[caveat emptor]

Grew up in Alabama; may move back someday.

Here's what Wikipedia says about Alabama gun laws:
Alabama may issue a license, either qualified or unlimited, to applicants who are residents of the county in which they apply, who do not have any disqualifying criminal convictions, who are suitable persons, and who have good reason to fear injury to their person or property or have any other proper reason for carrying a handgun.

In practice, virtually all Alabama county sheriffs, as of 2010, issue licenses to all "suitable persons." The law requires applicants to be residents, so they do not issue licenses to non-residents. The license is valid to carry a handgun in a vehicle or concealed on or about one's person within the State. Licenses are valid for up to one year at a time.

That's a lot of discretion for sheriffs, and a lot of paperwork unless renewals are very straightforward.

Here's a question about those regulations, if you know and don't mind commenting.

What's the reality for ordinary "suitable persons"? Thanks.

[military cop]

The reality for “Suitable persons” is that you won’t find a more user friendly registration set up for CCW than Alabama. I’m telling you this from a law enforcement stand point as well.

An NCIC check, qualification, and fee will get your CCW permit in pretty short order. I assume that a “GO” in all three of those areas meets your definition.

The permits are processed by local departments and most encourage responsible citizens to exercise their 2d Amendment right.

RLTW