I’m a Georgia native, and Georgia’s kinda weird in its issuance of concealed carry permits. One has to go through a Probate Judge, rather than the Sheriff, as it is here in Colorado.
I’m a Georgia native also. My tree here goes back before the Civil War. I don’t find it odd at all that it goes through the Probate Court. I’d prefer it that way.
The Sheriff’s Department, County Police et al are involved just where they need to be - providing the information the legal system, in this case, the local legal system needs make a decision and to issue the permits. They are a basic 2A affirmed right and law enforcement should not have sole say in granting it; law enforcement is there to enforce the laws, not judge and adjudicate them. And, in this case where the Georgia lawmakers have prescribed the requirements, the Probate Courts are doing their rightful job.
I’m on my third 5-year license so far and I have no problems with it.