Gee Bill, I think you described me to a T with the above. I'm a native Californian and always had guns in the house. My grandfather, the retired Marine, taught me how to shoot in his garage in Orange County of all places.WildBill wrote: Please don't confuse the government of California with the people of that state. There are too many stereotypes that are just not true. I lived most of my life in California and have always owned guns and supported the 2nd Amendment. I also had a lot of friends who shared my beliefs and would carry a concealed weapon if allowed by law. Because of the political climate, many didn't talk about it in "mixed company".
When I moved to Texas, I finally got my CHL. That was something that I had wanted to do for many many years. :patriot: :txflag:
Unfortunately, the three things that I miss most about California I couldn't bring with me to Texas. The mountains, the beaches and the weather. :mrgreen:
We used his .357 loaded with wax bullets and reduced charges that he made up while I watched.
As a kid, I had a neighbor that was a gun enthusiast who took me skeet shooting several times. The first time I offered to pay for my shells. What he told me I will never forget. He told me that being able to share shooting was payment enough. That our rights were too important to lose. My father was the same way. Those men all left a lasting impression on me.
I have many, many pro gun friends still in CA. Some are LEOs and even they believe citizens should be able to carry.
As far as the mountains and ocean, you said it! It is very hard to top the drive down the coast from the Bay Area to Ventura.