Turning 21 in December, but I know it can take time from submission date of paperwork till you actually get the license.  Two questions...

1) I will be filing for my pistol permit (in nj, where I my permenant address is) the day I turn 21... or sooner, going to ask them in person and find out, so the question is do I need my pistol permit before I go for CCW in PA?  Or do they assume/only need to be 21 with no crimes in the past

2) Any hypothesis on if I can submit paperwork and it goes through and is 'waiting for me' or they hold it until I am of age?  I will contact the appropriate authorities in October (end), but just curious now... reading all the threads in handguns to find out, and will handle some firearms now.

I'll let everyone know what happens.  =)

Check here to find out what you need.

Scroll down to where they speak of Chester County.  This is a very pro gun everything county that will gladly help you through this process.  

The only person I know who had their permit approved the day they turned 21 was one of the Sheriff's sons in Butler county.  I waited until I was 21, and since I live in Allegheny County (where Pittsburgh is) I figured I'd have a long wait.  About a week and a half later I got a letter in the mail saying come on down and I had my CCW permit.  At the time it only cost $17.00, but its still only $19.00, a bargain for legal carry!

BTW if you are trying to go through Philthadelphia the city PD issues the permit, not the sheriff.  

Do I have to use Philadelphia PD, or can I mail/call Chester County?  I think Philly PD would be slower (busier?) and not care as much.  Maybe better to take the load off them and go with a known pro gun Chester county.  Thanks for the input wgjhsafT!

Ben

I apologize!!!  The county I was thinking of is Centre County.  Click on the link in my previous post and there is information regarding Centre County Sheriff's dept.  

He can do everything by mail which is probably the best way for you to go.  Just make sure you have everything listed at the top of the page such as a valid driver's license, two wallet sized photos, at least two references, etc.  Just check that page and give the Sheriff's office a call ahead of time.  I am sure they will be helpful.  

Centre County Sheriff Centre County Courthouse Bellefonte PA 16823-1488 (814) 355-6803 county.centreconnect.org/211.htm

PA is one of the easiest states to get a CCW license, one of the reasons I still live in this state and why I moved the flock out of NJ years ago!