ORIGINAL: Rootsy

Michigan is a "Shall Issue" state. Meaning, that if you can pass the prerequisate class and the MSP mental and criiminal background check without falling into any one of the disqualifiers on the list then you SHALL be issued a concealed carry permit. Some counties within the state try to make it as painful as possible but in general it is a very pleasurable exprience. One of the other perks that comes with the Post March 2006 issued permit is that it now takes the place of a NICS background check for all long gun purchases within state, previously it only took the place of the pistol purchase permit issued through your local sheriff or police dept.

"Average" elapsed time between turning in your paperwork and receiving your blue card is anywhere from 3 - 5 weeks, depending upon the gun board of your county and all of the other paperwork that has to be done. Exclude places such as Wayne County though...

Break-down of my experience was $100 for the prerequisite course (this can vary in price), $10 for 2 passport photos from wally world, 15 minutes of my time chatting with the sheriff's deputy while he digitally scanned my finger prints, $105 to the County Clerk and 4 weeks wait as I had turned in my paperwork 2 days after the monthly county gun board meeting and had to wait until next months for them to review all paperwork and put their stamp of approval on it.

NOW, if only the bill makes it through the state legislature and through the Governor to remove the "Pistol Free Zones" for all of us permit carriers... Keeping my fingers crossed.