There are basically two ways to get a RI non-res, via the AG’s office or from a town. The AG’s office will not happen unless you’re super connected so for just about everyone else, you have to apply at an individual town.
Some towns are like red towns in MA. don’t waste your time in The Bucket for example. I got mine in Johnston and am reapplying now. They don’t renew, every time it’s a new application. Some of the friendlier towns are East Greenwich, Cranston & Johnston. Unfortunately they’re all swamped.
East Greenwich operates on a shall issue basis for nonresidents but they’re only taking 20 applications per month. You need to call and leave a message on one specific day of the month at 9am and if you’re in the first 20 you’ll get it no problem. But there are like 500 people calling in at the same time so good luck w that.
My RI is expiring in January. I called Johnston last week (That’s where I got my original one) and they told me to come in person to get the application, they won’t mail/email it. There’s also a $300 processing fee. But when I went to pick up the application I had a nice conversation w the issuing officer who said they’re doing their best and that there’s 4-8week turnaround.
Wherever you go in RI you need 1. Three letters of recommendation which need to be notarized and 2. You need to do a qualifying shoot which is at 25 yards on an Army “L” target, slow shoot. You have to shoot 30 rounds in a max of 30 mins and
Score a minimum of 195 out of a possible 300 so you have to average 6 points per shot out of ten. You have to shoot at least the caliber you’re going to carry or larger. Most people go w .45ACP so they can carry anything smaller than that. Some do the cal they’re going to carry. Still not sure if 9mm will allow you to carry 38 or .357. Any NRA certified instructor can certify your qual. American firearms in North Attleboro will certify the qual for you for $50 (Members get one free qual per year). And Joe or Christian at AFS can assist you w the applications, which towns are friendly/available, etc.
And you need to provide a rationale, “all lawful purposes” won’t cut it. If you say you regularly carry in MA and drive in RI frequently that usually works. If you own a business or do business in RI it helps.
It’s a bit of a pain but by no means impossible, select towns tend to Operate shall issue for nonresidents. It’s a whole lot easier for nonresidents w an existing LTC to get a RI nonresident than it is for a RI
res to get a license.
Good luck