As reluctant ruling Democrats face the daunting task of crafting state legislation to allow Illinois citizens to carry guns in public, they may need to look no further than the recent federal court decision that struck down the state's longtime ban.

In the ruling from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Richard Posner argues that instead of a complete ban on concealed carry, Illinois must follow other states that have struck a balance between public safety and the constitutional right to bear arms. He specifically points to New York, which has one of the most restrictive — and complicated — concealed carry laws in the nation.

Indeed, New York may provide a road map for Democrats who have long opposed guns on Illinois streets and are looking to craft a measure that includes tough restrictions. Not only does the law in New York give broad power to officials to deny gun permits, it also allows New York City to operate under stricter standards than the rest of the state — a nod to the geographical divide also seen in Illinois, where urbanites are less inclined to embrace guns than their counterparts in less populous areas of the state.

When asked if New York should serve as a model during negotiations with the Illinois Legislature, Gov. Pat Quinn said: "Everything must be on the table. ... I imagine there will be hearings, I know there will be, on this subject, and there will be an opportunity to bring out the very best way to go for our state."

Putting any concealed carry measure in place is bound to be a contentious process, pitting those who have continually blocked efforts to pass such legislation against gun rights activists emboldened by the court's decision. Both sides are looking to other states to serve as a possible model, but the laws are about as different as Chicago skyscrapers are from central Illinois cornstalks.

For instance, a handful of states, such as Alaska and Arizona, do not require any permits to carry guns outside the home. Then there are states like New York, which place the burden on citizens to prove why they need to carry a weapon.

It's a tough standard, but one that was upheld by a federal appeals court last month. Known as a "may issue" state, a typical gun owner in New York must show "proper cause" in order to get a permit to carry a gun in public.

Proper cause is defined as "a special need for self-protection distinguishable from that of the general community or of persons engaged in the same profession." However, New York has a decentralized permitting system, meaning each county and the city of New York issues permits and therefore can establish their own set of guidelines and rules. So, what may be considered proper cause in one county may not meet the same standard in another.

"As for what demonstrates a need, every licensing office will have their own answer to that question," said New York State Police Sgt. James Sherman, who works for the Pistol Permit Bureau. "For some, depending on their perspective, almost no one will be able to demonstrate a sufficient enough need. It's somewhat subjective; a big part of it is discretionary."

As is the case in Illinois, officials in urban areas of New York are more hesitant to embrace concealed carry than in the more rural areas. That means the licensing process is more restrictive, and relatively few concealed carry permits are issued in New York City compared with other areas of the state, said Paul Browne, a deputy commissioner with the New York Police Department, which oversees the licensing process in the city.

As a result, most permits are restricted to business owners who want to carry a gun on their property or to those who need a gun as part of their job, such as security guards. But even then, when and where those permit holders are allowed to carry a gun can be limited. For instance, some may have approval to carry a weapon only within the confines of their business. Permits may also be granted to those who have a documented personal threat, or those who think they need extra protection, such as diamond dealers, but Browne said that is fairly rare.

Through the end of November, New York City had issued 2,074 new handgun permits, bringing the total active permit holders in the city to 36,652 for a population of about 8 million people.

In another nod to the geographical divide, permits issued by counties outside New York are not valid within city limits without a special license. However, because those approved to carry a gun in New York City face tougher standards, permits issued in the city are honored throughout the rest of the state.

At a minimum, applicants for a concealed carry license in New York must be state residents who are at least 21 and have no felony convictions. An arrest without a conviction could also disqualify an application, depending on the licensing officer's judgment.

Applicants must provide their photograph, fingerprints and four character witnesses, as well as disclose any drug use or history of mental illness. In the city of New York, those requesting permits to protect a business must also provide copies of tax returns, bank deposit slips and payroll information. Fees vary throughout the state but can be several hundred dollars.

Each submission is individually vetted during an investigation period that can take up to six months, though sometimes the process can stretch on longer. If an application is denied, the licensing officer must provide specific reasons. An applicant can appeal a rejection in court.

If approved, permit holders may face some restrictions, such as being limited to carrying guns only for target shooting or hunting. All permit holders must submit a record of the guns they own to the state, including make, model and serial number. Permits issued in New York City are valid for three years. In Nassau and Suffolk counties, on Long Island, licenses are valid for five years. Permits issued throughout the rest of the state are valid indefinitely.

Gun advocates in New York say they wish the system was less restrictive and less confusing — entire businesses have popped up aimed at helping people navigate the system — but it's better than the alternative of not being allowed to carry a gun at all.

"It's an involved process, it's not an easy process, but it's certainly not an impossible process," said Tom King, president of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association.