Granting authorities from county to county use different and arbitrary criteria for licensing to concealed carry. Many counties including the one I live in don't authorize permits for law abiding citizens, no matter how well trained, for self defense. I'm a serious competitive shooter (USPSA 3gun), I shoot trap and 5-stand, and I am an avid hunter. I have attended over 100 hours of defensive pistol training, and yet, I cannot qualify for a concealed carry license in my county of residence because the Sheriff will only give them to cronies and political backers. This is what creates the badge factories, which I personally do not support. I'd rather your county of residence have stringent criteria, extensive mandatory training, and frequent re-qualification, where only highly proficient, and highly trained citizens are permitted to carry.