Gun laws and CCW's?

Ok a friend of mine told me that I can purchase a firearm w/ a purchase permit obtained from the local law enforcement (sherriff dept), bt he sys that I dont need a CCW to have a gun. CCW only enables me to carry my firearm on my person when "walkin up the street, in a dark alley, or ne where where fire arms aren't banned and etc." But he sys that i can still have my gun in my home or in my car, just cant carry it ne where, and the gun must be registered w/ the law enforcemnt. My question is, is this true? I thought htat a CCW means u can have a gun.....to have a gun w/o a ccw is against the law? that's wat i thought. I'm looking to purchase a firearm, but dont have enough money for the permit and cl, but i will have enough to atleast purchase the fire arm, if i only want the gun for "firing" at a shooting range or for personal protection in my home and car, do i still need a ccw?