If you walk into our training facility at Mariners Cove, 3615 Oceanside Road, Oceanside, NY, you’re likely to hear a recurring debate. It’s the "Coke vs. Pepsi" of the firearms world, and it divides even the best of friends. We’re talking about Red Dot Sights (RDS) vs. Iron Sights.

If you’re reading this in early 2026, take a quick look at your calendar. It’s been roughly three years since the landmark Bruen decision shook up the landscape of New York firearm laws. For thousands of New Yorkers, late 2022 and all of 2023 was a whirlwind of paperwork, fingerprinting, and sitting through an NYS CCW course to finally exercise their Second Amendment rights.

![[HERO] READY] 130+ Years of "The Shield": Why C&G Solutions Is the Gold Standard for NYC/LI CCW Trainin

Navigating the legal landscape of firearm ownership in New York can feel like an uphill battle. Between the changing requirements for a nys concealed carry course and the complexities of obtaining a nyc pistol permit course, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You aren't just looking for a certificate to check a box for the state; you’re looking for the confidence to protect yourself and your family.

For over a century, if you lived in New York City or the surrounding suburbs and wanted to carry a firearm for self-defense, the answer from the state was almost always a resounding "no." Navigating the permit process wasn't just a maze; it was an uphill battle against a system designed to keep the average citizen disarmed. Then came June 23, 2022.