From Behind the Holster, the Concealed Coalition podcast. Hosted by Jody Picou, with KC Brown, Matt Wheeler, and Yates Crawford.
Is New York Actually Becoming More Gun-Friendly?
New York has a reputation as one of the most restrictive states for gun owners. But that reputation is more complicated than most people think — and it’s changing.
In this episode of Behind the Holster, host Jody Picou sits down with KC Brown, a New York-based concealed carry instructor and Concealed Coalition master trainer, alongside fellow trainers Matt Wheeler and Yates Crawford. Together, they break down what it actually means to carry concealed in New York today: what the permit process looks like, what the legal risks are, and what responsible gun ownership requires in a state with some of the country’s strictest firearm laws.
What Does It Take to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in New York?
New York State requires 18 hours of training to be considered for a pistol permit — one of the highest training thresholds in the country. For most applicants, this also means a wait time of one to two years before a permit is issued, depending on the county.
KC Brown teaches that those 18 hours are a legal requirement, not a finish line. Most students who walk into his class have never touched a firearm before. His job isn’t just to get them through the minimum — it’s to change how they think about ownership, responsibility, and what being truly prepared actually looks like.
Processing times vary significantly by county. Nassau County recently launched an online application option, following the lead of states like Arizona and Louisiana, where digital applications have cut permit wait times to under two weeks. Whether New York follows that trend statewide remains to be seen.
If you’re looking for concealed carry training in New York or any other state, find a class near you through Concealed Coalition’s nationwide network of instructors.
KC Brown, Jody Picou, Matt Wheeler, and Yates Crawford go deep on all of this — and more — in the full episode. Watch it below.
How Much Does a Self-Defense Shooting Cost in New York?
This is one of the most important things New York gun owners don’t know — and KC Brown covers it in every class he teaches.
In New York, self-defense liability insurance is illegal. The state classifies it as “murder insurance” and prohibits it under state law. That means gun owners in New York have no prepaid legal protection if they are ever involved in a self-defense shooting.
The numbers are stark. Legal defense for a self-defense shooting in New York can cost upward of $1.5 million. The average trial runs two to two-and-a-half years. During that period, approximately 96% of defendants are incarcerated.
KC’s practical advice: have the name and number of a defense attorney already saved in your phone. Not because you expect to need it — but because the moment after a self-defense incident is not the time to start looking.
What Does a 360-Degree Approach to Personal Protection Actually Mean?
Knowing how to draw and fire a gun is one part of responsible concealed carry. KC makes the case that it’s a small part.
A complete approach to personal protection includes:
- De-escalation and conflict management
- Situational awareness — recognizing threats before they materialize
- Child access prevention and safe firearm storage at home
- Understanding when not to use a firearm
- Knowing the legal consequences of using force in your state
Concealed carry training should be the beginning of that education, not the end of it. Find a class near you to continue building real-world readiness beyond the permit requirement. And if you’re looking for gear to support your training, check out the Concealed Coalition store.
Why Are 3 Million New York Gun Owners Not Voting?
KC Brown teaches voting in every concealed carry class he runs in New York. The reason is a statistic that stops most people cold.
In the last governor’s election, over three million registered gun owners in New York chose not to vote. They didn’t believe their votes would make a difference. Three million votes would have changed the outcome.
Gun laws are shaped by elected officials. Those officials are chosen by voters. If gun owners don’t participate in the process, they forfeit their ability to influence the laws they live under. KC’s position — and the one he communicates to every class — is that voting is part of responsible gun ownership, not separate from it.
Does Carrying Concealed in New York Affect Other States?
Yes. Reciprocity is one of the most misunderstood topics in concealed carry, and it directly affects New York permit holders who travel.New York’s concealed carry permit is not recognized by every state. Before traveling with a firearm, always verify which states recognize your permit and what the local laws require. Use Concealed Coalition’s reciprocity map to check current agreements — and verify directly with official state sources before you travel, as laws change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is self-defense insurance legal in New York?
No. New York State classifies self-defense liability insurance as “murder insurance” and prohibits it by law. Gun owners in New York cannot hold a prepaid legal protection policy for self-defense incidents.
How long does it take to get a concealed carry permit in New York?
Processing times vary significantly by county. Many applicants wait one to two years. Nassau County recently launched an online application option, which may reduce processing times in that county.
How many hours of training does New York require for a concealed carry permit?
New York requires 18 hours of training to be considered for a pistol permit — one of the highest requirements in the country.
Can I practice shooting before I get my permit in New York?
New York law limits handgun possession before a permit is issued. Many New York instructors refer students to New Jersey to practice, where handguns can be rented at ranges without a permit.
Does a New York concealed carry permit work in other states?
Not in all states. Reciprocity agreements vary and change over time. Always verify current reciprocity before traveling with a firearm. Check Concealed Coalition’s reciprocity maps as a starting point, and confirm with your state’s official .gov resources.
Where can I find concealed carry training in New York?
Concealed Coalition works with a nationwide network of certified instructors, including trainers in New York. Find a class in your area here.
Conclusion
Concealed carry in New York is more accessible than most people think — but it requires more preparation than most people realize. The permit is a legal threshold, not a measure of readiness. The legal risks are real and expensive. And the political environment that shapes those laws is directly influenced by whether gun owners choose to participate in it.
The full video episode is available exclusively to Concealed Coalition YouTube channel members for as little as $3.99/month. Get access here. You can also find concealed carry training near you or pick up range gear and essentials in the store.
