to each of us to know the laws of other states we enter that honor our California CCW Permit. But for a quick reference and the best updated website with CCW information is HandGunLaw.US. Be aware some county Sheriffs may put "Out of State" restrictions on your permit.