It really depends on where you live. The County Sheriff has the final say so. If you live in a city, the Chief of Police does. Each has their own criteria. Some it's friends or contributors, some it's truly based on need. You will probably never get one in San Fransisco, but El Dorado County is pretty loose with them. The county I retired from, Sacramento, just made it much easier. Personal safety is a valid reason, with no explaination. That's due to budget cuts and the Sheriff feels "If the Board of Supervisors wont give me the money to protect the public to the level I think is necessary, I'll hand them out on request."
Fill out the paperwork and give it try. All they can do is say no.