Raising the handgun permit cost only increased the amount of illegal guns coming into NYC. Right now there are approximately 2 million illegal handguns in NYC and 2.7 million men age 18 - 36 (the most likely candidates for having firearms). Having a higher permit cost may make the rich feel safe, but it makes the middle and lower classes unable to legally defend themselves. It's the "right" to bear arms, not the "privilege." Right now the permit cost is $340 and you have to renew at that price every 3 years. Then there is a $90 charge for fingerprinting. Ideally it should be constitutional carry, but realistically how about $50-$90, and it only has to be renewed every 10 years.