Same in New Jersey. Almost impossible to obtain a carry permit. And scaring off an attacker by showing a weapon is a crime: brandishing.
You are misinformed. Except for NYC, the local sheriff reviews ccw applications and, if approved, they are signed off by the county court judge. Both the sheriff and judge are elected officials, and therefore, many sheriffs and judges are very pro second amendment. Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Delaware, Greene, and Columbia Counties are all within 2 hours of NYC, and they issue ccw on a shall issue basis. I live in one of these counties. I have had a full, unrestricted ccw for many years. I can carry any place except NYC.