Hello From LA

[thomye]

Hey Guys,
Just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I live in South LA and have been into shooting for about a year now. I started in April of 05 with my first ever gun (an XD40 Sub) and since then have manged to buy a pistol a month (Mostly XD's but also a 1911). I love the sport of shooting handguns but don't discriminate against rifles, i like those too.

I consider myself an avid shooter; I tend to go at least twice a week if not more. I go through about 600rds of ammo a week and have managed to hone my skills pretty well. I've done some idpa style shoots and enjoy it very much. One thing i've tried to do is setup handgun classes for my friends that don't shoot to educate them. So far so good, they all seem to enjoy it and have been asking to go again.

The reason I'm interested in a CCW is becuase of my side business. Although I'm a white collar office worker (prisoner), I do have a photography business/hobby. I carry about $14K to $20K in gear with me when I take pictures. In the past, I've been approached by a few shadey characters and through pure luck, managed to get out of the potentially sticky situations. I think having my CCW would help me in defending myself at least long enough to get help from police or other. Without, I just feel like a sitting duck.

At any rate, I hope to learn a lot from you all and ultimately get my CA CCW. Being from LA, I'm a little skeptical.

[swdr]

Welcome aboard, Thomye.

[Glock32]

welcome to the forum.

[Harry Carry]

Welcome aboard, Thomye. The unfortunate fact is that Sheriff Baca (whom you would apply to if you live in the City of Los Angeles--LAPD generally* refers applicants to the LASD) does not believe you are at enough of a risk to warrant issuance of a CCW. You can apply, but you will almost certainly be denied. So what can you do?

You can do what you have been doing--get people involved in shooting sports. Talk about CCW. Educate yourself about CCW, particularly in places like Los Angeles County where the issuance policies are unfair at best. Share what you learn about CCW in LA County with people you know. Part of the reason Sheriff Baca gets away with ignoring ordinary law abiding residents of LA who simply want to be able to defend themselves is that very few even know what a CCW License is, or how they are routinely issued to judges, lawyers, doctors, and celebrities in LA County. So stick around and educate yourself and spread the word. We can't change things until the general public becomes aware of the problem.

*in certain cases LAPD appears to have gone against their own policy by issuing a select few CCWs.

[Greg-Dawg®]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for the intro and it's great to hear from another LA County member!

Please keep us posted on your persuit!