I'm thinking of applying for my ccw and I'm a bit confused as to who I can use for references.

Family members are apparently a no no, but I have several friends I could ask. Do I need older references, younger references? Will anyone do as long as they don't have a criminal record?

Meanwhile, if I go to the range, I can store my gun in my trunk and my ammo in the passenger compartment, but when I walk from my car to the range, am I okay as long as the gun is carried out in the open?

Thanks for the advice!